Many homeowners don’t think about their drains until a problem happens. A slow-draining sink or a smelly bathroom can be signs that your drainage system needs attention. If you ignore these signs, small issues can turn into expensive repairs.
Taking care of your drains doesn’t have to be difficult. With some easy tips, you can keep your plumbing working properly and avoid the stress of blocked drains or water damage. In this article, you’ll learn five useful drain maintenance tips.
Keep Grease and Oil Out of Your Sink
One of the most common causes of clogged kitchen drains is grease. When you pour oil or grease down the sink, it cools and sticks to the inside of the pipes. Over time, it hardens and blocks the water flow.
Even if you rinse with hot water, the grease still builds up. Instead, pour grease into a separate container and throw it in the trash once it cools. Keeping grease out of your sink might seem like a small step, but it makes a big difference.
Use Drain Screens to Catch Debris
Hair, soap, food, and other tiny items often slip down the drain without you noticing. These materials collect over time and cause clogs. One easy way to stop this is by using drain screens. You can place them over your sink, shower, or bathtub drain.
These screens catch the debris before it enters the pipes. By using drain screens, you can avoid sudden blockages and keep the water flowing smoothly. Cleaning the screen regularly is simple, and it takes just a few seconds.
Use Sewer Camera Inspection to Spot Hidden Issues
Sometimes, problems inside your drains aren’t visible from the outside. Tree roots, cracks, or deep clogs might be causing slow drains or sewer smells. A sewer camera inspection is a smart way to find out what’s really going on inside your pipes.
Plumbers use a small waterproof camera to look deep into the drain system without digging. This inspection can save you from guessing what’s wrong.
Be Careful with What You Flush
Toilets are not built to handle everything. Flushing wipes, cotton swabs, paper towels, or other thick materials can cause serious clogs. Even items marked “flushable” can create blockages over time.
These items don’t break down as easily as toilet paper and can get stuck in the pipes. To keep your toilet and pipes in good shape, only flush waste and toilet paper.
Act Quickly When You Notice Blocked Drains
Blocked drains can damage your home. If water drains slowly, gurgles, or smells bad, it’s a sign something is wrong. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Early action can stop a small blockage from becoming a major issue.
Use a plunger or natural drain cleaner when you first notice blocked drains. If it doesn’t get better, call a plumber. Taking action early helps protect your home and keeps your plumbing system running smoothly.
Conclusion
Drain maintenance might not seem exciting, but it plays a big role in keeping your home safe and clean. By following these five simple tips, you can avoid many common plumbing problems.
Whether it’s using drain screens, avoiding grease, or scheduling a sewer camera inspection, each step helps keep your drains in top condition. These habits don’t take much time but can save you from stress and expensive repairs.
