Avoiding Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are the bread and butter of the plumber's business. But, a homeowner doesn't have to suffer the time, money, and frustration that a clog can take. Here we review some of the ways a smart family can avoid the most common causes of clogs. Each drain is susceptible to its own set of weaknesses. Here are examples:

Bathroom sinks

Hair from razors has the annoying ability to combine with old toothpaste, shaving products, and soap to create a gunky build-up that accumulates in the drain over a period. If a homeowner can remove the stopper, they may be able to clean it out. If it has a pivot rod, the pivot rod nut will have to be removed first. A couple of gallons of boiling water poured down the sink periodically is a non-chemical method that can help keep it running clear.

Sometimes, a curious pet will knock things into the sink (much like the inquisitive child). Dental products, women's hair clips, cotton balls, and Q-tips are some of their favorites.

Kitchen sinks

Holy guacamole! The list of things your sink doesn't like often comes as a surprise. Carbs are a big one. The rule is, starchy products swell. Spaghetti, rice, old toast or bread, and potato peelings are some examples.  Old oil, coffee grounds, and almost anything from the cutting board, whether meat, vegetable, or fruit, should be thrown in the trash. 

While a garbage disposal may seem like a marvelous convenience, it should be sparingly used, like for the few bits of food left on scraped plates. While a hard-used disposal may work great for a while, it's eventually going to meet its match, and the homeowner will end up with a clog. 

The kitchen sink can also be inadvertently abused as the result of the homeowner repotting their houseplants or cleaning their fishbowl.  Try using a small screen or an old towel to keep things like small rocks and dirt sneaking down the sink drain.

The commode

Those personal hygiene wipes labeled 'flushable' aren't nearly as biodegradable as they need to be labeled 'flushable.' Unless you have a plumbing auger and are enthusiastic about using it regularly, pass on putting anything down the toilet except tissue.

The other thing a family can do is put the lid down after every use if you have small children who opt to flush random stuff into the toilet to see if they will go down. The answer is 'no': while Daddy's toothbrush and watch may go down, they are going to create some problems. 

The shower and tub

Hair conditioner, hair, bottle caps, and small toys are the worst offenders for a drain, which gets a tough workout on any given day. Shower drains in homes with a water softener have fewer problems because these families use less product than others. Nonetheless, hair is a problem, so the tub drain should be regularly maintained, and a hair catcher such as a Drain Wig or a similar item should be used.

If drainage problems continue after all of the homeowner's best efforts, it is probably something more serious such as a plumbing vent clog or a line clog beyond the reach of typical homeowner's products.

Much Better Plumbing is the premier residential and commercial plumbing service for homeowners and businesses in the Las Vegas area. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call us today at 702-996-5220.