A lot goes into the maintenance of a home. However, one of the aspects of the household that is sometimes overlooked is the drainage system. Oftentimes we do not pay attention until the drains are clogged, then we get into panic mode. Each time we use our sinks, materials are washed down which result in an inevitable build-up. Therefore, keeping our home clean and tidy should include the upkeep of our drains. Here are some tips on how to prevent clogging in our sinks.
Prevent clogging in the kitchen
While we cook and wash dishes in the kitchen, sometimes we are not careful with the substances that are being washed down the sink. Fruit and vegetable peels, pasta, coffee grounds, among others and also grease are some of the main culprits in sink blockage. They wash down the sink and overtime accumulate with other materials.
- Ensure that nothing is being washed down the kitchen sink. Always try to keep the sink clear of food substances to prevent materials from falling into it.
- Pour grease into a separate container after use and allow it to solidify then dispose of it in the garbage. Additionally try to remove any excess oil from the pan with a paper towel before you wash it.
- After cleaning the kitchen it is always good to throw some hot water down your sink. You can do this daily or as often as possible. Hot water helps to break down and melt away excessive materials.
- If you have a waste disposal in your kitchen be very careful of the types of food you put in it. Certain foods are not ideal, such as potato and banana peels which leave a sticky residue and also eggshells.
- It is good to pour cold water in the disposal while it is grinding the food.
Prevent clogging in the bathroom
A clogged shower or toilet can be very messy to deal with. The shower and bathroom sinks have a tendency to be clogged with hair and the toilet is usually clogged when we try to flush products that are not meant to be flushed.
- One suggestion to prevent hair from going down sinks is to either brush your hair before using the shower or covering your hair if possible. This reduces the amount of hair that goes into the sink.
- It is very important not to wash down substances that can harden into your sink or shower. Paint and wax are examples of substances that eventually solidify when they settle.
- Just like the kitchen sink, hot water also works well for the bathroom drains. It’s good to throw some hot water down the sinks once in a while to melt any excess materials.
- For the toilet, it is recommended to avoid flushing hard materials down your toilet (sanitary napkins, condoms, paper etc.). Ideally tissue paper should be the only material flushed down the toilet apart from your natural waste.
- It is also good once in a while to try to do a heavy flush to clear the pipes. This can be done by filling a bucket and dumping the water in the toilet.
Prevent clogging in the Laundry room
The laundry sink drain can sometimes be clogged just like other sinks around the house. Lint is the usual suspect and also sometimes extra materials that are not removed from clothing.
- Ensure that you remove items from clothing before washing.
- It is also very good to install a lint catcher in your machine hose (nylon stockings can also be used as a substitute). Ensure that you check and clear the lint after washing and replace the lint catcher when it starts to wear away.
General tips:
- Use a screen in all of your drains. No matter how careful you are, excess materials will always escape into the drains. The screen catches most of this and allows you to dispose of them.
- Always remove the screens and clean away build-ups. Make this a part of the routine when cleaning your sink to get rid of debris that can add up and cause clogging.
- Use a bacterial drain cleaner consistently to maintain drains and keep them clean. Use these products to wash away bacteria that can build up in your drains and contribute to clogging.
It is always a good idea also to have plumbers check the main pipe line at least once a year to ensure that everything is fine with your drainage system. Of course, this is not an ideal option for everyone, it would however be very beneficial.