Tips: How can I prevent clogged drains?
Okay, you've finally gotten that drain unclogged. You'd prefer never to experience the mess and
inconvenience of a clogged drain again. With a few simple precautions, you can help avoid drains from clogging.
Tips for the kitchen sink
- Pour grease into cans and throw them in the garbage. If you empty grease into the sink, the grease collects along the sides of the pipe and then food particles stick to the pipes, eventually contributing to a clog. Also, too much grease can eventually cause sewer blockages since the bacteria in sewage systems cannot readily break down grease.
- When you are grinding up food in a disposal, run plenty of cold water to flush food particles down the pipe. Using too little water can contribute to the particles collecting along the sides of the pipe.
- Don't empty coffee grounds in the sink.
- Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain once a week to melt away any fat or grease that may have collected.
- Drain Tech is dedicated in providing professional quality service to its customers. Preventive services are available to maintain build-up and root intrusion. Please feel free to ask your technician or call the office to see if this service can help prevent your drain back-ups.
Tips for the bathroom
- Clean the pop-up stoppers in sinks frequently. Hair often collects here and causes clogs.
- Never flush heavy paper products down the drain. Excess paper can clog the toilet and/or the whole sewer system. (no paper towels, tampons, baby wipes, etc.)
General Tips
- Never dump chemicals like paint or paint thinner down the drain. Avoid pouring hot wax or other substances in the drains. Dumping acid into your septic tank system is against the law.
- Beware of products that claim to maintain a septic system or unclog greasy soil by enzymatically attacking grease. The general consensus is that these products are ineffective and may even be harmful. Some products may use chemicals that kill the bacteria needed to break up solid wastes.
- If you have your own home septic tank, have a professional inspect it every two to three years. Some regions require septic tank inspection on a regular basis. Check with your local health board about the rules in your community.
