Clogs happen, and quite frequently! In most cases, a drainage system is often disregarded because it works well most of the time. However, when things go wrong, waste water can make its way out of the toilet instead of going down the drain. This is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. The sheer smell and the unwanted mess can really wreck your day. You will need urgent assistance to unclog the drain; otherwise, the situation can get a lot worse.
However, if you know how to maintain a healthy drainage system, you won’t have to worry about clogs as much. Prevention is the key. If you want to avoid unnecessary sewage accidents, you need to be careful of the items you are putting inside your drain. Moreover, you must learn some tips and tricks to maintain your drainage system so that you won’t ever have to face this problem.
Here are some ways to maintain a drainage system that can come in handy for you:
1. Get the Pipes Thoroughly Inspected
You need to do a thorough inspection of your house to look for signs of wear and tear. Most drainage systems don’t show signs of damage until it is too late. Therefore, you need to take matters into your own hands and check every pipe around your house.
Of course, since the pipes in your home are hidden behind your walls, you might not be able to inspect all of them in one go. If you feel like you can’t get through the wall, get professional help. Professionals have a pipe inspection camera that can go inside the pipes through the bend. This kind of equipment is the perfect way of inspecting the pipes properly. This way, you will have a clear idea of the damage inside.
2. Use Drain Guards
Drain guards are a great way to protect your drain. They are small, plastic disks shaped like a grate. These drain guards sit on the top of the hole to filter out all the dust, dirt, and debris about to go down the drain. If you have a drain guard over your main drain, you can collect the debris that might be responsible for clogging the drain. Take it out and toss it into the trash for smoother water flow.
3. Clean the Drain Regularly
One of the main ways to maintain a drainage system is by cleaning it with some drain cleaner. Most people clean their drains every year. However, if you repeat the process every few months, you will get a better, healthier drainage system – one that does not seize up at a minor inconvenience.
All you have to do is pour a cup full of drain cleaner down the drain, leave it on for a while, and let the water flow gently. Make sure to use an environmentally safe drain cleaner – one that’s made of natural ingredients. In most cases, plumbers recommend a bacteriological drain cleaner. You might find other drain cleaners with harsh substances that can damage the inside of the drain. Refrain from using those. Get a bacteriological one for a smooth experience.
4. Wash Your Drain with Boiling Water
When you wash the food down the drain, you might think it dissolves into the water; however, the oils from the food stick to the drain, making it greasy and sluggish. These oils are one of the most prominent things that can cause clogs.
The easiest way of treating this problem is by washing your drain with hot, boiling water almost every week. The hot water will scrape the grease off the drain and clean it thoroughly. This way, your drainage systems run smoothly, without unnecessary clogs.
5. Clean the Garbage Disposal
Cleaning your garbage disposal is very important. It might accumulate grease and slime that can ultimately damage your drainage system. Therefore, if you want a healthier drainage system, wash the garbage disposal with a disposer brush. Get one that is sturdy enough to take off the grease.
Moreover, you can use a grind version of table salts and ice cubes. Make a solution and clean the garbage disposal. The solution will help cut the grease and slime from the sides of the disposer. Once you are done, you can flush it using cold water. The entire process can be rather smelly, though. One way to get rid of this smell is to grind lemon and orange grinds in the garbage disposal. This will improve the smell and ensure that your garbage disposal smells fruity and fresh.
6. Wash Your Pets Periodically
If you are a pet owner, you know how important it is to wash them every now and then. They might roam around in dirt, which means they are exposed to disease-causing bacteria. However, make sure to wash your pets periodically. Washing a pet can be quite a task as a LOT of hair comes off during the process. The excessive supply of pet hair washed down the drain can cause an instant clog, blocking the entire drain.
Therefore, you should be careful while bathing your pet. One of the easiest ways to protect your drain from pet hair is to cover it with a thin cloth that lets the water pass, collecting pet hair simultaneously. Don’t forget to dispose of the hair by tossing it in a bin.
Final Word
Maintaining your drainage system can be easy if you are careful of the waste that goes down the drain. Don’t let any solid item down the drain. It can cause a blockage and disrupt the entire drainage system. The most common items that can cause the problem are tampons, washcloths, toilet paper, and greasy food.