8 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Drain System

A clogged or slow drain can be a significant annoyance. Nobody likes dealing with a sink full of dirty water that won't go down the drain. Fortunately, there are some easy things you can do to keep your drains flowing freely. Read on for our top tips for maintaining a healthy drain system.

Use a Drain Cover

A drain cover is a small metal or plastic screen that fits over your drain to catch hair, food, and other debris before it has a chance to clog your pipes. Using a drain cover is especially important in the shower, where hair is the most common cause of clogs. Need a drain cover? No problem. You purchase them cheaply at most stores, or you can easily make your own by cutting a small circle out of an old coffee filter and taping it over the drain.

Don't Pour Grease Down the Drain

No matter how much hot water you run after pouring grease down the sink, it will never fully dissolve and wash away. Over time, the oil will build up in your pipes and cause a nasty clog. Instead of pouring it down the drain, let it cool and solidify, then dispose of it in the trash.

Run Hot Water After Each Use

Hot water helps break down soap scum, hair, and other debris so that you can flush it away more easily. Get in the habit of running hot water down the drain for 15-20 seconds after each use, and you'll be less likely to deal with clogs down the road.

Periodically Check for Slow Drains

If your drains are draining more slowly than usual, it's because there's a partial clog somewhere in the pipe. Often, you can take care of this yourself by running a plunger or plumber's snake down the drain to loosen and remove the clog. However, if you cannot get rid of the clog alone, don't hesitate to call a professional plumber for help.

Flush Out Your Garbage Disposal Regularly

Your garbage disposal is full of nooks and crannies where food and other debris can get trapped and start to rot. To keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh and running smoothly, flush it out with hot water and dish soap regularly (weekly or bi-weekly should suffice). You can also grind up citrus peels in the disposal to help eliminate odors naturally.

Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners When Possible

While chemical cleaners may seem practical for unclogging pipes, they can do more harm than good by damaging your pipes and causing corrosion over time. If you must use a chemical cleaner, always choose one safe for plumbing fixtures and follow the directions carefully.

Know When to Call a Professional

Some clogs are just too tough for homeowners to tackle on their own. Don't hesitate to call reinforcements if you've tried everything and still need to get rid of a stubborn clog. A professional plumber will have the tools and expertise to clear away even the most stubborn blockage quickly.

Schedule Annual Drain Cleaning Services

Even if you're diligent about caring for your drains, they will eventually succumb to wear and tear. Over time things like mineral deposits, soap scum, hair grease, and other debris will build up in your pipes, causing them to become clogged with a slow drain. The best way to prevent this is to schedule annual professional drain cleaning services. This way, you can rest assured that your drains are clean and clear all year round!

Let AWS Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Clean Your Drains

With the help of our professional plumbers at AWS Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we can ensure your plumbing system is working efficiently without any clogging or blockages. Calling a professional ultimately reduces the chances of emergency plumbing needs and helps save you money in the long run. Let us take care of your drains and accommodate all of your needs. Contact us today at (516) 217-2196 to see how we can help get your plumbing up and running as soon as possible!