What Can I Do To Prevent Clogs In My Drains?

One of the most effective ways to prevent clogs is to be mindful of what you send down your drains. Many people make the mistake of flushing or washing down things their pipes can't handle. For example, you should never send grease or oil down any drain. They can solidify in your pipes and create clogs. It's also important to avoid flushing things like wipes or sanitary products.

Some people use commercial drain cleaners to maintain their drains. But doing that can actually do more harm than good. Many chemical drain cleaners use acids that eat away at your pipes. If you send them down your drain on a regular basis, you can end up carving a channel into the bottom of your pipe. Newer pipes use plastic that can be more acid-resistant, while older pipes are much more at risk. Either way, it's best to avoid using commercial chemical drain cleaners.

You can also prevent clogs in your drains by cleaning out your sink pipes on a regular basis. Cleaning out your p-trap is something most average homeowners can do themselves. All it takes are a few simple tools, some soap and water, and a paper towel or two. You can check out the video below for a step-by-step walkthrough on how to do the job. Taking care of this can help your drain flow smoother and prevent serious clogs. That can help to prolong the life of your pipes and prevent costly repairs in the future.

Another way to prevent clogs in your drains is to use a bio-treatment option. These are different from your standard chemical drain cleaner. They use an enzyme and bacteria mixture to eat the organic material that builds up in your pipes. That includes stuff like grease, hair, or food, but doesn't include your pipe. Regular treatment should prevent most clogs without eating away your pipes. You can use most bio-treatment brands once a month for the best results. All you need to do is follow the instructions on the bottle and let it sit overnight.