Drain clogs are an inevitability. After enough time and usage, drains will start to clog. You could invest in professional drain cleaning services, but those can be thorough and more money than you might be willing to spend on a yearly basis. So, how do you extend the lifespan of your drains without doing anything invasive or destructive?
Well, this is the blog post for you! There are several things that customers can do when they’re trying to improve or extend the lifespan of their drains. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t necessarily need access to high-tech plumbing equipment like the stuff we use. As long as you eventually call us for drain cleaning services, and keep up with some of these best practices, you should be in good shape for the years to come.
So, let’s get to it. How do you protect your drains before you need to call a professional for drain cleaning in Appleton, WI?
Use a Mesh Screen
Have you ever wondered why some sinks have a mesh screen on the drain, stopping food particles from flowing into the pipe? These nifty tools are actually incredibly effective at keeping your drain from clogging and your home from running into problems. They trap food particles that are not designed to go down your drain, and keeps them there so you can throw them out in the trash or compost.
The truth is that it’s nearly impossible to catch all food particles yourself, or with a paper towel while you’re cooking. But a mesh screen can fit nicely in your drain where it catches everything that would otherwise sneak through.
Throw Out F.O.G
FOG in this case stands for fats, oils, and greases. This can be anything from melted butter, to olive oil, to even bacon grease after a nice home-cooked breakfast. This kind of material might seem like a liquid that can easily be flushed down your drain. However, these materials actually solidify when they cool down, meaning they can cause some serious clogs in your drain with just a small amount becoming solid.
Avoid Drain Chemicals
You might think that drain chemicals are a good solution to your drain clog. After all, there’s a whole aisle at the grocery store with products that promise “clean drains” but the truth is more complicated than that.
Some of these chemicals work. Some of them don’t. But nearly all of them are caustic or acidic, causing problems for your personal health by releasing fumes into the air, or deteriorating the lining of your plumbing system by reacting with your pipes. The verdict isn’t good, so you should steer clear of them.
Invest in a Proper Plumber
So, if you’ve tried a plunger, a drain snake, and using all of these protective measures but you’re still running into problems, then we urge you to get to know a good plumber. Plumbers like the ones on our team have powerful, fast, and affordable solutions to easily clear up your drain clog and let you go about the rest of your day.
Seal Pipe Lining has your back. Contact our team for help with your clogged drains.