How often do you think about the drain lines in your home? Almost never? That would make sense, as they’re something we rarely think about until there’s a problem. Our drain lines carry water and waste away from our homes, and into sewer lines. When there’s an issue, it can cause big problems. A clog can slow the drains down, or even stop them from running, and when that happens, a back-up can occur.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep your drains running clean and smooth. Here are five of them.
1. Watch the Greasy Food
Grease can cause major issues when it gets into a drain, and is often the root of clogs. Even if grease going down the drain doesn’t cause an immediate clog, it can get caught up in the pipes further down the line, and create issues there. Pouring fat down the drain isn’t the only way issues crop up. Greasy sauces and food can add to the problem. Even if you have a garbage disposal, don’t send greasy foods or sauces down the drain. This can include butter, salad dressings, meat trimmings, and creamy sauces.
2. Don’t Let Your Hair Go Down the Drain
Hair can also create clogs in drains and pipes, and can often be difficult to remove with a plunger. Use a hair catcher made of fine mesh at all times to prevent any from going down the drain, and keep your drains clear.
3. Soap Scum
Soap scum is also a big contributor to clogs. If you live in an area with hard water, the water will react with the sopa to form what is called soap scum, a sticky, slimy scum. A whole-home water softener can help with this issue, as can switching to liquid soaps and body washes. Liquid soaps are far less prone to creating soap scum.
4. Clean the Drain Lines
Prevention can go a long way, and cleaning your drain lines at regular intervals can keep things running properly, before an issue crops up. Basically, a plumber should come and clean your drain lines every year and a half or so, to prevent more costly visits down the road.
5. Copper Sulfate
Tree roots can create significant issues for drain lines, so keeping drains clear of tree roots is obviously important. Using a half cup of copper sulfate crystals in one of your toilets every few months can help keep the roots at bay. Copper sulfate is safe to use, and will only harm the roots entering the drain, leaving the rest of the tree or bush unharmed.
Waiting until the drain starts slowing down to use copper sulfate, however, could mean it’s too late.
Professionals can help keep your drain lines up and running.
If you think your drain pipes may be in need of a cleaning, it’s important to call a professional. At Rick’s Plumbing, we’ve been helping homeowners in New Haven and Fairfield Counties since 1992. To schedule a look at your pipes, call us today at 203-874-6629.