If there’s one thing that may have annoyed you throughout the year, it’s probably clogged drains. With the new year approaching, one thing you can change for the better is how you handle your different water fixtures in your house. All you have to do is learn some simple drain maintenance tips that work.

Start a Maintenance Routine

Like most systems in your home, drains require maintenance. Unfortunately, most people ignore this fact, and that can eventually lead to problems like severe clogs. This should especially be the case for floor drains like the one likely in your shower. A monthly maintenance routine should include pouring water into them to ensure the traps in the drains remain filled. They should also be checked for debris and cleaned to ensure they still drain properly.

Utilize Drain Strainers

Another excellent choice is to install drain strainers in bathtubs, sinks, and other fixtures. This way, the strainer will catch food, debris, hair, and even soap scum. This will prevent clogs, bad odors, and other problems that are caused by these things collecting in drains. Clean these strainers regularly to ensure that they keep working optimally and your drains remain clear.

Flush Hot Water

One cleaning method for drains you should use is simple hot water. If you find there is buildup in a drain or suspect there is, let the water from your faucet heat up and then run it down the drain for several minutes. It will likely eat away at the buildup until it’s obliterated entirely. However, keep in mind that water that is heated to over 140°F could damage PVC pipes. Metal pipes, however, should be okay.

Mix Baking Soda With Vinegar

A second option for solving a drain clog is to mix baking soda with vinegar. However, the mixing should be done in the drain. First, dump half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by the same amount of vinegar. A chemical reaction will then happen that will help eat away at the buildup inside. This strategy is especially useful for dealing with grease buildups.

Only Dump the Right Things Down the Drain

Certain things should never be dumped down a drain. They will either cause a clog or badly damage the piping below. Items that should not be disposed of in a drain include:

• Coffee grounds
• Grease
• Hair
• Oil
• Paint

This list, however, is not complete. If you have a question about whether or not something should go down the drain, it’s likely better to just put it in the regular trash.

Don’t wait for there to be a significant problem before you act. If you live in Wilson, NC, and require drain cleaning services, you should hire our company, Roberson’s Plumbing & Septic, for the job.