8 Tips for Clogged Drain Prevention

Plumbing problems can be a real pain. When it comes to Clogged Drain Prevention, you can act now, or suffer later. There are always going to be problems that occur out of the blue. Let's face it, problems are almost impossible to predict. So why not act first and try these 8 tips to help you prevent your drains from clogging.

The following 8 tips can help prevent clogged drains and keep your plumbing system running like a champ.

1. Schedule a cleaning

What is the first thing that you do when you have a clogged drain in a sink? You get your tools, take apart the drain and clean it. You could have prevented this issue with a little bit of maintenance. It's much better to clean the drain on a regular basis.

2. Have a Closer Look

At times, you may find that your mainline is becoming clogged on a routine basis. In fact, it is almost like clockwork. Although blockage may occur in the main drain from time to time, it is not something that should happen very frequently. If you find that you are having a plumber out to clear the drain every year or so, have them take a look using a remote camera. It is better to correct the root cause of the issue rather than continuing to pay for maintenance.

3. Beware of Grease

Many of us simply poor anything that is in the pan down the garbage disposal, or even worse, the drain. If you tend to pour grease down the drain, you are not doing your plumbing any favors. Collect the grease in a can, wait for it to solidify, and then throw it away.

4. Use a slop sink

Don't clean your paintbrushes and other tools in your kitchen sink. Use a slop sink with a special drain that will allow for all of the construction material to wash away without clogging.

5. Capture the hair

One of the most common reasons why a bathroom sink experiences a drain back up is because of hair. You can be proactive about this as well by using a special mesh screen that will catch the hair at the top of the drain before it can clog it.

6. Beware of Food Waste

If you are in the habit of throwing all of your food waste down the garbage disposal, you may end up with a clog every now and again. It can build up inside of the pipes, especially if you are grinding up the wrong types of food. Collect the waste products and, if you really want to be earthy, put them in a compost pile.

7. Use the Toilet Properly

One of the issues that many people face is using the toilet as a trashcan. The toilet is meant for a specific type of waste and toilet paper. Don't try flushing other products, it will come back to haunt you in the end.

8. Flush Regularly

If you use a low-flow toilet or faucet, be aware that it may not flush the lines properly. Grab a 5-gallon bucket and pour it down the drain on occasion to keep things flowing nicely.