Clearing your drains is never a pleasant experience, and that’s where a professional plumbing service company can help. Drain clearing helps to prevent flooding, bad odors, gurgling sounds, or sewage backflow in the basement. It also helps to prevent future maintenance costs by keeping all drain pipes in good working condition. Here is what to do after you have your drains cleared:
Proper Waste Disposal
Avoid pouring grease and oils down your drains, as they can easily build up and cause blockages. Keep harsh chemicals like paint thinners away from your plumbing system, as these can corrode pipes. If you have a garbage disposal, use it properly and only with items specified by the manufacturer for safe disposal. Avoid putting fibrous foods like celery or potato peels down the drain, as these can become tangled in pipes and create blockages. Avoid flushing items such as sanitary towels, baby wipes, or cotton swabs, as they can contribute to blockage or even damage to your pipes. Regularly inspect plumbing fixtures for signs of wear and tear to verify your drains are functioning correctly.
Monitor Water Flow
Look for signs that the water is flowing consistently with no gurgling or gushing sounds coming from the pipes. There should be no water backups in any of your sinks or toilets. Inspect your property for potential backflow areas. This could include low-lying areas where wastewater could flow back into your drain pipes due to changing pressure levels in the sewer system. A professional offering drain-clearing-related services can address these problems immediately before they cause any damage.
Install Strainers
Hair catchers can be placed in the drain opening of showers and tubs to catch any hair or debris before clogging the pipes. These strainers should be cleaned regularly for proper functioning. Placing these in the drain openings can help prevent food debris from entering the pipes and potentially causing blockages. If your filters repeatedly get clogged, upgrade to ones with proper screens. This can help keep out small debris lodged in your pipes.
Flush Hot Water Down Drains
Hot water can help remove accumulated debris in your pipes and prevent clogs from forming. Be cautious while using hot water, as it can damage plumbing systems, like those with plastic pipes. Before flushing hot water down any drain, confirm what kind of piping is used in the area — if the pipes are plastic, use lukewarm or cold water instead. If you need help determining what type of plumbing your home has, hiring a professional plumber for drain clearing can help you keep everything in working condition.
Invest in Quality Equipment
Investing in quality plumbing equipment can save you money in the long run. Look for products made of durable, corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or brass. These materials are more expensive than plastic, last longer, and perform better. You also want to buy products from reputable brands so that your plumbing system will function properly. Quality plumbing equipment is an investment that may pay off in the long term. Investing in quality equipment now can help you avoid costly replacements in the future.
Avoid DIY Plumbing Projects
DIY plumbing may do more harm than good, as it can cause serious damage to your plumbing system if done incorrectly. A DIY can leave you with costly repairs in the future that could have been avoided had you called in an expert from the start. You can save time and money by relying on professionals to do your plumbing jobs right.
Educate Your Household
Make sure everyone in your household understands proper waste disposal and how to prevent clogs in your drains. You can hang signs in your bathroom and kitchen to remind everyone of the proper disposal practices. Schedule a regular plumbing maintenance check for your home. A professional plumber can teach your household more about proper maintenance, provide tips, and catch potential plumbing issues before they become bigger problems.
Get Professional Drain Clearing Help
Having a properly functioning plumbing system is good for home maintenance. You can avoid future issues with your drains through regularly scheduled drain-clearing and professional plumbing services. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if you need help with drain clearing or any other plumbing issue. A qualified and experienced plumber can provide the right advice and assistance.