Get to Know Your Drains
While plumbers are there for you when something goes wrong, there are a few things they wish homeowners knew in order to prevent plumbing problems. Taking care of your drains is one of the most responsible things you can do to keep your plumbing in great condition.
Keep the following things in mind to put your plumber’s mind at ease.
Your Garbage Disposal Is Not A Garbage Can
Your garbage disposal is an extremely convenient tool that makes kitchen clean-up easier. However, there are some things that you should not put down your garbage disposal. For example, grease. Grease expands and coagulates as it cools down, meaning it will gather on your pipes and slowly create a clog.
Additionally, fibrous foods, such as potato peels and celery should also stay out of your garbage disposal. Instead, it is best for you to put those scraps onto the compost pile!
You should also be mindful of the amount of food that goes down the garbage disposal. It is best for you to put small amounts of food in the garbage disposal and save the bigger scraps for the trash. Make sure that you run the water while you are using the garbage disposal so that you can ensure that the food makes it down the drain!
Stay Away From Drain Cleaners
Many homeowners use liquid drain cleaners in order to remove a clog. However, there are several reasons that you should avoid these store-bought solutions. Liquid drain cleaners can do a lot of damage to your pipes and shorten their lifespan. Over time they can cause corrosion, which could lead to leaks.
Liquid drain cleaners also tend to kill the good bacteria that helps break down the organic material inside of your pipes. Liquid drain cleaners are also a health hazard as they can irritate your lungs and skin.
Furthermore, it is important to note that a liquid drain cleaner is just a temporary fix. It will not fix the root cause of the problem.
How a Drain Trap Works
Your drain pipe is a pipe in the shape of a S or U that can be found underneath your bathroom or kitchen sink. It always has a small amount of water in it to prevent the sewer gases from escaping into your home.
Drain traps require basic maintenance just like every other part of your home. Most drain traps have an opening cap. You can unscrew the cap and clean out any debris that is inside of there. You will need a large bucket to catch the debris that is inside of your drain.
Common Things That Clog Your Drain
A clogged drain can easily turn into a major problem if it is not taken care of. Clogs cannot always be avoided, however, if you avoid putting the following in your drain, then you can greatly reduce the chances of a clog.
- Soap
- Hair
- Tampons
- Sanitary napkins
- Excess amounts of toilet tissue
- Toys
If you’re in need of drain care from an expert plumber, give Dyess Air & Plumbing a call at (843) 242-0855 to schedule an appointment!