Clogged pipes are some of the most common plumbing problems, and they can easily cause a lot of damage if left untreated. Luckily, there are numerous simple ways of ensuring that a home is free of plumbing blockages.
Avoid Putting Garbage Down the Drain
Even with a garbage disposal, dumping food down the drain can lead to hard and gooey buildup in the pipes. Put food scraps in the garbage instead of the sink. If food accidentally makes it way into the drain, clean out the scraps by hand and put them in the garbage instead of trying to force them down the drain.
Do Not Put Grease in the Drain
Grease may be liquid when it’s hot, but it solidifies when it cools. When grease is poured down the drain, it quickly starts cooling and solidifying in the pipes. Even if there is hot water running while pouring the grease down the drain, it will likely start sticking to the walls of the pipes and solidifying either way.
Keep Hair Out of the Pipes
It’s almost impossible to ensure that no hair ends up in the pipes, but hair is one of the worst offenders when it comes to creating plumbing blockages. Place a screen over the drain of the bathtub or shower and clean it as much as possible. For the bathroom sink, shave and trim hair over a paper towel on the counter, or put the plug in the sink and clean out stray hairs before pulling out the plug.
Don’t Put Use the Toilet as a Trash Can
Many people use the toilet as a disposal system for various items. Food, tampons, floss, cigarette butts, gum, cosmetics, band-aids and more are all commonly flushed items that can cause blockages and other plumbing problems. Toilet paper and human waste are the only things that should be flushed down the toilet. Additionally, it’s a good idea to cut down on toilet paper usage to further help prevent clogs.
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