How to Keep Drains from Clogging

A back up in your drains is more than just an inconvenience. It means you cannot use that drain or area, and to make things worse, it could result in waste flowing back up the pipe and out – a mess no one wants to clean. Whether it is the shower, kitchen sink, or another type of drain, now is the time to act and prevent those drains from reminding you that they are there in a way you never intended.

Know the Drain Culprits Plumbers Deal with Daily

The best way to prevent a clog in your drain is to know the culprits.

Here are the main offenders:

1. In the Shower: In your shower, the primary offenders to the drain are dirt, soap scum, and skin flakes. Unfortunately, these shed while showering, and since everyone needs to shower, you cannot do much about that. However, these take time to build up and eventually may clog – especially when you add hair into the mixture. One way to prevent a full-blown drain clog is to look out for slower drainage, indicating the blockage is coming. Once the drainage shows signs of slowing down, bring in a plumber for a thorough clean out.

2. In the Bathroom Sink: Your bathroom sink takes many beatings too, including hair, toothpaste, soap, and other residue that builds up over time. Since a lot of these are culprits you cannot avoid, look for signs of slow drainage, like in your shower, and call in a Burnaby area plumber when those signs rear their head.

3. In the Toilet: You are aware of what you can and cannot flush and will be careful about this, but do your small children know? Some items should never go down the toilet, including toys, pet hair, pre-moistened wipes, dental floss, and feminine hygiene products. Using too much toilet paper, especially the extra thick kind, takes longer to break down and can lead to a clog – especially if the other culprits are already inside working into a clog themselves.

4. In the Kitchen: It is important to keep in mind that the kitchen sink should not be used to wash down stuff that belongs in your garbage disposal. Yes, you have one for leftovers, but these give you a false sense of security as to what you can toss down them. Full food and large chunks should be scraped off into the trash. Your kitchen disposal is there to break up food waste you could not scrape away. If too many leftovers are being washed down the sink, you may soon find your drain clogged. Other items that increase the chances of a clog include grains (which expand with extra water), peels, rinds, coffee grinds, fat and muscle tissue from meat, and grease.

Suspect a Clog? Here are a Few Indicators It is Time to Call a Plumber

Worried that your sink or toilet might be on the verge of a clog? Watch for a slowed drain as that is the first indicator. If you suspect that your drain is clogged, you should contact a professional. Liquid draining solutions, while seemingly effective, are only a temporary solution. It is best to call for a plumber to come in and snake out the drain to prevent the clog from reforming.

Hillcrest Plumbing & Heating has expert plumbers in Surrey, BC and surrounding areas ready to help with your clogged drain. We offer commercial and residential services. Call us at 604-879-5301 to schedule a drain inspection. You can also contact us online to book an appointment for drain cleaning.