Drain clogs could be one of the most annoying little distractions in your Great Falls home. They always seem to appear at the most inopportune time and take longer to remedy than expected. However, if you practice a few simple tricks, you can prevent many of these vexing issues and know a few more tricks to eliminate the ones that do eventually appear.
An Ounce Of Prevention
The best way to simplify drain issues is to be very careful about what is going into the pipes. In reality, drain pipes are only meant to handle water. But that is not a real-world scenario. They see a lot of grease, oil, and food debris, thanks to garbage disposals and dishwashers. But you can eliminate many potential drain clogs by scrupulously eliminating a few well-known clog creators, including:
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
- Rice
- Pasta
- Used cooking oil or grease
- Meat fat
- Bones
- Fibrous veggie peels
- Hair and beard trimmings
- Bits of soap
- Oily moisturizers and beauty products
The best way to protect your home’s drain lines is to invest in a few simple mesh screens to cover the drains in the sinks, tubs, and showers. The screens cost about a buck each and trap all the debris that could become your next annoying drain clog. All you need to do is remove the screen and clean it as needed, and most drain clogs will be eliminated.
Other Helpful Tips
Hair is the nemesis of every shower and tub drain. It gets stuck in the soap scum and residue that is inside every drain. And over time, it gathers to form a nasty web-like clog. To prevent as many issues as possible, brush your hair before getting into the shower or tub. This will remove any loose hairs and limit the number you must clean out of the mesh screen.
If you are washing a furry pet in the tub, take the same approach and give them a good brushing outdoors before the bath. And know that you will likely need to clean the mesh screen a few times during the bath, so have a trash bag or trash can handy.
What About Clog Removal Tips?
Not every clog can be prevented. But you can make quick work of them with a few tips and the proper tools. The most crucial clog removal tool is a plunger, actually two plungers. Many homeowners are unaware that there are two types of plungers, each with a different use.
The plunger with a flange, or bubble, at the base is used to clear a toilet clog. The flange fits over the drain in the toilet bowl for a tight seal to increase the function of each plunge. A sink or tub plunger has a flat base. Using the right plunger will make eliminating those few remaining drain clogs much less complicated. If you need professional help to remove a clog, call (406) 760-1818 to schedule an appointment with the licensed plumbers at 911 Plumbing & Heating.
