How to Keep House Drains and Pipes Free Flowing and Clean

Drain maintenance

Pipes and drains require some attention to ensure they remain free flowing and sweet smelling. To keep drains and pipes flowing and clean, periodically take steps to prevent clogs from developing.

Things You'll Need

• Hot water
• Drain cleaner
• Baking soda
• Chlorine bleach
• Powdered laundry detergent

Instructions

1. Pour boiling water down drains now and then, particularly in the kitchen, to melt grease. You can do this every time you have any hot water leftover, like after making tea, brewing coffee.

2. 

   To clean and deodorize, pour 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. Then slowly drip hot water into it. If you add the water too quickly, the baking soda will be washed away before it has a chance to do any cleaning. Do this every week or two to prevent clogging.

3. 

   This is a stronger recipe than the suggested in Step 2. This solution deodorizes, sanitizes and cleans. Mix 3/4 cup regular chlorine bleach with 1 tablespoon powdered laundry detergent in a gallon warm water. Fill your sink with the fluid, then drain. Rinse with plain water.

4. Do NOT use the above STEPS for clogged drains.