How to Keep Drains Clean

A free-flowing drain means healthy plumbing.

Owning a home is a lot of responsibility. At times, its maintenance and repair can also mean a lot of expense. As a homeowner, you're always on the lookout for ways to keep costs down. Regular inspection and care can help you keep drains clean and clear at least. A few easy steps can help you prevent clogging and minimize plumbing repair expenses.

Things You'll Need

• Sink drain screen
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Effervescent antacid tablets
• Plunger

Instructions

1. Be aware of the causes of clogs. The main cause of kitchen clogs is an accumulation of grease in the pipes. Dishwashing detergents temporarily disburse grease, but once the water goes down the drain, grease clings to the walls of the pipes. Once the grease is in the pipes, any little piece of food passing through is likely to stick. It's not long before the kitchen drain is running slow, and then stops running altogether. Personal cleansing products we use in the bathroom -- lotions, soaps and shaving creams -- contain oil and wax. Just as grease and food clogs the kitchen sink, oil and wax attracts hair and clogs the bathroom sink and shower drains.

2. Install a mesh screen in your kitchen and bathroom drains to catch any loose particles of food in the kitchen and any loose hair in the bathroom. To make the screen most effective, clean it by wiping any food particles or hair into the trash after each use.

3. Pour boiling water down your drains to clear any build up that might have accumulated. Every three months, pour a combination of 2 cups baking soda and 1 cup vinegar down each sink drain. After 30 minutes or so, pour boiling water down the drain. Wait five minutes and follow it with cold water to clear out any residue. After cooking, let any grease cool and solidify in the pan. Before washing the pan or placing in the dishwasher, wipe as much grease as you can out of the pan into the garbage.

4. Use a plunger properly. The idea behind a plunger is that it creates a seal and causes suction, thereby dislodging the clog. This isn't difficult in the kitchen with one sink, but most kitchens have a double sink. Before using the plunger in a double kitchen sink, be sure to have someone hold the drain plug in other sink while you plunge. The bathroom drains are a little different. Bathroom sinks and showers have an overflow hole. You need to cover the overflow so the plunger can create a tight seal.

5. Drop three effervescent antacid tablets down a drain at the first sign of a clogged drain. Wash them down with a cup of vinegar. When the vinegar stops bubbling, pour very hot or boiling water down the drain to rinse everything away. If you decide you need to use drain cleaner, use a natural one. Natural drain cleaners are available at any retailer that carries chemical cleaners. Chemical drain cleaners are harsh on pipes, toxic to you, your children, your pets, and the environment.

6. Call a professional plumber if DIY techniques are not effective. Use a licensed plumber who is either recommended to you by a friend or family member, or who has a good rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to click on links around this page for more information on drain cleaning and care.

• If you find this article useful, please feel free to link it to your blog or email it to your friends.

References

• Michigan State University Extension: Homemade Cleaners
• Oregon State University Recycling Program: Eco Tips and Tricks