Introduction
Dealing with main drain backups is a nightmare for many homeowners. A clogged main drain can lead to significant water damage, unsanitary conditions, and a massive headache.
Luckily, with the right knowledge and a little preventative maintenance, you can avoid the mess and expense associated with main drain replacements. Cardinal Home Services, your trusted plumbing services in Peterborough, is here to share expert advice on keeping your kitchen drains, toilets, bathroom sinks, tubs, and main drain running smoothly.
How to Prevent a Clogged Drain
Clogged drains can happen whether we try to prevent them or not. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t effective steps that can be taken to mitigate clogs.
Some ways to prevent clogged drains include:
- Use hair and lint catchers on sinks, tubs, and washing machine drains.
- Don’t rinse compounds like sand, grease, cement, or grout down the drain.
- Collect food waste by composting or throwing it away instead of always using the garbage disposal.
- Never flush personal care products and anything other than toilet paper.
Drain Backup
1. Kitchen Drains
Your kitchen drain works hard every day, dealing with everything from grease to food scraps. To prevent clogs, never pour oils or fat down the sink. Instead, dispose of grease in a container and throw it in the trash. Use a strainer to catch food particles and clean them regularly.
A simple mixture of hot water and dish soap poured down the drain weekly can help dissolve any lingering grease buildup.
2. Bathroom Sinks and Tubs
Bathroom sinks and tubs frequently become clogged with hair and soap scum. A drain guard can catch hair before it becomes a problem. Regularly remove and clean these guards. For a proactive approach, use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water once a month. This natural solution helps break down soap scum and hair accumulations without the harsh chemicals.
3. Toilets
Toilets are often taken for granted, but they’re not indestructible. Be mindful of what you flush. Only human waste and toilet paper should go down. Even items labelled as “flushable,” like certain wipes, can cause backups. Educating your household on these guidelines is crucial for preventing toilet-related backups.
4. Main Drain Maintenance
The main drain is the backbone of your home’s plumbing system, carrying waste water away from your house to the sewer. Tree roots, sediment buildup, and foreign objects can all lead to costly backups. Seasonal inspections by professional plumbing services can catch these issues before they escalate. If you’re experiencing multiple drain problems or slow drainage throughout your home, it may indicate a problem with your main drain.
A key piece of advice from our experts is to be aware of the signs of a main drain clog. These can include water backing up in your tubs and showers when you flush or multiple drains running slowly. If you notice these signs, it’s time to call in professional plumbing services.
Drain Cleaning Services
Preventing main drain backups doesn’t require you to adopt some smart habits, and recognizing when to call in the professionals can save you from potential disasters. Regular maintenance, mindful flushing, and being proactive about slow drains can keep your plumbing running smoothly.
If your drain is starting to back up, contact Cardinal Homes Services before it becomes an even bigger problem. Our friendly, professional team is here to ensure your home’s plumbing is in top condition, prevent backups, and keep your day-to-day life flowing smoothly!