Avoiding Water Damage By Keeping Your Drains Clear

9/6/2018 (Permalink)

One of the more common and recurring household issues is clogged drains. Everyone has experienced one, from the pool of water in the shower to the floating dishes in the sink; a clogged drain can be a definite nuisance. Luckily, keeping your drains cleared is easy to do and today we'll explain how. The key to keeping your drains clear is being mindful of what goes down them. Here are a few do’s and don’ts for your homes sinks and showers.

The Sink

Make sure to run water while using the garbage disposal. This will help food maneuver through the blades without getting hung up. If you don’t have a garbage disposal, make sure to use a strainer to catch large food items that can cause clogged drains. Never pour grease, fat or cooking oil down the drain. In cold temperatures, grease, fat and cooking oil can expand and cause a pipe to bust. A sink strainer is a simple and inexpensive way to stop drain clogs

The Shower

No matter how hard you may try, avoiding the dreaded hair clog is almost impossible. Using a strainer similar to what is used in a sink can help stop hair clogs from forming in your shower drain. Another culprit of the clog is small, used bars of soap. A small sliver of soap can turn a minor hair clog into a serious one. What’s the solution? Open a new bar of soap earlier and make sure to throw out the old one.

The Toilet

Many people, especially the young ones, treat the toilet like a trash can. That’s a surefire way to end up with the most dreaded of all clogs, the backed up toilet. Make sure to only flush bathroom tissue down the toilet. Things like facial tissues, paper towels and feminine products can cause serious clogs. Nothing should go in the toilet but toilet paper. Make sure your little ones know!

Tools to Keep on Hand

Drains are simple problems and usually require a simple solution. Most of the times a product like Draino will make short work of a even the most stubborn hair clogs. A plunger is usually all you’ll need for a simple toilet clog and they are very easy to use. However, you may need more than a plunger, depending on what’s down there. Always keep a plunger on hand in case a clog comes up.

Keeping your drains clear is easily done when you follow a few simple rules. Repairing a clogged drain is simple enough but can be a bit more involved. In those situations, you’ll need the help of a professional.

Water Damage as a result of a clogged drain? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County. 502.241.6861

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.