The Importance of Routine Drain Maintenance
Drain maintenance usually takes a backseat to household chores and maintenance tasks in an age where we’re constantly running around. Working parents and overwhelmed business owners might prioritize stocking up on supplies and doing laundry over maintaining a healthy drain. Over time, though, a clogged drain can create devastating and expensive problems.
You might be saying, “I’ll call a plumber when it becomes a problem.” Yes, that’s a great idea, but did you know you can avoid massive problems by being more regular about your maintenance habits? Atomic Plumbing is here to save you time, money, and troubles with this guide on the importance of routine drain maintenance and some affordable, simple tips.
What to Do When Your Drain is Clogged
When a drain is clogged, the first thing people usually grab is a toxic, over-the-counter drain cleaner. Chemical drain cleaners can seem like a quick and easy fix, but any plumber will tell you that they actually wreak havoc on your pipes. Cheap chemicals from the store can erode or alter your drains and pipes as well as destroy your septic systems
When your drains clog, think common household items! You can flush the drains with simple concoctions made of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water. Hot water is a great way to flush your drains regularly, but if that isn’t enough, follow it with a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar
The chemical reaction could break clogs loose with another dose of hot water!
If your sink or drain is overflowing with water to the point that you can’t flush it with baking soda and vinegar, you can try using a plunger. Using a plunger on a dry drain can hurt your pipes, but if there’s water backup, it’ll work in the same way it does on a clogged toilet
Garbage disposals can often be the source of the problem as well. A quick and natural way to maintain your garbage disposal is to grind ice and flush it with hot water. You can also follow that with some lemons to achieve a fresh scent. If the clog is so serious that these household solutions aren’t working, it’s time to call Atomic for an emergency plumbing repair!