Drain clogs are among the most common plumbing problems that people have to face. There are many different causes of drain clogs, from sending clog-inducing substances down the drain to old pipes and more. While some drain clogs are inevitable, there are several steps that you can take to prevent a drain clog from forming. By incorporating a few basic preventative steps into your regular cleaning routine, you can significantly lower your risk of drain clogs in Denver. 

Be Careful With What You Send Down The Drain.

Grease, coffee grounds, and leftover food scraps can all get stuck in your kitchen sink drain and cause clogs. In bathroom drains, hair, soap, and dirt can build up in the pipes and lead to Denver drain clogs. So, whether you’re in the kitchen or bathroom, be aware of these clog-causing substances and avoid sending them down the drain. 

For grease, pour it into a separate, disposable container and throw the grease in the container in the trash can. You can also hold off until the grease solidifies, then transfer it to the trash can. 

Leftover food scraps should be disposed of in the trash can or put in the compost bin. As you’re doing the dishes, you can keep food debris from going down the drain with a drain strainer. Clean out the drain strainer after each use by tapping the food debris out into the trash can. 

Avoid Putting Certain Foods in The Garbage Disposal. 

If your kitchen sink has a garbage disposal, some types of food shouldn’t be put in the disposal to avoid clogs. Coffee grounds, potato skins, eggshells, and banana peels are the main culprits when it comes to drain clogs with a garbage disposal. When these foods are put in the garbage disposal, their sticky or viscous consistency inhibits the disposal from fully breaking them down. This increases your risk of kitchen drain clogs. So, place these foods directly in the trash can instead. 

When your garbage disposal is in use, make sure to run the cold water tap the entire time. This water will help send the broken down waste through your pipes without getting stuck. 

Pour Hot Water Down The Drain Regularly. 

To further reduce your risk of a Denver drain clog, pour hot water down the kitchen drain once weekly. One easy way to do this is to heat the water in a kettle. The water will melt grease that has accumulated in the pipes, if any, and help move any built-up food debris through the drainage system. Just make sure to pour the water slowly and carefully so that it doesn’t splash. 

Clean Drain Stoppers Frequently.

Drain stoppers are helpful in preventing Denver drain clogs in your sinks and shower. But, it’s important to clean them after every use so that they continue to work. Especially in the shower or bathtub, soap and hair can build up on the drain stopper, leading to slow drainage and creating the risk of a clog. 

Treat Minor Clogs With Baking Soda and White Vinegar.

Most homeowners have baking soda and white vinegar sitting in the cupboard. These basic ingredients can work wonders for cleaning your drains without harsh chemicals. Pouring ½ cup of baking soda, then one cup of vinegar into the drain will provide clog-preventing benefits for your drainage system. Let this solution sit in the drain for at least ten minutes, then follow up with hot water to flush out the drain completely. 

How To Deal With a Stubborn Drain Clog

If, despite preventative efforts, you have a drain clog on your hands, there are a few steps that you can take to get rid of it. 

• Plunge the drain

One of the first things that you can do to deal with a clogged drain is to use a plunger. Place the plunger on the drain and make sure that its edges create a seal. Then, plunge in and out so that water comes in and out of the pipes repeatedly. This may get rid of a minor to moderate clog. 

• Snake the drain

If you have a plumbing snake, you can use it as a second option when the plunger fails. Send the snake down the drain and twist it at the corners of the pipe. The debris creating the clog should catch on the end of the snake, enabling you to remove it. 

• Call your Denver plumber

If you don’t have a drain snake, or if the drain snake fails, give Drain Terrier a call. As your Denver plumbers, we can fully eliminate the drain clog and restore the condition of your drainage system.