It’s that time of year – spring, when your house or apartment is due for an annual deep clean! Most people would have vacuuming, dusting and decluttering covered – but your home drain system is usually that area that is overlooked. Our drains (even though not necessarily seen) are used every time we do laundry, take a shower, do the dishes and wash our hands, which has become a priority recently! All of this constant usage can lead to clogs and buildup, requiring the clearing of any obstructions. So you need to ask yourself – is your drain system clean and in good working condition? Maybe it is not at the top of your spring cleaning list but taking the time to check your drain system is important, and if you do it on a regular basis, it will save you money in the future. Read on to find out about some helpful spring cleaning tips for your drains.
Your kitchen drain is exploited a lot throughout a day, so over time food particles can linger down your drain. And, if you don’t clean it regularly, clogs may form and cause nasty smells. These clogs may also harm your garbage disposal.
Commercial drain cleaners usually get the job done, but they are pretty aggressive and can damage your drains. Not to mention the fact that they will stain your clothes or cause serious harm to your skin or eyes in case of spilling. So turn to chemical drain cleaners as the last resort and do not overuse them.
A harmless and effective way to clean your kitchen drains would be citrus rinds. If you have a garbage disposal, running it with citrus rinds inside can help to degrease and freshen your drain. The citric acid naturally cuts through accumulated grease and food residue, leaving the kitchen drain fresh and pleasantly clean! However, in case of a serious clog, using a snake or drain auger would be the most effective way to get rid of the clog.
If you or your family member has long hair and regularly uses your shower, this long hair tends to accumulate in pipes. As a result, bathroom drains get backed up and drain slowly. That’s why cleaning your bathroom drains is especially important. In this case you might need to use some chemical drain cleaners, which are great for taking care of hair clogs.
To prevent this from happening, eliminate any blockage or clogs in the bathroom sink and shower drains during your spring cleaning. Mesh bathtub drain covers are also a great means to prevent hair clogs in bathroom drains.
Unfortunately, toilet clogs happen. And when they do, it’s a challenge getting rid of them. In this case you’ll need to use a plunger, snake your toilet, or call a professional plumber – especially if you’re experiencing persistent problems.
All your family members should also learn what is not supposed to go down your toilet drain to help prevent toilet clogs.
When you think about “spring cleaning” your home drains, don’t ignore septic tanks. They’re a key element of pipe maintenance. If you don’t maintain your septic tank on a regular basis, sewage could back up and produce bad stench. So, every couple of years, add a professional checkup and cleaning of your septic tank to your spring cleaning chore list.
If you come across any leaking water spots in your home, or you encounter a stubborn clog, it may be best to call in a licensed plumber. If basic drain cleaning methods do not help, most likely it is not an ordinary clog. If a clog builds up for extended periods of time, it could become lodged in your sewer system.
Our expert plumbers from Orange County Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning are able to troubleshoot and tackle any plumbing emergency, from sewer line issues to drain leaks. If you’re coping with an unfamiliar situation, unable to find the source of the leak, or cannot solve the plumbing issue, call our reliable emergency plumbers asap.
Orange County, Tustin, 92780 | (714) 400-2913
