Slow drains are some of life’s common annoyances. A small inconvenience can turn into major clogs, expensive plumbing repairs, or worse. Funnily enough, little things can cause even the worst clogs. Here are five common mistakes that lead to slow drains. Remember them to keep your plumbing functional!
Pouring Grease Down the Drain
Once you’re done preparing a delicious dish, you may find yourself with a pan or pot filled with grease. It may seem quick and easy to pour the contents down the drain, but don’t do it, even if it’s accompanied by soapy water. Grease slowly solidifies as it cools, creating sticky buildup in the pipes that grabs more materials over time. Slowly, the pipes narrow inside and become completely blocked. Pour grease into a can or other container. After it hardens, toss it out with the trash.
Flushing the Wrong Items
You should flush only three things down the toilet: water, toilet paper, and human waste. Toilets and drains aren’t magical portals that take all sorts of waste far away. While toilets are attached to separate pipes—called soil pipes—they do connect to the main sewer line with all the other drainpipes. Flushed items, such as wipes, paper towels, and menstrual products will quickly lead to massive blockages in the pipes. Additionally, plant roots often infiltrate sewer lines, which can catch the things you flush down the toilet and cause blockages and backed-up basement drains.
Special note: Even if the product package promises that something is flushable, don’t believe it! They may flush, but they probably won’t break down in water as swiftly as toilet paper. Only flush the three above items—everything else should go in the trash.
Skipping Regular Maintenance
Do your drains seem to be draining just fine? Don’t assume that all is well. Over time, drains and pipes accumulate debris. In addition, plant roots can invade and break them. Periodically schedule inspections and cleanings with a plumber. They’ll use the right tools to clear out the pipes and keep the water flowing. There are multiple methods for clearing drains, including more intensive routing devices like hydro line jets.
Rinsing Hair Down the Shower Drain
Hair has a habit of ganging up and blocking bathtub and shower drains. When shampooing and shaving, don’t let hair run down the drain. Add a drain cover or net that catches your body hair; then, you can remove it and toss the contents in the garbage. It might seem yucky, but it’s not as bad as what forms in your drains when left unchecked!
Using Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners
Drain cleaners seem like they provide a quick fix, but they’ll cost you in the end. The chemicals in drain cleaners erode metal pipes, requiring very expensive replacement. They’re no good for the environment, too, because they contaminate water and kill aquatic life if they reach waterways. Simpler solutions, such as baking soda and vinegar and using drain snakes, can loosen simple clogs.
Those are five common mistakes that lead to slow drains and expensive plumbing bills. The best way to beat clogs is to be more mindful of what goes down your drains!
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Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
