A clogged, overflowing toilet is a nightmare we have all had to deal with at some point. Doesn’t it always seem to happen at the absolute worst possible moment as well? Like when the in-laws are visiting. Or when YOU are visiting someone else’s house. So, what can you do to keep your toilet and your other drains flowing? In today’s blog, we will go over the exact steps you should be taking.
Weekly Maintenance
That is right! You should actually be performing weekly maintenance on your toilets and other drains. Once a week, clean the pop-up stoppers in all of your bathroom sinks. Remove drain covers from bathtubs and shower drains as well and clean them with a stiff bristled brush. Let your garbage disposal run for 10-15 seconds while pouring warm water down the drain.
Monthly Maintenance
Once a month, clean your drains with a biodegradable, non-corrosive drain cleaner. You should also thoroughly clean the overflow plates in each of your bathtubs to prevent grime and debris from building up. Finally, grind up a handful of ice cubes with a pinch of table salt in your garbage disposal. This will cut down on the buildup of grease and slime.
Words of Caution
Do not treat your drains like they are garbage cans. They are not magical portals through which you can dispose of anything and everything. Simply put, your home plumbing system is not designed to handle a large quantity of robust debris. It is designed to dispose of liquid waste and a small amount of solid waste. That being said, there are certain types of liquid and small solid waste you should avoid sending down the drain:
- Gum
- Coffee Grounds
- Pasta and Rice
- Grease, Fat and Cooking Oil
- Egg Shells
- Dental Floss
- Medications
- Cat Litter
- Chemicals and Solvents
- And much, much more!
Take care of your drains, and they will take care of you!
* Hats off to all you DIYers out there! At Parker & Sons, we love to see our customers taking pride in their homes. That said, home service professionals are 'professionals' for a reason. The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only. Parker & Sons is not liable for any injuries or damages resulting from attempting these DIY projects. By following these instructions, you assume all risks. For projects involving electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems, consult a professional. Use this information at your own risk.