Sinks get frequently clogged due to waste that goes directly into the drain, and clogged drains can damage the structure of your house. So, to avoid unexpected plumbing costs in the future, here are 5 tips to prevent your sink from getting clogged:
- Remove the waste.
Kitchen sinks get clogged easily due to oil, grease, food wrappers, and fruit peels. To prevent this scenario, remove any leftover food before washing the dishes. Oil and grease can form a sticky substance which then catches the food while passing through your drain pipe. Thus, you need to transfer any excess oil from the cooking pan to a container bag before disposal. Also, wipe any remaining grease on kitchen wares with a paper towel.
- Install a screen.
Install a food strainer in your kitchen sink. This will serve as a net to prevent any food residue from entering your sink. Once the screen is full, dispose of the contents in the garbage bin.
Likewise, place a stainless steel mesh strainer to your bathroom sink to catch the strands of hair and tiny chunks of soap before they travel down the drain.
- Use hot and cold water.
Hot water is the most effective remedy to a slow draining sink. It can melt the remaining grease and eliminate the stains. Once a week, you can pour two cups of boiling water into your kitchen and bathroom sinks.
However, cold water is more appropriate when using a garbage disposal unit. First, you have to place two cups of ice on the unit. Then, run cold water after turning it on. The cold water will keep the oil and grease at its solid state, which can be broken easily. After turning the unit off, you can use hot water to remove any excess grime.
- Clean your sink.
It is important to keep your sinks clean and odor-free. Using a soft sponge, gently scrub your sink with a liquid detergent. Rinse the entire sink with warm water and wipe it with a clean cloth.
- Flush your drain.
Flush your drains once a month or whenever necessary. You should apply natural-based cleaners instead of chemical-based cleaners because the latter can corrode metal pipes. You can also create your own natural-based solution made of vinegar and baking soda.
Another alternative is the use of table salts. For a sample mixture, combine ½ cup of salt and ½ cup of baking soda. After applying this mixture to the sink, pour ½ cup of vinegar to foam. Let the solution sit for an hour then pour 2 quarts of water for rinsing.
Regular maintenance of your drains is recommended for a clog-free home. You can hire a provider with the technical expertise on plumbing services, such as Sin City Plumbing Maintenance LLC. They use the newest technology to provide plumbing services such as maintenance and repair of pipelines, sewers, and drainage systems. Check out sincityplumbing.com for more details.