What Do Plumbers Recommend to Keep Drains Clean?

What do plumbers recommend to keep drains clean?

Have you ever wondered what the pros do to prevent drain clogs? Well, you’re in luck, because we’ve got the inside scoop on what plumbers swear by to keep pipes flowing smoothly.

First things first, let’s talk about why this matters. We’ve all been there: you’re in the middle of doing dishes, and suddenly the sink won’t drain. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to wait for a clog to happen before you take action. It’s way easier (and cheaper!) to prevent clogs than to fix them.

(Too late for prevention? Go here for tips on how to clean clogged, slow, or stinky drains.)

The Simple Trick Plumbers Use to Keep Drains Clear

First, let’s talk about the MVP of drain care: dish soap. It may sound too simple, but trust us, this stuff is a great cleaning agent for your pipes. Here’s the deal: All that grease from your late-night snacks and family dinners? It doesn’t just magically disappear down the drain. Nope, it sticks around, building up in your pipes like bad cholesterol in your arteries. Gross, right?

But dish soap, in its simplicity, breaks down that grease, sending it packing before it can cause any trouble. And the best part? It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.

How to Use Dish Soap to Keep Your Drains Clear

Here’s what you do:

1. Grab your favorite dish soap (we’re partial to the blue stuff, but you do you).
2. Squirt a generous dollop right down the drain.
3. Let it hang out for a few minutes; maybe catch up on your socials while you wait.
4. Flush it all down with some water. For kitchen sink drains, make it hot water. Boiling water, even. That heat helps melt any stubborn grease and sends it on its way.

By following this simple routine, you’re not just preventing clogs, you’re also maintaining the health of your pipes. Your drains will thank you for it.

Extra Tips for Clog-Free Pipes

Let’s talk about some other drain cleaning tips that’ll make your plumber think you’ve got some serious skills.

1. The 30-second rule: After you use any sink or shower, let the water run for about half a minute. This may seem wasteful, but it’s a quick rinse for your pipes. It helps wash away any gunk that might be thinking about setting up camp in there, preventing potential clogs and maintaining clean drains.
2. Garbage disposal etiquette: If you have a garbage disposal, it’s important to give it some TLC. After you grind up your food scraps, let it run with cold water for a good 15 seconds. This practice helps to flush out any remaining food particles, preventing odors and potential clogs. It’s like giving your disposal a refreshing drink after a big meal.
3. The grease trap: Never, ever pour hot grease down the drain. It doesn’t matter if it’s bacon fat, olive oil, or that weird oil from the bottom of the takeout container. Once it cools down, it turns into a solid mess in your pipes. Instead, pour it into an old can or jar, let it cool, and toss it in the trash. Your pipes will love you for it.
4. Hair today, gone tomorrow: If you’ve got long hair (or live with someone who does), you know the struggle of hair clogs. Get yourself a drain cover or hair catcher for your bathroom sinks. They’re cheap, easy to use, and can save you from some seriously gross clogs down the line.
5. The power of baking soda and white vinegar: Remember those volcano experiments from grade school? That same reaction can work wonders on your drains. Once a month, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then pour a cup of vinegar in after it. Let it fizz for about 10 minutes, then flush with hot water. It’s like a science experiment and a drain cleaner all in one!
6. The plumber’s friend: Invest in a good plunger and a basic plumbing snake. These tools are like the Swiss Army knife of drain care. A plunger can take care of minor clogs with just a few pumps. And a snake? It’s perfect for fishing out those weird things that somehow find their way down your drains. (No judgment here – we’ve all lost a toothbrush or two.)
7. Mind what goes down: Your drains aren’t a magic portal. They’re pipes with a job to do, so be mindful of what you’re sending their way. Coffee grounds, eggshells, and big food scraps belong in the trash or compost, not your sink.
8. The cold water trick: Always use cold water When running your garbage disposal. Hot water can melt fats and grease, which then resolidify further down the pipe. Cold water keeps everything solid so it can be chopped up and flushed away.

Preventing clogs is easier and cheaper than dealing with them after they form. Regularly using dish soap, running water down your drains, and avoiding grease buildup reduce your risk of clogs and other problems.

If you have a stubborn clog or another plumbing issue, it’s time to call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers drain cleaning services in the Lakeland area. We’re your Punctual Plumbers—we’ll be there on time, every time.