There is little as disgusting and annoying as a clogged sink. Fortunately, Brisbane Hot Water Company is available for same-day and emergency services when the dreaded foul water starts accumulating in the basin. However, there are simple ways to prevent clogged drains from occurring in the first place. Follow these seven tips to keep your drains flowing freely.
1. Use sink strainers.
It seems so obvious that it shouldn’t even be a part of the list, yet many sinks are bare! They are inexpensive, yet effective tools to keep unwanted debris from going down the drain. Don’t forget about the sink stoppers. Remove them and clean them on a regular basis as well. Less grime on the stopper provides fewer sticky surfaces on which new particles can cling.
2. Dig deep.
Even with strainers in place, some unwanted debris will inadvertently slip down the drain. To prevent buildup, use a gadget designed to remove debris from the pipes, such as a drain snake.
3. Bring back memories of science class.
Do you remember the cool volcanoes you made as a kid? Some baking soda and vinegar can make a comeback in your cleaning routines. First, pour boiling water down the drain. Add a 1:1 ratio of baking soda and vinegar and quickly cover the drain with the plug. Let science do its work for 5-10 minutes. The combination causes a chemical reaction. Bubbles of carbon dioxide form. They loosen the sludge. Finish with another pot of boiling water to rinse the mess away. This is especially helpful if you notice the drain is slowing, but not clogged. Catch it before it’s too late.
4. Hot water
Boiling water is used in the above hack is because it adds pressure, thus making it a more powerful rinse than warm or cold water. Filling the sink with hot water and then letting it drain or allowing the hot water to run for a few minutes is another way to maintain a good flow. Let the hot water run after each time you do the dishes, for example. This ensures that grease that you washed away from the dishes will go down the drain completely rather than build up in your pipes. Rid of large amounts of oil or grease before you wash the dishes. Allow the oil to cool and then pour it into a bag or used a container to throw away. If it is a smaller amount, you can often simply wipe the congealed grease with a paper towel and place it in the garbage.
5. Garbage disposals are not magic.
While they are great appliances, garbage disposals still require proper use to be effective. First of all, always run cold water during and after using the garbage disposal. Otherwise, the ground up the mess will simply hang around as sludge. Secondly, there are certain things that do not do well in drains even with the garbage disposal. Always discard coffee grounds, grease, and oil in the garbage – not your sink.
6. Stand back when brushing your hair.
In my house, I wipe the sink basin after everyone is finished getting ready in the morning. I hate the nasty toothpaste marks left behind. Undoubtedly, I will wipe quite a few stray hairs up as well. Without daily cleanups, those stray hairs would accumulate quickly in my bathroom drain. Instruct family members that it is acceptable to brush and style hair in front of the mirror that is typically above the sink, but to stand a foot or two away from the sink so the hairs fall to the floor rather than the sink.
7. Cover your sink with a towel.
Men, you are not without blame. Shaving also leaves hair, (although shorter,) in the sink. Cover your sink with a towel before you start shaving. When finished, you can shake the hair-free outside.
Hopefully, these few simple tips will keep your sinks draining easily. A little bit of maintenance is all that is required to prevent clogged drains.
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