How to Keep Your Drains Clean and Prevent Plumbing Problems

How to Keep Your Drains Clean and Prevent Plumbing Problems

At Metro-Flow Plumbing we love to keep you informed, so we made this blog to do just that. If you’re a long time reader you know we like to be as thorough as possible when explaining all the various topics in the plumbing world.

In today’s blog entry we’ll be covering those pesky dirty drains, or more importantly how to keep them clean and working properly. We can tell you that keeping your drains clean and preventing plumbing problems is essential to maintaining a healthy and functional plumbing system. Neglecting your drains can lead to unpleasant odors, slow drainage, and even serious plumbing emergencies. 

Now for the good stuff! Read on for some tips for keeping your drains clean and preventing plumbing problems.

1. Be mindful of what goes down your drains

The best way to keep your drains clean is to be mindful of what goes down them. Avoid putting food scraps, grease, oil, and other debris down your kitchen sink. Instead, scrape food into the trash and wipe down greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before washing them. In the bathroom, avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet but if you can help even that then better. Items like sanitary products, wet wipes, and dental floss can cause clogs in your pipes. With over 30 years of experience, Metro-Flow Plumbing plumbing technicians have seen it all, please try to only flush human waste down your toilet, you’ll thank us later.

2. Use drain covers

Using drain covers can help prevent debris from going down your drains and causing clogs. In the kitchen, use a sink strainer to catch food scraps and other debris. In the bathroom, use a hair catcher to prevent hair from going down the drain. Empty the strainer or hair catcher regularly to prevent it from becoming clogged. You will be surprised by just how much gets caught in these. It’s both gross and eye opening but your pipes will thank you for it!

3. Run hot water regularly

Running hot water regularly can help prevent clogs from forming in your drains. Hot water can dissolve grease and other substances that may be clogging your pipes. Run hot water down your kitchen sink after washing dishes, and run hot water down your bathroom sink and shower after use. Substances like toothpaste and hair can form into gunk that will break down with high temperature water.

4. Use vinegar and baking soda

Vinegar and baking soda are natural cleaning agents that can help keep your drains clean. Pour a cup of baking soda down your drain followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before flushing with hot water. This can help break down any buildup in your pipes and keep them flowing freely.

5. Don’t pour grease down your drains

Pouring grease down your drains is a surefire way to cause clogs in your pipes. When grease cools, it solidifies and can cause blockages in your pipes. Instead of pouring grease down the drain, let it cool and then dispose of it in the trash. You may even collect the grease in a sealed container and dispose of it all at once locally.

6. Use a plunger

If you have a clogged drain, a plunger can often do the trick. Use a plunger on your sink, toilet, or shower drain to help clear any blockages. Make sure you use a plunger that is designed for the type of drain you are trying to unclog. A plunger is an easy tool to have around the house and will clear most messes up, but if the clog is more serious than that then give Metro-Flow Plumbing a call and we’ll be right out to help you out!

7. Schedule regular plumbing maintenance

Regular plumbing maintenance can help prevent plumbing problems before they occur. Have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing system annually to check for any potential problems. They can also clean your drains and make any necessary repairs. Call us at 214-328-7371 and we can talk you through some of the options we offer.

8. Don’t ignore warning signs

If you notice warning signs of a plumbing problem, don’t ignore them. Slow drainage, gurgling sounds, and unpleasant odors can all be signs of a clog or other plumbing issue. Addressing these problems early can prevent them from turning into larger, more expensive issues.

Keeping your drains clean and preventing plumbing problems is essential to maintaining a functional plumbing system. By being mindful of what goes down your drains, using drain covers, running hot water regularly, using vinegar and baking soda, not pouring grease down your drains, using a plunger, scheduling regular plumbing maintenance, and not ignoring warning signs, you can keep your plumbing system in top shape. Another great option to help you remember to schedule maintenance visits is to become a Diamond Club member. This way we will do all the tracking and reminding, taking one thing off your to-do list.

If you do experience a plumbing problem, don’t hesitate to contact Metro-Flow Plumbing and we’ll help you out. With over 30 years of experience in the plumbing industry our team of certified and insured plumbing technicians are ready to assist you!

Thanks so much for joining us on another blog entry, we look forward to having you for the next one Dallas!

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About Metro-Flow Plumbing in Dallas, TX

Metro-Flow Plumbing was founded in 1989 under three core principles: to provide the best plumbing service, outstanding customer service, and to always be honest with its customers. These principles have kept Metro-Flow Plumbing in business for over 30-years. Rick Romero, Founder and Master Plumber at Metro-Flow Plumbing, as well as the trained technicians at Metro-Flow Plumbing, take great pride in the work they provide to their customers in Dallas and surrounding cities. Metro-Flow Plumbing offers a 100% service guarantee to all their customers.