One of the recurring plumbing problems that our plumbers experience in Chattanooga homes is a clogged drain. While this won’t come as much of a surprise, the fact that most of them are preventable is worth discussing. A clogged drain can be a huge inconvenience; it can upset daily schedules and prevent essential cleaning and hygiene care. For most homeowners, the first, best solution is to purchase a product filled with harmful chemicals to remove the clog. Most of these brands are not only harmful to the environment, but they are highly abrasive and can hurt your plumbing.

The more stubborn clogs need the assistance of a professional plumber, which is great for our business – but not so much for the homeowner. Metro believes in educating our neighbors on sensible plumbing maintenance, so that when you do need us for a job, it’s a problem that was unavoidable. Most issues are the result of homeowners putting things down the drain that simply shouldn’t be there – in addition to the hair and soap residue commonly cycled through baths and showers. We have compiled a short guide of helpful actions to help keep your plumbing clog-free.

Mesh Drain Screens

One of the easiest, most effective ways to keep drains free from clogs is to install mesh drain screens throughout the home. Drain screens are ideal for catching hair, soap scum, food and debris that can compromise your plumbing. They are also very inexpensive and easy to install.

Weekly Maintenance

Once a week clean the drains in your home by removing any excess debris from around the pop-up stoppers, drain covers and sink strainers. This is especially important for the drains in your bathroom, which can be compromised by the combination of hair and soap buildup.

Preventative Cleaners

Once a month it’s good practice to clean the drains with a homemade, nontoxic formula. This preventative method will help keep grease, hair and debris buildup to a minimum. One of the simplest recipes for a non-invasive cleaner is to combine one cup of baking soda and one cup of cider vinegar. This recipe also works for clogged drains, but is ideal as a preventative cleaner for every drain in the house.

Wash Pets Outside

When the weather permits, always try to wash your pets outside. Pet hair in the bathtub and shower can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. If you have to bathe them inside, make sure that the drain is covered with a cloth when draining. Fine pet hair can get through mesh screens and can end up clogging your plumbing. Consider investing in a wash tub or pet bath to ensure your drains are completely free from hair.

Mindful Brushing

If you have a healthy head of hair (and a family with equally impressive locks), making a habit out of brushing your hair before a bath or shower is a good idea. Brushing your hair will get rid of lots of follicles that were loose and would otherwise float down the drain. Mesh screens are good at catching (human) hair, but they don’t catch everything. Consider making this a ritual before every bath or shower.

Throw Trash in the Garbage

Make sure that everyone in the family understands that a sink is not a trash can – and neither is the garbage disposal. The bathroom sinks are for washing and grooming only, while the kitchen sink disposal is only for minor dish and cookware detritus. Metro has blogged about garbage disposal tips before; read our previous blog for more information.

In addition to investing in some mesh drain screens, keeping a sturdy plunger around is always a good call. Catching slow drainage with a plunger before it can back up entirely is another good way to keep clogs at bay. Remember that the professionals at Metro can assist you with every plumbing problem in your home. If you ever do experience a clogged drain that you can’t fix yourself, our experts have the skills and experience to help. Call us at 423-616-1025 or 706-516-1980 today to schedule an appointment.

Related Blogs:

How to Prevent Clogged Sewer Lines

Importance of Annual Plumbing Maintenance

Have a clog that requires the assistance of a professional? Metro Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning is the service company you want!  Call us today at (423) 616-1025!