How to Keep Your Drain Lines from Clogging

Preventing Toilet Clogs

Let us start with arguably the most common clog: a toilet clog. Far too many people confuse the toilet with a trash bin, flushing down almost anything and everything. We have witnessed everything from diapers to clothe! The only things that should be flushed down the toilet are pee, poo, and toilet paper. In fact, even toilet paper can be risky! Do NOT use too much toilet paper! It should go without saying that you should toss hygiene products, wet wipes, paper towels, and anything else in the trash bin not into the toilet! Just because it goes down the hole does not mean it will flush!

Preventing Shower Clogs

While we are still in the bathroom, let us talk about shower clogs. These are nowhere near as common as toilet clogs, but they can happen. The most common culprit in clogged shower drains is none other than hair. We have two suggestions here. First, install a drain filter over the drain opening. This should catch hair before it has a chance to infiltrate the drain line. Secondly, consider brushing your hair before you jump in the shower. This should reduce the number of hair strands that flow down toward the drains.

Preventing Bathroom Sink Clogs

In terms of prevalence, bathroom sink clogs rest somewhere between shower clogs and toilet clogs. They are common. Beard trimmings, hair strands, and soap scum are the usual suspects here. Minimize the hairs that get rinsed down the bathroom sink by wiping up the hairs and tossing them in the trash can. We also recommend liquid soap over bar soap. This is because bar soap is usually made with fats that can clog drains. A final tip is to get in the habit of removing the sink stopper and cleaning it off at least once a month.

Preventing Kitchen Sink Clogs

Kitchen sink clogs are also especially common. Do not over-rely on your garbage disposal. Things like potato peels, pasta, bread, and rice should not go in the kitchen sink because they can cling to the garbage disposal and the drains. Worse, many of these will absorb water and clog the lines. You should also keep used fats, oils, and greases out of the drains. These can harden in the drains and cause serious clogs. Rinse drains with hot water after use and with baking soda and vinegar once every couple of months. Finally, schedule a routine clogged drain cleaning once every couple of years to keep the drains flowing seamlessly. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh is happy to help.