The holidays are a great time to get together with friends and family, but they don't always go as
planned. If you've been hosting a company and things are finally winding down, you may find
that you've got a clogged drain on your hands. It's not unusual to find your drains clogged with
potato peels, pet hair, grease, and pumpkin guts hence causing problems for homeowners.
Tips for Dealing With a Clogged Drain After the Holidays
There are plenty of things you can do around your home to help get the drain flowing again, but we'll take a look at some useful tips for getting the clog out of your drain.
Let’s look at a few tips:
Mindful Disposal Practices: One of the primary culprits for clogged drains is the improper disposal of holiday leftovers. Remnants of fatty foods, cooking oils, and food scraps can accumulate in your pipes, leading to blockages. Encourage responsible disposal habits by scraping plates into the trash before rinsing dishes. Consider using a strainer in your kitchen sink to catch larger food particles and prevent them from entering the drain.
Be Cautious with Grease: During the holidays, cooking often involves the use of oils and fats that can solidify in pipes, causing stubborn clogs. Instead of pouring grease down your drain, collect it in a container and dispose of it in the trash. This simple practice can prevent major blockages and keep your drains flowing smoothly.
Regular Hot Water Flush: A quick and easy preventative measure is to run hot water down the drain regularly. This helps dissolve accumulated grease and prevents it from solidifying in the pipes. Make it a habit to pour a kettle of hot water down the drain once a week, especially after heavy use during holiday cooking and cleaning.
DIY Drain Cleaning Solutions: If you notice slow drainage or suspect a clog, consider using a homemade drain cleaning solution. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can work wonders to break down debris and clear minor blockages. Pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then flush with hot water.
Invest in a Plunger: A plunger is a handy tool for dealing with minor drain clogs. Keep one in your home and use it to create a strong seal over the drain. Pump the plunger up and down vigorously to dislodge any blockages. This can be particularly effective for bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs.
Enlist Professional Help: For persistent or severe clogs, it's advisable to seek professional assistance. Salt City Plumbing and HVAC offers expert plumbing services to address complex drainage issues. Our professional plumbers have the knowledge and tools to identify and resolve clogs efficiently, ensuring the long-term health of your plumbing system.
As you bid farewell to the holiday season, taking proactive measures to deal with clogged drains can save you from potential plumbing headaches. By adopting these tips from Salt City Plumbing and HVAC, you can maintain a smoothly functioning plumbing system and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it.