Maintain Your Drains Between Professional Cleanings

It’s easy to ignore your drains until a problem arises. While professional drain cleaning in Wilkes-Barre, PA is the best way to handle serious clogs, a little home maintenance goes a long way. Taking a few simple steps can help you keep your pipes running smoothly between professional visits from a company like American Rooter. A little proactive care can save you from a nasty backup and the need for an emergency call.

Watch What Goes Down the Drain

The first rule of drain maintenance is to be mindful of what you put into them. In the kitchen, grease, oil, and food scraps are the primary culprits for a clogged drain. These substances stick to pipe walls and build up over time, narrowing the flow. Instead of pouring cooking fats down the sink, let them cool and solidify, then scrape them into the trash. In the bathroom, hair is the biggest enemy. Using a simple drain strainer or hair catcher in your shower can make a huge difference.

The Power of Hot Water

A simple, effective habit is to flush your drains with hot water regularly. After doing dishes, let the hot water run for a few extra minutes. This helps melt away minor grease buildup before it can cause a problem. You can also boil a pot of water and carefully pour it down your drains once a month. This can help clear out some of the everyday grime that accumulates, but it is not a substitute for professional drain cleaning services.

Steer Clear of Chemical Cleaners

It’s tempting to grab a bottle of chemical drain cleaner from the store when a drain starts to slow down. However, these products can be harmful to your pipes. The harsh chemicals can corrode old pipes and are also bad for the environment. Instead of a chemical solution, a simple plunger can often fix minor blockages. For more stubborn clogs, a plumber’s auger or a drain snake can be used. When these tools are not enough, it’s time to call a professional drain cleaning company.

When to Call a Professional

While home maintenance helps, some clogs are beyond what you can fix on your own. If you have a severe drain blockage, hear gurgling sounds from your pipes, or notice a foul odor, it’s time to bring in the pros. Professionals have advanced equipment like hydro jetting machines, which use high-pressure water to blast away even the toughest clogs, and specialized tools for drain snaking. A full-service company can handle anything from simple clogs to complex blockages.

Ready to get your drains in top shape and keep them that way? Stop waiting for a major clog to happen. Schedule a maintenance appointment with American Rooter today and get your drains flowing freely. We offer expert drain cleaning and rooter services to keep your plumbing system clog-free.