At Eco Electric & Plumbing, we know that drain care may be the farthest thing from our minds when we’re in the moment of making dinner or using the restroom. Here are some tips on how to avoid a clogged drain, keep grease out of your sink, brush your hair before showering and no coffee grounds in your sink. Following these tips will help keep your pipes in good shape and save you from a clogged drain. Below we expound on a few more tips that can help prevent your sink from getting clogged,

Garbage Disposal –

For the garbage disposal, run cold water while in use and keep it running roughly ten seconds after you have turned your disposal off. This will help keep the drain clear and prevent clogs.

Shower Drains –

Install wire mesh screens on all your drains and remember to clean them regularly. This will keep larger debris and clog hazards like hair from entering the drain.

Don’t Pour Grease Down Your Sink –

Know what goes down your drains. Things that turn into a solid, paint, glue, grease, animal fat or oils should never be put in your drain. This debris can stick to the side of your pipes and harden causing a blockage.

Don’t Throw Trash in Your Toilet –

Only put toilet paper into your toilet. Napkins, paper towels, and other items may seem OK, but it does not break down properly and can cause clogging.

Clearing a Clogged Drain

If you do get a clogged drain here a few tips to help you unclog:

Always use the plunger first. A plunger is the most effective way to unclog a drain. Make sure you have the right plunger for the job (A sink plunger will not work as well on a toilet).

Use the P-trap. Put a bucket under your P-trap. Remove the drain trap under the sink by carefully unscrewing the pipes, remove any debris, and flush out with warm water.

Use only earth-friendly drain cleaners. Popular liquid drain cleaners can have toxic chemicals that can ruin your pipes.

Some clogs are easy to remedy while others may have been building up for months or years. We hope these tips will help you maintain your drains better and get you out of a clog!

If you are still experiencing issues with a clogged drain, contact or call our expert Seattle plumbers!