How to Prevent Your Drainage System from Getting Clogged

A clogged drain is a common problem in households. Food particles, hair strands, soap scum, and plastic pieces are its primary culprits. Even simple errands such as taking a shower, washing the dishes, and doing the laundry without properly functioning drainage will be inconvenient. But if you follow these steps, you sure can maintain a clean and healthy drainage system:

Consider water softening 

Water softening refers to removing minerals such as calcium and magnesium that harden water, which results in lime deposit and scale buildup. One purpose of a water softener is to minimize those. The other benefits include easier cleaning, less soap curd, brighter clothes, and healthier skin. Stains on the sink and tub and the constant need for plumbing repair are signs that you should consider a water-softening system for your home.

Keep leftovers and coffee grounds off the sink.

Before putting the dirty dishes in the sink, scrape away the pieces of leftover food. Do not rely on the sink stopper alone. Although it can filter residue, there will always be smaller pieces that will get through the holes. Over time, they build up, which can lead to clogging. So make it a habit to keep the crumbs and coffee grounds out of the sink.

Keep hair strands off the bathroom.

We lose about a hundred strands of hair daily, and they are more prone to wet breakage. That is why we lose a significant amount of hair when we shower. A drain stopper can collect hair strands, but the thinnest can still slip through. You can minimize this by brushing your hair before showering or curling it in a ball as you rinse it.

And don’t forget to wash off the scum of shampoo and soap on the filter, too. As they harden, they can also clog the stopper. Remember that keeping the bathroom clean and free of fallen hair is one way to maintain healthy drainage.

Watch what you flush in the toilet.

A toilet is designed to process human waste and bathroom tissue. Non-flushable items such as pieces of plastic, facial tissue, cotton swab, and paper towels will result in a clogged drain. Avoid flushing down materials that take longer to dissolve.

Pour hot water into the sink after use.

Did you know that hot water can keep food particles, grease, and residue running down the drain? Pour ample hot water on the sink after each use to prevent a residue buildup. Indeed, it is a simple yet effective way to maintain healthy drainage.

Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is an all-in-one product that can be used as a skincare, mouthwash, and cleaning agent! It can leave your bathroom and sink clean and smelling fresh. You can even use it to dissolve hardened stool clogging the toilet. Just sprinkle a generous amount on the surface, spray some vinegar, let it sit for a few minutes, then flush it away.

Replace worn-out screen 

A drain screen is designed to filter particles of food and residue. Over time, they get worn out, causing them to be less effective. So replace the drain screen regularly, preferably after 6 to 12 months.

Mix vinegar and baking soda.

These two kitchen products make an excellent cleaning solution. Vinegar is acidic enough to dissolve dirt and deposit while baking soda contains a high amount of alkali, an effective cleaning agent. It is no wonder why many homeowners prefer this mixture to toxic cleaning products.

Use a washcloth

For those with pets, placing a washcloth over the drain will catch and collect hair while allowing the water to run through. As we all know, your pets can also shed a lot of hair when you give them a bath, which can clog the drain.

Deep clean regularly

Regular deep cleaning allows you to get rid of hardened residue that is starting to build up. This isn’t difficult to do anyway. Just unplug the drain, pour ½ cup baking powder and vinegar. Wait for at least an hour before running boiling water on it. That will help dissolve and remove a ball of dirt down the pipe.

A drainage system allows water to flow smoothly, preventing water accumulation, which leads to flooding. Disposing the trash properly and regular cleaning are ways to keep the drainage healthy and functioning.