Fixing stuff is great, but knowing how to prevent problems is even better. So, we’re sharing five drain maintenance tips that will help keep your drains clog-free. Of course if you have any problems, you can get in touch with Modern Era Plumbing and Gas Solutions. We’re based in Adelaide and offer a 24/7 service for our customers. Give us a call and we can give you an obligation free quote – 0400 386 991.
Know what can and can’t go down your drain
The best thing you can do to keep your drain unblocked is to know what should and shouldn’t go down there. Never pour fat, oil or grease down your drain – these become solid when they cool and block the drain.
Other things to avoid dropping in your drain:
- Coffee grounds (these don’t break down in water)
- Food (especially pasta and rice)
- Eggshells (they can catch on other bits of items clogging your drain)
- Medication (these can leak into water reservoirs)
- Gold jewellery (although we’re sure if this happens it’s bound to be an accident)
Weekly water flushes
At least once a week pour boiling hot water (from your kettle or tap) down your drain. The piping hot water helps wash away or loosen any grease or fat that may be stuck there.
Give it a wash
Try using natural household cleaners like bi-carb (sodium bicarbonate – which is actually salt) and vinegar to clean or dislodge fat or grease that may be lurking down your sink. Use 1/2 a cup of vinegar and 1/2 a cup of bi-carb. A white vinegar and bi-carb mix cleans just about anything actually. Got tough stains in your oven or on cook top? Got lines in the loo that won’t budge? Tired of feeling ill from using chemical products? Vinegar and bi-carb will sort all of that out.
Put a plug in it
An easy way to keep your drain clean as a whistle is to get a kitchen sink strainer. This helps keep food out of your drain as it acts like a sieve to catch any food from dish washing or food prepping around the sink.
Ice it
If your drain has garbage disposal blades, you’ll need to keep the blades free of residue too. Ice is a good way to clean the blades of your garbage disposal. It also helps sharpen the blades.
