Drain clogs can bring your day to a screeching halt, but they do not have to be a frequent foe. With a little creativity and some everyday household items, you can become a drain defense master.

Catch Those Culprits Before They Cause Chaos

To keep your drains from getting clogged, you must prevent gunk from accumulating. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to catch common clog-makers.

Hair is a common culprit in shower and bathroom sink clogs. Install a drain screen to trap hair before it enters the drain, and clean the screen regularly to prevent buildup.

Veggie scraps and coffee grounds might seem harmless going down the kitchen sink, however, they can build up over time and cause major blockages. Instead, scrape food waste into the trash can, and pour coffee grounds into a compost bin.

Fatty oils and grease can solidify in your pipes, and this can undoubtedly create a sticky mess. Never pour cooking grease down the drain! Let it cool and solidify. After that, throw it away in the trash.

Natural Cleaning Power on a Budget!

Even with prevention methods, clogs can sometimes develop. But before you call the plumber, try these natural cleaning solutions.

Baking soda and white vinegar form a classic combo that can work wonders. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow it with a cup of white vinegar. The mixture will fizz and bubble as it breaks down grime. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, flush away the mixture with hot water.

For a quick fix for greasy clogs, boil a pot of water. Then, carefully pour the water down the drain to melt away greasy buildup. This doesn’t work for all drains, though. If your pipes are plastic, boiling water can cause them to warp.

A trusty plunger can dislodge clogs caused by hair or soap scum. Fill the sink or bathtub with enough water to cover the plunger cup. Then, plunge vigorously for 15–20 seconds.

Call in the Plumbing Heroes

There are many heroes among us, and some are professional plumbers who can tackle the toughest of jobs to restore plumbing to its former glory. If you have taken every step possible to prevent clogs and are still contending with major trouble, plumbers can help. With special tools, they can locate the clog and eradicate it. If you take the creative approaches above and call for help when you need it, you can help your plumbing to continue serving you well.

If you need drain cleaning services to restore the plumbing in your Indianapolis, IN home, call our team at JW’s, and we will get you up and running ASAP.