Every plumbing fixture in your home has a drain that carries water and debris outside. It deposits this in your septic tank or the city’s sewer system. The biggest problem is that most people neglect their drains. They flush the wrong things down the toilet line or use their garbage disposal for almost everything. This year, discover some simple tips that help you refresh your drains and get them ready for spring and summer.

Identify Problems

The warmer seasons are a good time to identify any possible problems that might require help from the pros. Do you pick up odd scents around a drain? Those scents are a big sign you have trapped foods and other particles inside the pipe. This is common in your kitchen if you drop grease or vegetable peels in the drain. In the bathroom, those scents can indicate the presence of old wipes, beauty products, or even human waste. Don’t forget to look for drains that are slow or cause water to back up.

Try Vinegar and Baking Soda

This is an old trick that often works wonders. Add one cup of distilled white vinegar to the drain and let it sit for around 30 minutes. Pour hot water down the drain to force out the vinegar and flush away any clogs. You can also use baking soda first and then add the vinegar, which creates a chemical reaction to get rid of clogs. The combination of vinegar and baking soda also works well to eliminate any bad smells you pick up.

Invest in a Hair Snake

A hair snake is a simple tool that does a great job of removing hair lodged in your drains. While cheaper products use plastic, some of the better tools use metal. You slide the tool into the drain and wiggle it around to collect the hairs inside. When you pull it out, it should bring out most or all of those hairs. Similar tools use a battery or plug into an outlet, giving you more force to remove debris.

Avoid Chemical Cleaners

Though chemical cleaners are common and found in most stores, avoid using them around your home. They rely on caustic substances that often cause more harm than good. Not only can they eat through your pipes, but they can also damage your tub, sink, or shower. Some people are susceptible to the chemicals and feel sick when they use them. Inhaling the chemicals can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded and cause breathing problems.

Refresh your drains this spring with some of these tips. They will help you eliminate clogs and bad odors while also ensuring the pipes are free and clear going forward. Reach out to JW’s if you live in the Indianapolis, IN area and discover you need help with drain cleaning this season.