Many homeowners take their drainage systems for granted until there’s a problem they can’t ignore. That’s not the wisest approach because your drains are crucial to your comfort and health. What’s more, minor drain problems can quickly spiral into expensive repairs. Let’s explore ways to enjoy a healthier and cleaner drain system this coming year.

Watch What Goes Down Your Drain

Take care with what you put in your drains and flush down your toilets. The most common mistake homeowners make is with grease and other oily food items that harden. If you do this by mistake, boil water, and dump it down the drain to avoid a buildup. Flush toilet paper but never wet wipes, cotton balls, and other thick items.

In your kitchen sink, you have more options if you have a garbage disposal. Still, avoid dumping grease, any fibrous materials, and any small particles that can build up, such as coffee grinds. Clean your garbage disposal at least once a week. Schedule professional maintenance once a year for a deep clean and correction of normal wear and tear.

Don’t Use Chemical Cleaners

Never use chemical drain cleaners available at your local grocery or home improvement store. If a cleaning agent is powerful enough to clear a clog, it’s strong enough to damage your plumbing. It may seem as though you’re saving money, but it can cost you a lot more in the end.

Avoid Plunging Too Hard and Too Long

Some light plunging is all right if you have a minor clog, but be careful not to overdo it. You can’t exacerbate the problem and damage the plumbing. Overdoing means being too forceful and continuing to plunge for an extended period.

Book a Drain Inspection at the First Signs of Trouble

Another common mistake is ignoring the early signs of poor drain health. That includes slow drainage and any unpleasant odors wafting up from the drain. If you have standing water, you’ve probably already delayed too long.

A local problems will affect only one drain. If the issues are more widespread, they can indicate a problem deeper in the system, such as a sewer blockage. In that case, you might experience multiple slow drains throughout the home, gurgling toilets, and fluctuating toilet water levels.

Upgrade to High-Efficiency Fixtures

WaterSense fixtures and appliances use a lot less water than their standard counterparts. That includes toilets, showerheads, faucets, dishwashers, and washing machines. Less water going through your system will result in fewer drainage issues. If you have hard water, consider installing a whole-house water softening system.

If you need a drain inspection and probable drain cleaning in Grand Forks, ND, call us at Total Care Plumbing or schedule an appointment online.