It's a drain's job to transport waste to your sewage or septic system, and as a result, this component comes into contact with many items that can create a blockage. The need for drain cleaning is a common reason to call a plumbing contractor, but with the proper knowledge, you can maintain these features, prevent clogs, and avoid having to call a professional for help. Here's how to keep your home's plumbing in top shape.

How to Prevent the Need for Drain Cleaning

1. Dispose of Waste Carefully

Certain foods and products are insoluble and capable of adhering to the sides of the drain pipes, so they tend to create clogs when they are disposed of in large quantities. Some of these items include rice, pasta, potato peelings, onion skins, coffee grounds, animal bones, fat, grease, oil, paper towels, dental floss, feminine hygiene products, and plastic stickers or caps. Throw these items in your trash, and keep them out of your sinks, garbage disposals, shower drains, and toilets to protect your plumbing.

2. Install Protection

Hair and soap scum tend to accumulate and cause clogs that require professional attention. Since you need to shower or bathe, you can’t stop the residues from these products from making their way toward drains. However, you can install catchers or mesh screens to prevent some runoff from actually washing down pipes. Clean off the screen after each use to prevent buildup. These devices also work well in kitchen and bathroom sinks, stopping large, insoluble, and sticky foods and objects from falling into the drains by accident.

3. Clean Regularly

Check and clean your drains every few months. A plumbing snake or bent wire hanger can snag hair and other offending items so that you can pull them safely out of the plumbing and throw them away properly. Pour hot water with vinegar and baking soda into the pipes to break down buildup that water might be unable to dissolve on its own. You can also call a professional if you're unsure how to attack a drain clog on your own.

4. Get Maintenance

Let an expert inspect your pipework once or twice a year, even if you don’t think there are any problems. If a blockage has started forming, they can provide drain cleaning services before the problem becomes significant enough that it could break your pipes or cause backflow. The longer a clog goes unnoticed, the more difficult and expensive it will be to resolve.

Reach out to Riley-Armstrong Plumbing & Heating in Fort Dodge, IA, if you need drain cleaning or preventive plumbing maintenance. These professionals have been providing Webster County residents with dependable and thorough commercial and residential plumbing services for over 30 years. They’re also available 24/7 for emergencies. Call (515) 955-2232 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more.