Being a homeowner demands a lot of responsibility, and sometimes, some expense. If you’re like many homeowners, you’re very often watching for ways to reduce expenses. By inspecting drains often, and by taking a few basic steps that follow, you can put an end to many clogs and defray plumbing repair expenses.

Why do drains get clogged?

All home plumbing pipes are at risk of clogging up. Kitchen sinks become clogged from a buildup of grease. The grease on your dishes that disappears in liquid dish soap doesn’t actually get washed away , but ends up adhering to the inside of pipes as the water drains. Small pieces of food that end up in the drain adhere to the sides, and eventually, the sink stops up. Bathroom sinks and bathtubs collect soap residue, oils, and waxes from the creams and lotions we use daily. These agents stick to the pipes similar to the grease in the kitchen drain. Hair gets built up in the pipes and the drain clogs.

What can I do to prevent clogs?

Place a screen over any open drain. This prevents pieces of food or hair from being washed into the pipes. Clean the drain screen often, preferably after each use. For sinks with pop-up stoppers, clean the stoppers regularly to keep your sinks running freely. Let grease cool and solidify in the pan after cooking. Remove as much as you can out of the pan into the garbage. Every week, pour steaming water down each of the drains to cleanse the walls from any gunk that might have collected in the drains. Quarterly, pour a combination of 2 cups baking soda and 1 cup vinegar down each sink drain. In half an hour, pour scalding hot water down the drain. Wait 5 minutes and then pour cold water into the drain to remove any residue.

How can I unclog a drain?

To get rid of small clogs, drop three tablets of Alka-Seltzer directly into the open drain. Add a cup of vinegar in after the Alka-Seltzer. When the bubbles settle flush with hot or boiling water. A plunger may help if necessary to make the process a little faster. After using Alka-Seltzer and vinegar, a plunger is next. You’ll want to cover the overflow hole in the sink or bathtub so that the pressure will be more effective. A natural drain cleaner is your next step to clear the clog. There are quite a few “green” drain cleaners available. Don’t use drain cleaners that contain chemicals. The chemicals are harmful to you, to your pipes, and to the environment.

When should I call a Pro?

You’ve tried the outlined ways to dissolve the clog, but it’s still a problem. Now is the time to rely on professional plumbing services. Residential plumbing specialists are all over town. To ensure quality work, pick a licensed home plumbing company that is listed with the Better Business Bureau.