Let’s face it: drain clogs are among the biggest nuisances a homeowner can face. They range from a minor annoyance that can be dealt with using a plunger or drain cleaner to something you have to call the plumber over for. What’s the secret to making them less of a problem for you? The secret is maintenance. Here are a few tips for maintaining shower and tub drains that will go a long way in reducing the number of clogs you encounter on a day-to-day basis.
Clean Around Drains and Employ a Hair-Trapper
Are you cleaning your shower or your tub? No? That can be a major cause of the problems that you’re currently facing. It’s essential to clean around the drain and keep debris out of the tub to prevent clogs that could cause problems. One major tip everyone recommends is investing in a good hair-trapper (also known as a drain cover). So long as you keep it on when you shower, you shouldn’t run into too many issues. Just make sure you pick it up and clean under it from time to time. It can get disgusting if left in one place.
Use Old-Fashioned Home Remedies to Keep Drains Clean
Chemical drain cleaners should always be a last resort. Those who use them regularly are bound to encounter a leak at some point. The same chemicals that enable drain cleaners to eat through all the gunk clogging your drains can also eat through drain materials. You can get ahead of all these clogs by regularly pouring hot water, baking soda, and vinegar down the drain. If you absolutely have to use a drain cleaner to unclog your drains yourself, always opt for an enzymatic product.
Pull Clogs Out When You See Them Forming
Most of us can see at least partway into our drains, even if we can’t get a good look all the way down. If you ever notice some hair and gunk buildup poking out and saying hello to you, pull it out with your fingers or use tweezers to reach it. This will keep it from moving further into the drain and creating issues.
Have Your Plumber Keep an Eye on the Health of Your Pipes
Asking your plumber to come over and check your drains and pipes every so often will help ensure you don’t end up dealing with severe drain issues that leave you without daily necessities. The more on top of regular inspections and maintenance you are, the better off your drains will be.
We all know that drains are problem areas, but we don’t necessarily know how to deal with them. Keep your shower and tub drains in better condition using these maintenance tips, and reach out for professional help when the time comes. If you live in Lexington, KY or a surrounding area and need drain cleaning services, make your first call to Absolute Services.