3 Easy Ways to Prevent a Clogged Sink
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How to Prevent Clogged Sinks
Homeowners are sure to face plumbing issues at one time or another, and one of the most common plumbing problems is clogged sinks. Whether in the bathroom or the kitchen, clogged sinks are a hassle to deal with. Rotten smells, slow drainage and pooling water are all common side effects of a clogged sink, but luckily there is a remedy. Although a clogged sink is among the most common plumbing problems, it is also one of the easiest plumbing issues to prevent.
In this article, plumbing experts offer tips for unclogging those stubborn sink clogs and how to prevent them from happening again.
Never Pour Cooking Grease Down the Drain
Cooking grease is one of the biggest causes of sink clogs in the kitchen. The grease may be in liquid form when it’s initially poured down the drain, but as it cools, the grease hardens in the pipes and prevents water and other waste from passing through. Grease typically cools within just a few minutes. So even if the grease makes it through part of the plumbing system, there’s still a long way to go before it reaches the main line. And if it hardens and forms a clog in the main line, that’s even worse!
Clogs in the main line prevent waste from moving away from the house. Instead, it can come back towards the house and re-enter the drains. Take it from those who have learned the hard way: never pour cooking grease down the drain. Let it cool in a bowl or can and scrape it into the garbage instead.
Garbage Disposal Clogs
Another common cause of sink clogs is improper use of the garbage disposal. Garbage disposals are great! They can grind up food particles to help prevent clogs in the pipes. But even garbage disposals have their limits. Homeowners and their families should still be cautious and not throw everything into the garbage disposal. If this happens, it can become too much for the device to break up and result in a clog.Also, be careful of accidents around the sink as well. If a spoon, fork or other object gets knocked into the garbage disposal by accident, it can cause a lot of noise and wreck the blades preventing the device from doing its job. Following other best practices like turning on the water while using the device can also prevent sink clogs. Remember, small actions go a long way in preventing plumbing problems.
Don’t Forget to Clean the Drain Stoppers
For sinks that don’t have garbage disposals (and even for those that do), drain stoppers are a common solution. Drain stoppers are typically small knobs that cover the drain and stop the flow of water. For kitchen sinks, these are used to stop the flow of water down the drain so dishes can be washed by hand, and they also catch any leftover food particles and prevent them from falling down the drain.
But drain stoppers are also found in bathroom sink, shower and tub drains. There are all kinds of styles for drain stoppers, including lift-and-turn, pop-ups, push-and-pull, trip levers and more. These drain stoppers can get clogged as well, so it’s best to clean them out on an annual basis to get rid of any buildup that may be forming.
About Hall’s Plumbing
Since opening in 1995, Hall’s Plumbing has become one the most reputable plumbing companies in Woodland, CA with highly trained plumbers focused on providing comprehensive, detail-oriented service. What makes them different from other plumbing companies is the personal attention they provide to every customer.
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