Simple Steps To Avoid Drain Problems
Keeping the drains of your home clean and open does not have to be a difficult task, but it is one that will require some effort to prevent clogs or other issues from impacting the drains. Luckily, there are several drain cleaning tips that will be able to prevent some of the most routine drain problems that can be encountered by homeowners.
Hot Water Flushes
Flushing your drains with hot water is a highly effective, easy, and low-cost option for removing much of the dirt and grease that can gather in the drains over time. The heat from the water will be able to help loosen sticky substances so that any material that was trapped by the residue can be released. For this to be as effective as possible, the homeowner will need to flush the drain with sustained hot water for at least a minute or two. Mixing a small amount of salt into this mixture can help to improve its effectiveness due to the salt's abrasive and coarse qualities.
Use Vinegar
Unfortunately, there are some residues and other substances that may simply not loosen when exposed to intense heat. Luckily, vinegar can be extremely effective at loosening and dissolving these substances so that they can be eliminated. Not surprisingly, most people do not find the scent of straight vinegar to be pleasing. For these individuals, using apple cider vinegar can be an effective way of eliminating these residues while avoiding the unpleasant odor of pure vinegar. To reduce the amount of vinegar that you must use to flush the drains, using a mixture of half water and half vinegar can achieve similar results while drastically reducing the amount of vinegar that will be needed to treat each drain.
Drain Sanitizers
Bacteria can thrive in the drains and plumbing system. While you will generally avoid coming into contact with the bacteria that occupy your drains and pipes, they can still produce extremely unpleasant odors that can circulate through the house. Additionally, some bacteria and fungi can become airborne, which can pose a health risk to some individuals. The only effective way to eliminate these bacteria will be to pour a large amount of drain sanitizer down the pipes. This sanitizing solution will need to remain for at least several minutes before rinsing the drain, but it should be able to eliminate the vast majority of the bacteria that could be living in the drains and plumbing pipes.
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