Ways to Protect Your Plumbing Drains

How to Protect Your Plumbing Drains at Home

One of the most important parts of your home’s plumbing system is the drains. Drains help transport wastewater from your humble abode into the sewer. From there, that “used water” will then be distributed to a water treatment plant — and the rest is history.

That said, there are times when those drains will become obstructed or, worse — damaged. In a conscious effort to help protect the drains in your home, here are some drain-friendly tips to take into kind consideration:

Use the Garbage Disposal with Care

Unfortunately, more often than not, some homeowners put just about anything and everything into their garbage disposal. While the device may seem to be indestructible — being able to “devour” just about anything in its possession — that couldn’t be further from the truth.

In reality, garbage disposals are strong but can be brittle if the wrong object is “fed” to them. That said, here’s what to throw into a trash can instead:

• Seafood shells (i.e., oyster shells)

• Cooking grease

• Corn husks

• Pasta

• Eggshells

• Fruit pits

• Animal bones and more

Furthermore, it’s also vital to ensure that you’re using your garbage disposal correctly. While it’s a simple process, here’s a quick refresher course:

• First, let cold water run.

• Next, turn on the disposal and feed it disposal-friendly items gently.

• After that, let the disposal run for a few seconds and then shut it off.

• Finally, once completed, shut the running water off, and you’ll be good to go!

Never Use DIY Tools to Clear Drains

If you run into an obstructed drain, chances are, you might consider crafting your DIY tools to unclog the drain. While this seems like a great, quick idea in the grand scheme of things, it’s actually a terrible idea.

For instance, if you were to straighten out a wire coat hanger, not only could it get stuck in the drain, but if you have PVC pipes (or those that are made from metal, but they’re on the older side), the sharp edges from the hanger could puncture the pipe — leading to the inevitable.

If you’re looking to have a drain cleared in your home, consider opting in for professional drain services from a team of certified plumbing professionals.

Consider Professional Drain Cleaning Services

Wish there was a way to keep your drains as clear as day? Well, that’s possible — thanks to professional drain cleaning services! Drain cleaning is a wonderful way to stay proactive about drain health and ensure that anything accumulated on the drainpipe will be eradicated safely and effectively.

Drain cleanings are also the best solution to help stubborn drains “breathe” again — since chemical drain cleaners found at home improvement stores can cause a series of troubles.

Never Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

Speaking of chemical drain cleaners, do whatever you can to avoid using them at all costs. Unlike the safe unclogging practices your professional plumber will use, chemical drain cleaners are harmful to your drains — as well as your well-being.

Many “fan favorite” drain cleaners are caustic — meaning their acidic base will heat up the minute it comes in contact with drain debris. However, that doesn’t mean it will stop at the drainpipe debris: the chemical mixture can burn through PVC and old metal pipes over time — causing a serious plumbing problem.

Expert Drain Services in Atlanta, Georgia

The commitment to workmanship, customer service, health, and safety can only be found at Quick Action Plumbers. With over 70 years of experience, our team of professionals knows the ins and outs of plumbing and can help get your drains up and running in no time.