3 Drain Maintenance Mistakes To Avoid

Your drains are important parts of removing waste and water from your home. Unfortunately, most homeowners do not place much emphasis on their drains until there is an issue. A clog here and there is normal, but slow drains and chronic clogs may indicate a more involved issue. Proper understanding and maintenance are key to protecting your drains. Here are a few mistakes to avoid when maintaining your drains.

Using Chemical Cleaners

One of the most common mistakes you may be making is pouring chemical drain cleaners down your drains periodically. These liquids may be effective for cleaning away dirt, grime, grease, and waste, but they are actually doing more harm than good.

The chemicals in these liquid drain cleaners can be incredibly corrosive, wearing down your drains and plumbing. The plumbing may begin to rust and corrode, resulting in water leaks that can be expensive and damaging to your home.

As the drain cleaning chemicals move through your plumbing and out of the home, they can seep into the soil and nearby environment. Although damaging to your home, the chemicals are also damaging to the environment.

DIY Repairs

If you visit your local home improvement store or discount retailer, you will probably see a selection of plungers, augers, and other plumbing tools that can be used to remove clogs and clean your drains. In addition, some homeowners have been known to create makeshift tools out of wire hangers. This can be very problematic for your drains and underlying plumbing system.

Many homeowners tend to push clogs deeper into their drains when using plungers and plumbing snakes. This can lead to deeper clogs that are more difficult to remove, but also serous issues affecting your septic tank.

If you are dealing with chronic clogs or your drains are draining slower than usual, schedule a professional drain cleaning service offered by your plumber.

Not Cleaning/Maintaining

Finally, there are homeowners who do not believe a slow drain or clog is a big problem. Without removing the clog and cleaning your drains periodically, your plumbing and septic system could be at risk of serious water leaks, clogged septic tank, and a complete failure of your septic system.

Avoid pouring grease down your sink drain and flushing "flushable" items, such as cleaning wipes, medicine, cigarette butts, and condoms, down your toilet. Also, install a hair trap in your shower drains to prevent clogs from hair.

If you have a garbage disposal, be sure to clean and maintain it, as well. This will ensure food residue does not build up on the disposal and inside your drains.

For more information, contact a company like Calhoun Plumbing today.