4th of July Plumber’s Checklist: How to Prevent Drain Clogs and System Malfunctions

With summer in full swing, everyone’s thinking about vacations, fireworks, and outdoor fun. And many homeowners are preparing to entertain in their spaces, which can involve a lot of food prep. But for food prep to go smoothly, you’ll need healthy, ready-to-go drains.

The last thing you want to deal with before guests arrive is a drain clog, icemaker issues, or other plumbing problems. Here’s how a professional plumber recommends you handle your preparations for the 4th of July to keep your plumbing flowing freely.

Be Aware of How You Use Your Drain

One of the best mitigation techniques for clogs is to keep food out of your drains. Even small food scraps can build up in your pipes, so keeping a basket or mesh strainer allows water to flow freely and makes cleaning up the solids easy. It’s wise to limit putting food down your drain as much as possible, but strainers are an excellent way for you to do so without any effort.

If you put food down your drain, use your garbage disposal well and avoid items like bones or coffee grounds. It would always help to rinse your kitchen drains with hot water to dislodge food particles and discourage clogs from forming.

Go Natural

Soap scum is another culprit of drain clogs. And while you can’t avoid it entirely, you can make your life a little easier by using gentler, more natural cleansers. You can use vinegar and baking soda — both clean your drain and make it smell wonderfully fresh.

Ironically, harsh chemicals like drain openers aren’t great for your drain. They can corrode your pipes and make things much worse. It’s always better to call a professional plumber or try a plunger rather than use these harsh chemicals on your drain.

Put Drain and Septic System Services on Your Checklist This Summer

Are you hosting a grand get-together this 4th of July that could wreak havoc on your pipes? Make sure your drains are in tip-top shape with help from the plumbers at RooterMan. Contact us at 866-577-1221 to get your free estimate!

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