Figuring out how to keep your drains and pipes clean can be a little bit frustrating. Especially if you’ve done everything but still failed in the end. If you want to keep your drains and pipes clean, it’s important to be mindful of what you put down on them and make sure to take all the necessary steps to keep them clean. Here are 4 plumbing tips that can keep your drains and pipes clean.

Use a Screen

Filtering particles that are not allowed to enter into your drain is essential in preventing clogs from happening. Installing a drain screen not only could save you from the hassle of needing to completely clean your drains but also ensuring that soap scum, foods, hair, and other gunk are prevented from entering into your drains.

Throw Grease in an Old Can

Grease can build-up quickly in your sink. To avoid clog problems caused by grease, put the grease or oils into a can or any metal container and throw it in the trash can after it cools down.

Rinse kitchen drains with hot water

Running hot water to your drain is a simple yet very effective natural drain cleaner and an excellent way to lessen the build-ups from fats, grease, and oils in your pipes. Let the hot water run for a few seconds to remove excess residue and gunk.

Toss some baking soda into the drain

Using baking soda can do wonders on smelly and clogged drains— it will keep your sinks smelling clean and fresh. All you need to do is pour a cup of baking soda into your drain, you can use a measuring cup to do this. Leave the mixture for about five to ten minutes before flushing the drain with hot water.

Other Ways to Keep Your Drains Clean

  • When the weather is warm enough, it’s best to wash your pets outdoors. The less pet hair and dander down the drain, the better.
  • Clean hair out of drains regularly. The more hair trap in the drain, the more it’s prone to clog.
  • Invest in a quality plunger. This is one of those cases where you get what you pay for.
  • Have plumbing service regularly. To avoid clogs, it’s best to have your plumbing checked and make sure that everything is working in good condition

When in doubt never flush the following down your drains

  • Plastics
  • Food
  • Cigarettes and ash
  • Kitchen roll and regular paper
  • Sanitary products
  • Harsh chemicals

Keep these things in mind to maintain your drains and pipes clean and clear but of course, if none of these works and despite your efforts, you will have to call a professional plumber with the right training and equipment to remove the stubborn clogs.