How To Have A Clog-Free Home

A clog can be one of the messiest plumbing problems and can cause a major headache when they repeatedly happen.

They can cause damage to floors, walls, your entire plumbing system, and sometimes the ceiling when in a 2-story house or building.

You can maintain a clog-free home by knowing these simple tips to keep your plumbing running.

Toilets

Clogged toilets mainly happen due to improper use, non-flushable items being flushed, and sometimes a problem deeper in your pipes.

Flushing Do’s and Don’ts

It is important to discuss what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet. Especially with kids, since they can be fascinated by the swirling water.

The only items that should go down the toilet include toilet paper and human waste. Remember to avoid using too much toilet paper and courtesy flush if you need to.

Consider clearing off countertops of shelves near the toilet so non-flushable items do not accidentally fall in.

Also avoid putting non-flushable items down the toilet purposely. These include:

• Paper towels

• Wipes of any kind, even if they say “flushable”

• Cotton Balls or Q-tips

• Floss

• Hair

• Grease

• Feminine products

• Bandages

• Cigarette butts

• Medications

• Kitty Litter

• Insects or Fish

Just because an item like wipes or diapers may say they are flushable, does not mean they won’t cause clogs.

Being sure everyone in the household is aware of the do’s and don’ts of your toilet can prevent lots of issues.

Plunging

In the case your toilet does get clogged, have a plunger nearby. Also if it looks to be clogged, do not flush again, it may cause the toilet to overflow and flood the bathroom with water and whatever was in the bowl.

You can plunge your toilet yourself, but if clogs continue to happen, you should call a plumber for a more permanent solution.

When plunging yourself be sure to effectively plunge. You can do this by, putting the plunger into the bowl and placing it over the drainage hole so no air can escape.

Then continue to plunge the toilet between 5 and 7 times and attempt to loosen the blockage.

Lift the plunger and see if the clog has freed. This process may need to be repeated if it doesn't unclog on the first try.

Drains

Your home’s drains can also become clogged, not just your toilet. When it comes to drains, they are placed in some of the most used rooms in your home and when problems arise it can make your home uncomfortable for you, your family and guests.

Prevention

Just like toilets, there are many things that should not go down your drains, in the sink or shower.

Ultimately you should only allow soap and water to flow down your drain to keep it working properly.

It is not a trash can and you should avoid putting the following down any drain in your home.

• Grease or oils

• Eggshells

• Coffee Grounds

• Hair

• Paint

• Cigarette buds or ashes

• Household liquids

• Medications

• Small food scraps

When doing dishes, be sure to put all food scraps in your trash or compost prior to washing dishes, to prevent any small scraps going down the drain.

Also consider using a screen or drain gate to help catch those unwanted items.

Unwanted items can cause build up in your pipes and cause a clog overtime, even if the impact is not immediate.

Maintenance and Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning your drain, avoid using chemical drain cleaners, it can eat away at your pipes coding and overtime cause more damage than good.

Instead try a DIY solution that can be made out of things you may already have in your home.

Besides cleaning, you can do simple things such as running the water after you're done with the sink or shower to help flush any unwanted materials down the drain.