Do's and Don'ts of Drain Maintenance

Maintaining the functionality of your home’s plumbing system, which includes drain maintenance, is crucial for the smooth running of your daily activities. Yet, it’s surprising how often we overlook the impact of seemingly harmless actions, like pouring leftover cooking grease down the sink or rinsing coffee grounds down the drain.

These seemingly innocuous habits can lead to significant issues, such as clogs, backups, and even damage to your plumbing infrastructure.

Drain Maintenance Tips

Understanding What Shouldn’t Go Down Your Drain:

Grease – Harmful: It’s a common practice to dispose of leftover cooking grease by pouring it down the drain, but this can spell trouble for your plumbing. As grease cools, it solidifies and adheres to the inner walls of pipes, gradually building up and causing blockages. Moreover, when grease mixes with other substances in sewer systems, it can create a sticky, stubborn mass that damages pipes and pollutes water sources.

Coffee Grounds – Harmful: Despite their seemingly innocuous nature, coffee grounds are another culprit when it comes to drain clogs. Their fine particles can accumulate in pipes, gradually forming obstructions that impede water flow. To avoid this, it’s best to dispose of coffee grounds in the trash rather than rinsing them down the drain. But if you already have drain problems, you can call a plumber in Myrtle Beach right away.

Egg Shells, Bones, and Hard Food Waste – Harmful: While garbage disposals are designed to grind food waste, certain items can still pose a risk to your plumbing system. Eggshells, bones, and other hard food waste can damage disposal blades and contribute to clogs in pipes. It’s safer to dispose of these items in the trash or compost pile to avoid potential issues.

Identifying What’s Safe to Put Down Your Drain:

Citrus Fruits – Safe: Surprisingly, citrus fruits can play a beneficial role in maintaining clean, odor-free drains. The natural acidity of fruits like lemons and limes helps break down grease and grime, keeping pipes clear and fresh. Simply tossing a few citrus slices into your garbage disposal can help clean and deodorize it effectively.

Ice Cubes – Safe: Ice cubes are another handy tool for keeping your garbage disposal in good working order. The abrasive action of ice helps sharpen disposal blades and dislodge food particles that may have accumulated. For an extra boost, consider pairing ice cubes with citrus slices to clean and freshen your disposal simultaneously.

By being mindful of what you put down your drains, you can protect your plumbing system from unnecessary wear and tear and avoid costly repairs down the line. Be sure to call an expert right away if you need Myrtle Beach drain maintenance or other plumbing services.