Proactive maintenance of your drains can prevent serious plumbing issues down the road and can save you time and money in the long run. Today, we will go over the easiest and most important measures to take in order to keep your drains clean and clear.

Hot Water and Soap

Grease that is flushed down the drain can build over time and can eventually lead to a nasty block if left alone. To keep your kitchen drain grease-free, drop a tablespoon of dish soap down the drain, which will break down dried grease stuck in the pipes. Afterward, boil water, and slowly flush the water down the drain. Flush a little bit of water at a time, giving more grease time to melt between each dose of boiling water. The hot water will melt the grease, flushing it through the pipes.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a powerful cleaning agent that can clear out gunk from a drain. It breaks down materials while absorbing and neutralizing odors. Start with dropping a cup of baking soda down your drain, followed by vinegar. The baking soda, which is basic, will react to the vinegar, which is acidic, causing them to fizzle. The bubbling action will break apart whatever is stuck in the drain. However, if even this is not working, add half a cup of salt for extra potency.

You can also use lemon juice instead of vinegar. While lemon juice is more expensive, you might want to spend a little extra for a lemon-scented sink than a vinegar-scented sink!

There are many other home remedies for clearing out your drain. Oftentimes, drains can even clear on their own if you run water often enough. However, if none of these methods have been working for you, it might be time to call a plumber. Thankfully, Efficient Plumbing is here to help! Our experts can help you unclog your pipes in no time. Visit our website for more information.