7 TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR DRAINS HEALTHY
We’ve all clogged a drain at least a few times in our lives, whether it’s a toilet, a sink or a shower. It’s not a fun experience, and frankly, it’s usually pretty disgusting. What causes these clogs? There are usually a variety of factors that lead to this unfortunate circumstance — improper disposal of foods, waste, and other materials.

Usually, a clogged pipe is the simplest plumbing issue to resolve. However, a blockage can become a complex problem if the drain is not cleared properly, and soon after, the problem begins. In order to prevent common plumbing issues in your home, you need to know what causes most plumbing blockages. Your plumbing equipment will last longer when you keep these items out of your drains:
Oil
Oil is the number one cause of sewer overflows, and raw sewage is a major health hazard, which can damage your health and the surrounding environment. It should never be poured down your kitchen sink drain. Hot water will temporarily loosen the oil, but it will eventually resolidify in another part of your pipes.
The blockage will eventually collect other waste and debris, creating a much larger blockage. Instead, dispose of your old oil by pouring it into an old container. When the grease cools and hardens, throw the container in the trash.
Starches
Food items like rice, potatoes, and pasta can be disastrous for your plumbing. Little grains of rice can clog your pipes. And as the starches begin to separate in the water, they’ll settle at the bottom of your pipes and create a sticky substance, adhering themselves to the walls of the pipe.
Pet Waste
Never flush pet waste! Animal feces can block drains and may contain intestinal worms and other bacteria, which can lead to a contaminated water supply. Always throw animal waste in the trash.
Automotive Fluids
In many cities, pouring motor oil down the drain is illegal. This is because it can contaminate the local water supply and also damage the soil. Used motor oil should be poured into a container and taken to an acceptable recycling facility. Most automotive service centers will recycle your used motor oil.
Cotton Balls and Q-tips
Do your best to keep cotton products out of your plumbing system. You might think that it’s similar to tossing toilet paper down the drain, but cotton balls don’t disintegrate the same way.
Feminine Hygiene Products
One of the major issues facing ocean cleanliness right now is the amount of plastic floating in the water. A contributor to this is the plastic found in feminine hygiene products, which are not biodegradable. Subsequently, these products remain in the oceans for hundreds of years, becoming a major safety hazard for ocean wildlife. Additionally, these plastics and cotton fibers are also known to contaminate the soil.
Keep Your Drains Clean
Always use natural products in your drains and avoid using chemical drain cleaners as much as possible. While they might seem like an easy and convenient choice at the moment, they’ll cause a lot more headaches down the road.
Vinegar is one of the best natural cleaners for drains. A cup of vinegar will go a long way to dissolve tiny food particles. For a fresh scent, pour a cup of baking soda down the drains or try cleaning the bathroom drains with salt and vinegar.
Some plumbing problems, such as drain clogs, might seem like a simple issue. However, oftentimes they transform into something much less manageable. If you encounter a more complex problem, it will likely require professional intervention.
Don’t try to fix your “small” drain clogs with easy solutions like chemical drain cleaners; you’ll only make the situation more difficult to resolve. Instead, contact the professionals at Rooter Warrior Plumbing & Drain Cleaning. We can inspect your pipes with our video technology, which will give us the full picture of what your problems include and take away the guesswork.
