5 Easy Ways to Maintain a Healthy Drainage System

Maintaining a healthy drainage system in your home is one of the best ways to prevent potential plumbing disasters. And the best way to maintain a healthy drainage system is to stop major problems before they start! 

Although it operates beyond the naked eye, the complex network of pipes, appliances, and drains that make up your drainage system are essential to comfortable living. If you’re careful about what goes down your drains and clean them regularly, you probably won’t have to deal with clogs very often. Just as you clean other areas of your home, you can clean and care for your drains. 

So, follow these five easy steps to keep your drains clear and free of debris, and maintain a healthy drainage system for years to come. 

Home Maintenance Tips – How to Maintain a Healthy Drainage System  

1. Install Drain Guards 

One of the simplest things you can do to maintain effective drainage in your home is to use drain guards. Drain guards are small plastic, metal, or mesh covers that sit atop the plug holes to reduce the amount of debris that gets washed down. They can be purchased at any plumbing equipment outlet and are easy to install. 

Although a drain guard will effectively remove large items such as hair and food particles, it’s still essential to pay attention to what goes in your drains. Always dispose of non-dissolvable products like household fluids, fats, oils, and grease in the bin, rather than pouring them down the drain. 

2. Clear Your Drains with Hot Water Regularly 

Another great way to prevent drainage problems is to flush your drains with hot water once a week. This will help dissolve oils and fats that may have unintentionally gone down the drain. For best results, use a combination of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar. Pour hot water down the drain, followed by a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain’s opening for 10-15 minutes, and then flush the system again with hot water. 

If you have plastic pipes, make sure the water is hot, but not boiling, as it could lead to leaks down the road. And if you’re tempted to skip the hot water and reach for a bottle of Drano, have a look at our post about the hazards of chemical drain cleaners and think again. 

3. Pay Attention to Your Home’s Water Pressure

One of the easiest ways to assess your drainage system is to check your home’s water pressure. Sometimes, slow water pressure indicates a problem with the distribution system; however, if the pressure is only low in certain areas of your home, it’s likely a sign of a drainage issue. If a drain is blocked, it will prevent water from flowing through with ease. 

For a clear and detailed assessment, you can invest in a tool to measure water pressure. If the water pressure is noticeably diminishing, especially if it’s localized to one area, it may be time to call the professionals.

4. Keep Pet Hair Out of The Drains  

If you’re a pet owner, you’ll likely need to shower or bath them at times. If you’re not careful, the amount of hair loss during cleaning could cause an instant drain blockage. You can prevent this by placing a washcloth over the drain. It will catch the excess hair, allowing you to safely dispose of it later. 

Another great solution is to buy a portable bathtub for washing your pet, or use the garden hose outside on warm days.  

5. Maintain a Healthy Drainage System – Let the Professionals Do the Hard Work

Your home’s drain system should be reliable for years as long as it is maintained properly. Looking for more DIY solutions? You can follow some of these simple steps to try fixing a slow draining drain on your own. 

If you’re struggling with simple solutions or feeling overwhelmed, give us a call at Ashton today. When you need drain clearing or maintenance services, you can trust the experts at Ashton Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning. Our technicians have the skills, knowledge, and tools to fix most drain clearing problems on the spot!