Preventing Kitchen Drain Clogs

One of the most common plumbing problems we see in homes is a backed up kitchen drain. Most of the clogged drains can be prevented by following a few simple rules when disposing of waste down the disposal.

1. Don’t pour grease down drains. Grease and fat are among the worst things you can pour down a drain. You may get away with pouring grease for a while without noticing any problems, but over time grease can cling to pipes and trap other waste,  obstructing the flow of water. A safe way to dispose of oil and grease is to pour it into an empty plastic container that can be sealed and thrown into the trash. Thicker grease can be wiped off pans with a paper towel and thrown into the garbage.

2. Go easy on the disposal. While under sink disposals are a great convenience, it’s important to rely too heavily on the disposal to get rid of all your food waste. Some disposals are more powerful than others, so don’t overload the unit. Scrape food waste into the garbage prior to rinsing dishes into the sink. Turn the disposal on and run water rather than piling in waste then turning on the disposal.

3. Avoid putting starchy foods down the drain. Food that becomes sticky and expands when wet, such as pasta, potatoes, rice, etc, can act like glue inside of pipes, create stubborn clogs. Also avoid putting eggshells and banana peels down the disposal, which can jam the disposal.

4. Maintain your drains 
When using your disposal always run plenty of water, and let the water run for 30 seconds after turning off the disposal. You can also keep your drains in good condition by spreading a half a cup of baking soda into the drain followed by a cup of vinegar. After the solution stops fizzing, pour a few cups of boiling water. Natural, biological-based drain products that use natural enzymes to break down waste are also an effective way to keep your drains clean.

If you notice that your drains are emptying slowly, give Ostrom a call, we can help clear the toughest clogs.