Clogged drains can be a nightmare.

Thankfully, there are a few simple habits we can maintain on a regular basis to help minimize or avoid clogs altogether. 

 

Avoid letting the usual culprits fall down the drain

Food particles, hair, and non-organic items can easily slip down the drain, especially when cooking. Although it may be easy for them to enter the drain, it's not always easy for them to get through it. Without a constant flow of water, they will build up to become a clog.

Grease may seem harmless as a liquid, but it becomes a solid when it cools. This sticky solid will coat the drain and can build up to block it. Grease should be collected in a disposable container and left to harden, or soaked up with paper towels and tossed in the organics bin.

 

Add a safety net

Stopping unwanted items from going into the drain will ultimately be your best defence. Mesh drain stoppers are sold at home improvement stores for less than $10 and will stop anything but liquid from entering your drain. Add one to the kitchen to catch food particles, and one to each drain in the bathroom to collect hair. 

 

Routine cleaning

You may not realize your drains need to be cleaned, but it's an important task. With regular cleaning and preventive measures in place, your chances of experiencing a clogged drain significantly decrease. 

Clean your drain once a month by pouring boiling water down the drain and then running warm water from the tap into the drain for 5 minutes. You can also use a hair drain snake once a month to pull out stray hairs that have worked their way into your drain. 

If you notice water is draining slower than normal, act right away. Pour ¾ cup of baking soda into the drain, and follow it with half a cup of vinegar. Plug the drain for 30 minutes, then pour boiling water down the drain. Or, pour a cup of bleach in the drain at night and rinse it with warm water in the morning.

 

If you experience a tough clog, contact your property manager immediately. Our staff can help you determine the best way to resolve the issue.