The last thing anyone wants to do is clean up the mess of a blocked drain. Fortunately, for many types of clogs there are steps you can take to help prevent them from happening in the first place. So let’s take a look at six great tips that will help!

Hair is your enemy

As hair tends to be stringy and tough, it works its way down sinks and into toilets faster than just about anything else. Keep hair away from drains by throwing it in the trash instead of flushing it or letting it collect on the counter-top or floor. It also helps if disposals are used properly. Avoid putting things fat, grease, or other organic matter down your drain as these things can build up and harden in your plumbing system.

Unplug before turning on the water

Make sure that nothing plugs the sink before you turn on the water to let it fill. The garbage disposal is especially prone to trapping objects beneath it and causing a clog if not unplugged first.

Minimize the amount of grease in your drain

Grease is a major cause of clogged drains. Be sure to wipe grease and oil from dishes before washing them, as a buildup can create clog in your drain. Also, pour the water down and not the grease into your sink. Furthermore, invest in a good garbage disposal cleaner for better drainage.

Clean out your strainer

Hair that still manages to fall through the strainer lodges itself between it and the drain pipe under the sink. This also allows food scraps to collect and lead to clogs. Check under your sink regularly (at least once or twice per week) for any blockages caused by hair or other things clinging onto the connection between your sink’s strainer assembly and drain pipe.

Flush the toilet regularly

Hair that still manages to fall through the strainer lodges itself between it and the drain pipe under the sink. This also allows food scraps to collect and lead to clogs. Check under your sink regularly (at least once or twice per week) for any blockages caused by hair or other things clinging onto the connection between your sink’s strainer assembly and drain pipe.

Avoid draining large objects

Big things can be dangerous down your drain. Especially if you have a septic tank, big objects like toilet paper rolls or even just larger particles of waste can cause potential damage to your drain and sewer line. To avoid trouble, try to only pour the necessary items into your drains.