Drain Cleaning: 4 Substances That Should Stay Out of Your Pipes

Apr 7
09:07

2012

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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Professional drain cleaning can stop huge problems from occurring. You can avoid these problems by making sure these 4 substances do not go down the drain.

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Professional drain cleaning can help your plumbing system move more quickly and stop huge problems from occurring. For any homeowner who is serious about maintenance,Drain Cleaning: 4 Substances That Should Stay Out of Your Pipes Articles it is a service you should certainly consider. Having said that, there's a difference between having a service like this done because you think it would be beneficial and having it done because there's no other choice. Avoid major issues with your plumbing by making sure these 4 substances don't go down the drain.

Hair and Fur

It goes without saying that it's impossible to ensure that no hair goes down your pipes. But any drain cleaning specialist will tell you that excess hair and fur is one of the primary sources for major clogs. While some amount of it is bound to wind up going down the sink or bathtub pipes, you can do your part by installing strainers that prevent a lot of it from making it through. Wash your pets outside or in a bucket instead of the tub.

Grease

It's all too easy to send the grease from your pots and pans into the sink. After all, it's a liquid, right? Why can't it go through the pipes just like water, soda, and any other liquid. Well, the problem is that grease doesn't stay a liquid. After it cools, it turns into a congealed mass that will cling to your pipes like plaque in an unhealthy person's arteries. And in both cases, it can lead to trouble. Fortunately, professional drain cleaning is available for those who make this mistake with their plumbing.

Pasta

Pasta is similar to grease in that many people don't even think twice before putting it down the garbage disposal. But pasta, even after it has met the blade, can grow when constantly subjected to water. After time, it can swell and cause a clog. One or two elbows of macaroni aren't going to cause a major emergency, but if you make a habit of scraping your spaghetti off into the sink, you could be courting trouble.

Paper Towels

Paper towels belong in the trash, not in the toilet. Even a few instances of putting them down in the pipes can result in a clog that will be tough to fix without professional drain cleaning. Many a plumber has warned his customers that only toilet paper should go into the toilet, but this is one lesson that homeowners are slow to learn. Avoid it in the first place and you'll save a lot of money.