When there is trouble with the drains in your home, it could turn into an unsightly and foul-smelling mess. This is the last problem you want to have to deal with unexpectedly, but preventive maintenance can potentially keep you from dealing with this issue at all. When you take all of the following steps in maintaining your drain and sewer line, your drains stay clean and clear and safe from damage.
Do Not Use Drain Cleaning Chemicals
Drain cleaning chemicals are toxic, and have been known to cause serious harm to the skin and eyes. Besides, most of these chemicals are only really effective at dissolving a few different types of items—not all of them—and only those close to the drain opening. The chemicals used in drain cleaners can actually damage the lining of the pipes, but professional plumbers have tools and know the proper techniques that do not harm the pipe material.
Avoid Disposing of Certain Items Down the Drain
You should not treat your garbage disposal as a place to dispose of anything and everything. Of course, non-food items should stay out of the disposal entirely. So should hard foods like popcorn and meat bones. Fibrous items (onion skins, corn husks, asparagus) could catch on the impeller and stop the disposal motor.
Some items you may expect to be harmless should also be avoided. Pasta and rice can expand in the drains and force drainage to back up into your sinks and tubs. Fats, oils, and grease (known as F.O.G. to plumbers), may turn to a solid in the pipes and create blockage.
Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning and Inspection
Drain cleaning professionals can find the exact source of a clog and remove the blockage without damaging your drains. But even if there is not a pressing issue with your drainage, calling in a drain cleaning specialist can help to protect your drains throughout the year. Hydro jetting blasts sludge away from the lining of the pipes so that your drain and sewer line is less likely to clog.
Call the experts at Ace Pelizon Plumbing for quality drain cleaning and repair services in Pasadena, CA.