One of the easiest, but often most overlooked house chores is to routinely clean bathroom and kitchen drains. This simple task, if left undone, can have disgusting and damaging results.
Dirty drains aren’t just smelly, even small clogs in the shower and sink over time can turn into serious maintenance issues. Worse, a build-up of soap scum, food scraps, hair and other debris creates a breeding ground for bad bacteria and bugs.
Help prevent buildup on the interior surface of pipes by pouring one cup of vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then rinse with two quarts of very hot water.
To eliminate odour, pour a half cup of baking soda into the drain and follow with two quarts of hot water. Baking soda cleans sinks, shower and tub drains.
Outdoor Issues:
Allowing drain build-up to go unchecked can even cause sewer lines to burst and leak in extreme cases. Leaks can damage your front and back yards by creating standing water. Standing water is likely to lead to mold, mosquito breeding and erosion.
How We Wash:
Putting the wrong things down the sink can cause serious drain damage and clogs. Use a strainer to prevent bits of food from going down the drain.
Food particles clump together and stick to the sides of pipes. Starchy food like rice and pasta can be particularly problematic – they expand in water and can obstruct water flow. Scrape leftover food into the trash before washing your dishes, whether it’s by hand or in a dishwasher.
No Oil or Grease:
Do not under any circumstances pour grease and oil down the sink. They will stick to the sides of the pipes and solidify over time. This not only blocks the drain, but it can also result in corrosion and leaks.
Let hot grease COOL before sealing in a non-recyclable container, such as an apple juice container or coffee can for disposal. Wipe the greasy pot or pan out thoroughly before washing.
No Grounds:
Coffee grounds are a no go as over time they will accumulate in your pipes, forming a dense, thick mass. They absorb water and expand, further compounding the blockage. This could lead to a big plumbing bill.
Eggshells:
The membrane lining eggshells can wrap around the blades of a garbage disposal, leading to clogs. The shells can break into small pieces that are hard to flush out.
Harsh chemicals:
Harsh chemicals and cleaning agents can have detrimental effects on your pipes and the environment. Read the labels carefully before use.
Questions or comments? Contact me at [email protected].
(Mike Lightbourn is president of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty)
