Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain
The most straightforward way to prevent drain clogs in any Spokane home starts with being careful about what you allow to go down your drains. Kitchen sinks often become clogged because of cooking grease, food scraps, and coffee grounds that are incorrectly disposed of. Instead of pouring these materials into your sink, scrape them into a compost bin or the trash. In the bathroom, use drain covers to catch hair, soap pieces, and other debris. By being vigilant about what goes down your drains, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of clogs.

Regularly Clean Your Drains
Incorporate drain cleaning into your regular home maintenance routine. Every few weeks, you should flush your drains with hot water. For a more thorough cleaning, you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This natural cleaning solution is safe for your pipes and can help break down existing buildup before it becomes a blockage. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, and then flush it out with hot water. Also, consider using a bacterial drain cleaner that can break down organic matter without harming your pipes or the environment.

Invest in Drain Screens
Drain screens or strainers can be a simple but effective tool to prevent clogs. Install these in all your sinks, showers, and tubs to catch hair, soap bits, and other debris from going down the drain. Clean the screens regularly to ensure they are not obstructing water flow. Drain screens are inexpensive and easily found in most hardware stores in Spokane, making them an accessible prevention tool for all homeowners.

Be Careful With Chemical Drain Cleaners
While it may be tempting to use chemical drain cleaners to deal with a clog quickly, these can often do more harm than good. Many chemical cleaners can corrode your pipes, leading to leaks, and they’re not always environmentally friendly. If you must use a chemical solution, choose one that is less harsh and ensure you follow the product instructions carefully. For persistent or recurrent clogs, it might be wiser to call in a professional plumber who can resolve the issue without damaging your pipes.

Schedule Regular Plumbing Maintenance
Finally, one of the best ways to prevent drain clogs in your Spokane home is to have your plumbing system checked regularly by professionals. A licensed plumber can perform inspections and cleanings that will keep your pipes in optimal condition. They can identify potential issues before they become major problems, and offer solutions that are tailored for your home’s specific plumbing system. By proactively managing your home plumbing health, you can avoid the inconvenience and expense of clogged drains.

Following these five easy tips can help protect your Spokane home from the headaches of clogged drains. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your plumbing flowing smoothly year-round.