by Effie Moore Salem

Created on: September 03, 2008   Last Updated: September 07, 2010

Routinely get in the habit of cleaning drains. Don't wait until they clog. Prevention is far easier and much cheaper and less stressful than allowing your drains to clog and then trying to unclog them. In the kitchen, sinks clog easily if a few cautions aren't observed: Pour leftover grease in metal containers - coffee cans work well and one of these can be kept covered and under the sink; dump coffee grinds in the garbage. Grease will collect around the sides of the drains and will snare minute food particles and eventually will cause a slowing in drainage and then a clog.

If you have a disposal, be sure and turn on the cold water first and then turn on the disposal. Turn off the disposal and allow the water to flush a second or two longer. If no disposal, keeping the sink clean and free of food debris is often harder. No matter how careful you are some small flecks of vegetable snippets will find their way into the sink.

One positive way of avoiding much of this is to simply place cover the sink with an old newspaper. This is porous and will allow water to run through but will catch the food particles. Also, the little bits of food stuck on plates and cooking utensils are another source of clogging. Scrap these off into a fine mesh drain or colander that have been covered with a paper towel, or even a section of the newspaper while gently running water to clear them.

In the bathroom keep the drains clear by regularly cleaning the popup stoppers. They can collect hair and soap scum easily. The shower trap is easily clogged with hair so after every use remove any excess. When you see the drain slowing this will be the time to do a little remedial action such as pouring in a chemical drain cleaner.

Toilets are wide open spaces and are subject to be clogged with items not usually flushed. Paper diapers, as an example or too thick wads of toilet paper. Keep handy a plunger for such emergencies as a toilet about to overflow. A plunge or two may save a messy clean up.

Outside drains are subject to be clogged with leaves and sticks and debris. Regularly lean the drain traps and attempt to keep the driveway clear of debris that will wash down the drain with each rainfall. A little prevention will pay dividends.

As a general rule once every two or three weeks run hot boiling water down the sinks to dissolve grease and soap scum. Most clogs happen close to the surface and is easily dislodged with a plunger and some remedial care.

Learn more about this author, Effie Moore Salem.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.