by Davanand Bahall

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

Nothing is worse than a clogged drain and you not having a clue on how to get the drain unclogged. If this sounds like a situation you encounter from time to time, don't sweat. If you follow some simple steps and rules of thumb you can prolong the time between clogged drains and the dreaded, expensive visit from the plumber.

Sink, shower, and bath drains are generally caused by one stringy culprit, hair. Because we shower and bath nearly every day (or so I hope) some of our hair inevitably finds its way down the drain. Over time the accumulation of hair along with soap residue cling together and form clogs inside the drain. To avoid this, it is best to wear a shower cap when taking a bath or shower. This is particularly true if you have long hair, as strands of long hair tend to break off and find their way down the drain and wreak havoc on your plumbing system.

Sink drains are a little different because sinks are usually found in two places in the home, the bathroom and the kitchen. There are all types of materials that go down the drain of sinks from hair to various foods and drink materials. To keep your sink drains as clean as possible, wipe plates clean before you put them in the sink. If you have a sink with garbage disposal use that sink for items that are heavily soiled with food. Also the garbage disposal side of the sink is a good place for food items and washing hair.

You should check basement drains periodically for any obstructions that could lead to backup. Basement drains are often overlooked in many homes because the drains are not in normal view as they are in sinks, showers, and baths, but nonetheless they can become just as clogged. In most basement drains there is some way to unscrew the cover of the drain. If this is the case every 4-6 months unscrew the cover and check for any obstructions that may cause the drain to not function properly.

Driveway drains are particularly easy to become clogged because of the elements outdoors. These elements can range from dirt and leaves to motor oil from your vehicle. As you go about cleaning your driveway, check the drain from time to time to ensure nothing is blocking the flow of water. To do this, remove the drain cover and pour some water down the driveway drain. If the water goes down the drain without a problem then everything is functioning properly but if the water bubbles up to the top of the drain and there is no movement then there is something blocking the passage way. If you do encounter a problem, it is best to visually inspect the drain for any obvious obstructions such as leaves or clumps of dirt. If you do find materials blocking the drain, remove them as best as possible.

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