Dos and Don’ts of Drain Maintenance

Ensuring the optimal functionality of your home’s plumbing system, including proper drain maintenance, is paramount for the seamless flow of daily activities. However, it's remarkable how frequently we underestimate the repercussions of seemingly innocuous behaviors, such as pouring leftover cooking grease down the sink or flushing coffee grounds down the drain.

These seemingly harmless actions can result in significant issues, such as blockages, backups, and even structural damage to your plumbing system.

Tips for Drain Maintenance

Understanding What Shouldn’t Enter Your Drain:

1. Grease – Harmful: Although it's a common practice to dispose of leftover cooking grease by pouring it down the drain, this can spell trouble for your plumbing. As grease cools, it solidifies and adheres to the inner walls of pipes, gradually accumulating and causing blockages. Additionally, when grease mixes with other substances in sewer systems, it forms a sticky, stubborn mass that harms pipes and contaminates water sources.

2. Coffee Grounds – Harmful: Despite their innocuous appearance, coffee grounds are another culprit behind drain clogs. Their fine particles can accumulate in pipes, progressively forming obstructions that hinder water flow. To prevent this, it's best to discard coffee grounds in the trash rather than rinsing them down the drain. However, if you're already experiencing drain issues, promptly contacting a plumber in Myrtle Beach is advisable.

3. Egg Shells, Bones, and Hard Food Waste – Harmful: Although garbage disposals are intended to process food waste, certain items can still jeopardize your plumbing system. Eggshells, bones, and other hard food waste can harm disposal blades and contribute to pipe clogs. It's safer to dispose of these items in the trash or compost pile to avert potential problems.

Identifying What’s Safe for Your Drain:

1. Citrus Fruits – Safe: Surprisingly, citrus fruits can play a beneficial role in maintaining clean, odor-free drains. The natural acidity of fruits like lemons and limes helps break down grease and grime, keeping pipes clear and fresh. Simply tossing a few citrus slices into your garbage disposal can effectively clean and deodorize it.

2. Ice Cubes – Safe: Ice cubes are another useful tool for preserving the functionality of your garbage disposal. The abrasive action of ice helps sharpen disposal blades and dislodge accumulated food particles. For enhanced effectiveness, consider combining ice cubes with citrus slices to simultaneously clean and freshen your disposal unit.

By exercising caution regarding what you allow into your drains, you can safeguard your plumbing system from unnecessary damage and mitigate the risk of costly repairs in the future. If you require Myrtle Beach drain maintenance or other plumbing services, promptly contacting an expert is advisable.

Prevention is key to maintaining a healthy home. Contact Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC. now for professional drain maintenance services.

Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 267-9733
https://www.blueribbonplumbingmb.com/