Our drains work hard to keep us safe from nasty wastewater, odors, and bacteria. For the most part, they go pretty unnoticed, that is, until they start gurgling, leaking, and producing a nasty smell. Our local Toronto plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Toronto, ON are here to provide a handy guide to prevent clogged toilets and clogged drains. You can start using these today to avoid costly plumbing repairs.
Blockages can happen for various reasons, particularly underground, such as tree roots and shifting soil. However, there are affordable solutions to maintain your plumbing system effectively.
These 11 tips for preventing clogs should be used as best practices to keep your sewer system, pipes, and drainage system free from unwanted plumbing issues like buildup, blockages, and burst pipes. So keep reading; your home's plumbing will thank you.
5 Tips for Preventing Drain Clogs Toronto Homeowners Can Use Today
Let's start by looking at our kitchen and bathroom drains. They give some pretty good indicators they are having issues when they start to gurgle and drain slowly. We have 5 tips for preventing drain clogs that Toronto homeowners can start using right now to keep their drain systems running smoothly.
1. Be Mindful of What Goes Down Your Drain
Your bathroom and kitchen sinks are only designed to really handle water. When people start treating it as a garbage disposal for food waste, fats, oils, and grease, clogs happen. And they can happen deep down in your sink's drainpipe, which can cause serious issues. Dispose of those food scraps and gunk in your trash before washing your plates, and steer clear of pouring coffee grounds down your kitchen sink drain.
2. Drain Guards Are Your Friends
One of the more straightforward tips for preventing clogs is to invest in some drain guards. These handy little things will prevent clogged drains by catching food waste and debris before they have a chance to end up in your drainage system. A drain strainer or stopper is a cost-effective way to keep your drains clear.
3. Clean Your Drains
Another one of our professional tips for preventing clogs may seem like a no-brainer, but we see a lot of clogged kitchen and bathroom sinks. When soap scum, fat, oil, and grease build up in your drain pipes, it can lead to leaks and even burst pipes. Use gentle cleaning solutions like hot water and dish soap, or baking soda and vinegar to break down that pesky buildup and help you avoid more serious issues with your home's plumbing. Also, avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, they do more harm than good for your drain and the environment. Consider hiring a professional for hydro jetting, as well as to remove tough blockages.
4. Proper Tool Usage
Another tip for preventing drain clogs is to have the proper tools on hand. Being prepared is the best preventative measure. Make sure you have a plunger for minor clogs and a drain snake to get rid of issues further down the drain.
5. Regular Inspections
A quick and easy task to add to your routine for preventing clogs includes inspecting your drains regularly. Take note: Are they gurgling or draining slowly, or are they producing a strange smell? Those are all signs that you have an issue inside your drains.
5 Tips for Preventing Toilet Clogs Toronto Residents Can Apply Now
It is awful to deal with a clogged toilet. Backups are nasty, and no one wants to deal with human waste all over the bathroom floor. With our 5 tips for preventing toilet clogs, you can prevent backups and save water.
1. Take Care About What You Flush
Toilets are for flushing human waste; that is it. Don't flush Q-tips, banana peels, potato peels, or anything that may say "flushable" on it; it most likely still isn't flushable. These items do not break down over time and can build up in the system, clog the toilet, and cause a nasty backup and overflow. Even paper can clog the toilet if it isn't the right type.
2. Use the Right TP for the Job
Another tip for preventing toilet clogs is to use the right type of toilet paper, and the right amount. Try to use toilet paper products that are biodegradable; they will break down quicker, keeping your toilet running smoothly. Also, avoid using too much toilet paper, as it could clog the toilet.
3. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
If you want to prevent the toilet from getting clogged, perform some maintenance and give it a regular cleaning. Inspecting the unit can help find any issues early, which can help prevent clogs. Check the outside connections and the internal workings and ensure they are properly functional. Use only mild cleaners to clean the toilet regularly, both inside and outside the bowl; it will make a big difference in preventing clogs.
4. Use the Proper Tools
Keep a toilet plunger near the toilet for ease of access, and a drain snake handy to ensure your toilet stays in good working order. For minor clogs, resort to the plunger; for clogs deeper in your toilet drain, use a drain snake.
5. Close the Lid
This seems silly, but really works to prevent toilet clogs! Keeping the lid closed prevents random objects from falling into the toilet without your knowledge. It happens more than you think. It is one of those expert tips that protect your home's plumbing that you never thought you'd need. Keeping the lid closed is more than just a courtesy; it helps prevent clogs.
One Final, Golden Tip for Preventing Clogs in Toronto!
Education is key to preventing clogs. Educating your family on what to do and not to do to prevent clogs is the simplest way to avoid future plumbing problems. Especially for children, teach and show them that your keys don't go down the toilet, and you will be well on your way to improving the longevity and functionality of your home plumbing.
Too Late to Prevent Clogs? Get the Expert Backup Solutions You Can Trust: Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing
We hope you enjoyed our 11 tips for preventing clogs. You can start using them and educating others about them today. It will help your plumbing in the long run. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Toronto, ON is the go-to choice for a wide range of plumbing services you can count on. Whether you need toilet, faucet, or drain repairs, or drain cleaning and hydro jetting, or septic tank services, we have you covered. We take great pride in serving the Greater Toronto Area. Call us today to start creating a plumbing system that works for you.
