Milwaukee Drain Cleaning 

Tips for Avoiding a Clogged Drain

Many homeowners know the frustration caused by clogs. When your sink becomes clogged, water won't drain properly, making handwashing, cooking, cleaning, and other daily tasks impossible. While some try to resolve a clogged drain with a plunger or harsh chemicals, this could potentially lead to further issues or only partial removal of the clog. Therefore, the best thing to do is prevent clogs from forming in the first place. 

Do Not Pour Cooking Grease Down the Drain

Although it is a liquid when hot, cooking grease is composed of fat. This means that when the grease cools, the fat solidifies into a hard, waxy substance. If poured down the sink, the grease will cling to the drainpipe walls, cooling into a wax-like film, catching other food waste particles, which will slowly lead to a blockage forming. 

Other Ways to Get Rid of Cooking Grease:

• Let it harden in the pan and scrape it into the trash
• Save it in a container for use in other recipes
• Repurpose the grease into bird food, dog treats, fuel, and even candles
• Compost vegetable-based grease (in small quantities) - never compost animal fat grease, as it will encourage bacteria growth and attract vermin.

In the event that cooking grease does go down the kitchen sink, be sure to flush the drain thoroughly with warm, soapy water.

Invest in a Drain Stopper

An effective method for preventing clogs is to use a drain stopper. These devices can be made of plastic, rubber, silicone or metal, and come in various sizes to sit inside the drain openings of your sinks, showers, and tubs. These stoppers are able to catch hair, lint, and other debris before it goes down the drain.

To maintain their effectiveness, it's best to clean the stoppers once a week with a paper towel, discarding any solid waste into the trash. You should also clear the drain openings of any soap residue or buildup.

Use Your Garbage Disposal Properly

Garbage disposals are convenient appliances, designed to shred food waste into particles small enough to pass through the plumbing system of your Milwaukee home. But when misused, the garbage disposal can become blocked or cause clogs further in the plumbing system.

Tips to Prevent Garbage Disposal Clogs:

• Never toss bones, eggshells, coffee grounds, seeds or nuts, potato peels, pasta, celery, and other stringy vegetables, down the disposal
• Always flush the disposal with cold water, when using it, to keep food waste moving through the drain 
• Periodically pour baking soda and vinegar into the disposal to help dissolve grime buildup and keep the appliance smelling fresh and clean

Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning

While these DIY tips can go a long way in preventing common household clogs, the best way to prevent future clogs is to hire a plumber to perform a professional Milwaukee drain cleaning service at least once a year.