Drain Clog Prevention
Pay attention to your drains. The sound of water running freely down the drain is the sound you want to hear. If you don’t hear that, keep an eye on that drain and call Raymark Plumbing & Sewer to clean it if needed.
To prevent slow drains and clogs, allow only wastewater in your drain pipes. Because that is difficult, here are some specific suggestions that will help:
Catch Debris
- Place a mesh strainer or screen over your drain openings. This strainer or filter will gather the hair, soap chips, and food particles from going down the drain, which will save you trouble and money down the road. Most soaps are made from fats and contribute to build-ups. Clean these screens regularly and you won’t have to call us later.
Review Drain Layout
- Assess your drain line layout. Every layout is different and some drain pipes are difficult to reach. Others may be hidden behind walls, floors, or below the ground. Our Raymark Plumbing & Sewer plumbers are happy to come out and assess problem areas and offer solutions. We can insert a camera into a drain line in order to view what’s going on. This works well when lines are inaccessible, or when a line has a sharp turn. To avoid repeated plumbing visits, it may be expedient to replace a section of the drainpipe with a smoother turn or a more gravity-efficient layout.
No Grease
- Do not put oil or grease down kitchen drains, bathroom drains, or the toilet. Water can’t cut through oil, and grease solidifies in the drain and causes blockages. We recommend wiping grease from pots, pans, and dishes with a paper towel before washing them, and throwing the paper towel in the garbage. The City of Seattle recycling program recommends throwing grease and fats in the garbage, not down your drain.
No Chemicals
- Do not use chemicals to clear a clogged drain. Any substance that eats through hair and grease will also eat through your pipes and garbage disposal. If you pour drain cleaner into your sink and then call a plumber, it is likely the plumber will come into contact with these corrosive chemicals. Call us first; let Raymark Plumbing & Sewer take care of the problem and use methods safe for everyone.
Schedule your Raymark Plumbing & Sewer appointment today by calling (206) 440-9077, or completing our Contact form.