Cold weather brings unique challenges that can lead to clogged drains. However, you can prevent many winter drain issues by taking simple steps and changing a few habits.
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your drains flowing freely so clean your drains monthly with a mix of baking soda and vinegar. This natural solution helps break down buildup before it becomes a problem. You can also use a drain snake to remove hair and other debris that collects over time.
Winter brings unique issues to your home's plumbing and cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst, while certain habits can lead to clogged drains.
The Impact of Cold Weather on Pipes
When the water inside pipes freezes, it expands and puts pressure on pipe walls which can cause pipes to crack or burst, leading to costly repairs and water damage. Frozen pipes often occur in basements, attics, and exterior walls and you should be extra careful to protect these areas during winter months.
To prevent freezing pipes:
Certain activities can increase the risk of drain clogs, especially during winter, and here are some common culprits:
To avoid such issues:
Tree roots can also cause problems in winter because as the ground freezes, roots seek warmth and moisture in your pipes, leading to blockages and pipe damage.
Keeping your drains clear in winter requires simple but important steps. To ensure you avoid most clogs,be careful about what goes down your pipes and use a few key tools to maintain them.
Never pour grease or oil down your drains as these liquids harden as they cool, sticking to pipe walls. Instead, let the grease cool and throw it in the trash, or you can pour it into an empty can or jar first to avoid mess.
For small amounts of oil, wipe pans with paper towels before washing as this catches the grease before it enters your pipes. You can also buy grease traps for your kitchen sink which catch oily fat before it causes problems.
Food waste is a major cause of clogs which is why you should use a sink strainer to catch scraps. Remember to scrape plates into the trash before rinsing to avoid issues.
Hair is another big problem, especially in showers so use drain covers to trap hair and clean these covers often. Soap scum also builds up over time and you should use a drain snake every few months to clear it out. You can also pour boiling water down drains weekly to melt away buildup.
Don't flush things like wipes or cotton swabs as even "flushable" wipes can clog pipes. Only toilet paper should be flushed down your toilet.
Dealing with clogged drains can be frustrating, but there are several effective solutions such as natural methods or tools to clear blockages quickly and easily.
These natural methods are safe for your pipes and the environment and are often enough to clear minor blockages without harsh chemicals.
A plunger is a simple but effective tool for many clogs. To use a plunger effectively, fill the sink with a few inches of water, then plunge vigorously for 30 seconds, repeating as needed.
For tougher clogs, try a drain snake. These can be easily inserted into the drain and you then turn the handle to push it through the pipe. When you feel resistance, you've hit the clog. Keep turning to break it up.
If these tools don't work, you may need a chemical drain cleaner but these should be used sparingly, as they can damage pipes over time. Always read and follow the instructions carefully.
However, for persistent clogs, it's best to call a plumber as they have specialized tools to tackle even the toughest blockages safely and effectively.
Regular upkeep is crucial as it prevents clogs and saves time and money in the long run.
Remember to clean your drains every month by pouring hot water down them to melt grease and soap scum. Use a mix of baking soda and vinegar for a natural cleaner, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
Put drain strainers in all sinks and tubs to catch hair and food bits before they go down the drain. Empty the strainers often to avoid build-up and nasty smells.
Never pour grease down your kitchen sink. Instead, let it cool and throw it in the trash. You should also run cold water when using the garbage disposal as this helps solidify grease so it moves through pipes more easily.
If you notice slow drains in more than one sink, you might have a bigger problem, such as a clog in your main sewer line. Bad smells coming from drains are another sign you need professional assistance as these odors might mean you have a buildup of bacteria in your pipes. Gurgling sounds when water goes down are another red flag and often mean air is trapped in the pipes due to a blockage.
If you've tried to fix a clog yourself and it won't go away, it's time to call a plumber who has special tools to clear tough blockages without damaging your pipes. Speak to us today for a professional resolution to your plumbing issues.
