How to maintain your drain system correctly

• Not all drains are equal. Some need a lot more regular maintenance than others, such as the bathroom sink, shower, and bathtub. There is a steady build-up of many different things like soap, hair, toothpaste, and suds that can cause many issues in the future. Others might need a good clean up only every once in a while. If you’re not sure where to begin or what to do precisely, don’t panic! 
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• As professionals, we know what you need to do to keep your drainage system running smoothly all the time, and we will share those tips with you. 
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        Put drain guards

• This is the first and most crucial step to protecting your drainage system from getting clogged. Drain guards are mesh or metal covers that only allow the water in and keep all the large debris away from the drain itself, like hair and food leftovers. It’s a definite must in the kitchen if you regularly wash the dishes, as well as all the bathroom drains to keep the hair away. Speaking of washing things in the kitchen sink, keep in mind that you should NEVER dispose of old cooking oil or similar products in there.
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        Use a bacteriological drain cleaner

• These cleaners are usually very good at dissolving any leftovers that might have stuck to the drains and disrupt the water flow. Depending on the product, instructions vary, but most of the times, it’s pretty easy. You just need to pour the solution into the drain and leave it there for as long as it’s needed. After the specified time is over, run hot or cold water down the drain, and you’re ready.
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• We recommend that you choose a natural product that will be gentle to the pipes. Do this cleaning every few months. 
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        Wash the drains with hot water

• This is an easy general clean up of the pipes that you can do every week. One way to do it is to use only hot water – it will take care of most oil and fat residue on the sides of your pipes. If you want to be even more effective in your cleaning, use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. The acidic nature of the vinegar combined with the baking soda, can do wonders to the greasy build-ups. You can use this combo pretty much on any surface, as well.
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        Don’t forget your waste disposal

• It’s just as important as your pipes! You should deep clean your garbage disposal at least once a month, depending on how much you use it. You can do this in two steps: 
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• 1. Grind two medium cups of ice cubes together with 2 tbsp of salt. They will cut through the grease and remove the majority of the nasty build-up. 
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• 2. Create a mixture of cold water and two limes or lemons. Let it sit for a little while in the garbage disposal and then flush it down. This action will help to get rid of the nasty smell from the waste. 
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        Be careful when you wash your pets 

• This activity can often turn into a whole adventure. First, you have the mammoth task of getting your pet in the bathroom, which can be quite tricky, especially if you have a cat. And if you miraculously manage to wash them properly without getting dispatched, you still have to take care of the piles of hair gathered around the drain. 
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• And while we can’t force your pet to like being showered, we can give you a bit of great advice on how to keep its hair away from your pipes. Simply put a washing cloth on the drain so that the hairs don’t reach their final destination. Gather everything at the end of the washing and dispose of them in the waste bin.
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       Keep an eye for signs of damage

• It might be a strange dripping sound coming from the basement or water gathering in the shower. Weird smells, sounds, increased moisture, wet patches, leaks, visible drainage problems are all things that need to be noticed as soon as possible while there is still the option of repairing them. Otherwise, you risk becoming a victim of irreparable damage that will cost you a lot of money. 
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• Regular inspections and vigilance are the keys to keeping your property safe, as well as your family.