There are few things more frustrating in the kitchen than a clogged drain. Not only is this frustrating, but it can also be unsanitary, off-putting, and create bad odours in the home. So, what can you do to maintain your kitchen sink drain and keep it clean? There are a number of simple ways to do this that will keep everything in good working order.
Drain Cleaning Solutions
First, you should know about various solutions you can use that can clean the drain to keep it clear and running smoothly. You can buy products that will do this, but you can also make homemade solutions that are just as effective and a fraction of the cost. Baking soda and white wine vinegar are highly effective when combined together as they can break down what is causing the clog. You simply need to pour the mixture down the drain, wait 5 minutes, and flush with boiling water. It is also a good idea to pour boiling water down the drain once a week.
Keep the Grease Away
Kitchen sinks get clogged because people put things down them that the system is not able to handle. This is why you should always scrape plates clean before washing them up. Grease is also the enemy of kitchen drains as it congeals and builds up on the pipes, making it harder for water to pass through.
Therefore, one of the best tips for maintaining your kitchen sink is not pouring grease, fats, and oils down when cooking. Instead, you can collect grease in a bottle and dispose of it properly.
Use Protective Screens
As mentioned, scraping plates is important, but it is hard to get every scrap of food. Small scraps can create blockages, which is why it is a good idea to use protective screens that go over the top of the drain. These collect food scraps and other materials so that they can easily be disposed of and prevent clogs from occurring. Just make sure that you empty them on a regular basis!
Fixing Blockages
The above advice should help you keep your drain in the best condition and prevent blockages, but if you do have any problems, you might be able to fix the issue at home by yourself with a plumbing tool kit. There is useful advice online that you can follow to remove blockages and improve the performance of your drain.
The advice in this post should help you keep your kitchen sink drain in the best condition. It is frustrating when the water takes a long time to drain or does not drain completely, not to mention unsanitary and unpleasant. This is an avoidable situation when you know how to keep your kitchen sink drain clear and remove any build-up or blockages that occur.