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DIY Plumbing Tips to Clear and Clean Drains

A clogged drain may not ruin your day but it can put a damper on it, throw your schedule off and require a call to your plumber if the plunger doesn't get the job done. Prevention is the best practice for keeping your drains clear, clean and flowing freely.

You can find many DIY plumbing tips and the simplest is often the most effective. Keep reading and learn about 5 simple tools that can help you keep your drains running free of the restraint of clogs from hair, soap, and debris that can clog your drain pipes.

#1: Hair Catchers

Catching hair and other debris before it goes down the bathroom sink can be tricky because the stopper protrudes from the bottom of the basin. Designed to fit this protrusion water drop, hair catchers allow water to pass through without interruption while catching hair and other items that might clog your drains. Available in grocers and the Internet, they come in different designs, sizes, and is one of the simplest DIY plumbing tips. Their minimal cost can have a maximum effect by preventing a clogged drain in your bathroom basin.

#2: Beard Trimming Mats for a Clean Cut

Leaving a mess in the sink after trimming your beard can cause several issues. Beard hair can clog the drain and can create a mess on top of the vanity. One of the most clever DIY plumbing tips is the beard-trimming mat, which is a large cloth sheet designed just for those with beards. It sticks to your mirror, with suction cups, and drapes over the sink and counters catching your hair as you trim your beard. It makes the trimmings easy to dispose of, too. Instead of washing them go down the drain, you can shake the mat in a trash can, leaving your bathroom free of beard hair.

#3: Catching Shower Hair

More hair can go down the shower drain than the bathroom sink and if you stop it from doing so, it will help you keep your drains clear and clean. An ingenious little tool called the shower drain catcher grabs hair and prevents it from going down the drain and clogging it. It is easy to install and will help keep your shower drain clear of hair and other debris that might stop your water from flowing. It does require that you clean it every three or four months by pulling it up and removing any hair, which it will have trapped. You may find comparable items at your local hardware store that will serve the same purpose.

Download Full Tip Sheet: 50 Home Plumbing Tips You Need to Know Here!

#4: Brush your Hair Before you Shower

Sounds so simple, right? Brushing your hair before you shower will remove most of the loose hair that would otherwise be trapped in your shower drain, and clog your pipes. When mixed with shampoo, soap, razor caps, and other items, you can develop a clog that will require more than a plunger to break it loose and free your pipes. The only one of the DIY plumbing tips that will cost you nothing (save the cost for the hair brush itself), but a couple of extra seconds before showering, and can save you big bucks when you follow this practice.

#5: Keep it Green with Recycling

All of the above DIY plumbing tips are relatively inexpensive. Here are some clever ways that you will not need to spend a dime by reusing household items that you already have. Many household items can be used to prevent hair from going down your drains. Used dryer sheets can be placed over sinks or shower drains to catch hair and soap particles. Once you've finished showering, toss the sheet and you're done.

If you wash the dog in your tub or shower, brush them first, to remove any loose hair. Then place a washcloth over the drain to catch any stray hair while washing. After you are finished, you can dispose of the hair in the trash.

Clogs Happen

Even with the best intentions, clogs happen and you may need help from professionals to get your water flowing. Most clogs are preventable but failed sewer lines, due to collapse or infiltration by tree roots are not foreseeable and can put a stop to the flow of your drains. If you are having continual clogs contact us today and we can assess your plumbing system and help you get your drains clear and clean.

Dealing With Common Plumbing Problems

Topics: Home Plumbing, DIY, Drain Cleaning and Repair