How to Prevent a Clogged Drain

 

Houston…we have a problem! It seems that clogged drains usually come at the most inconvenient time. Trying to enjoy your stay at a vacation rental home, should not be one of them. Did you know that something as thin as dental floss can get snagged in your pipes and start a clog? Getting into the habit of preventing clogged drains is an effective way to stop them from occurring altogether. We’ve rounded up a few solutions to support the maintenance of your vacation rental property.

 

KITCHEN

Do not pour grease or oil down the drain of the sink. Grease can stick to the inside of your pipes, leading to a clogged kitchen sink. Warm grease runs down the drain until it cools in the pipes and starts to form a clog. Then the other things we throw down the drain get stuck in that and now we have a sink full of “I’m not putting my hands in there!”.

Instead, used grease should be poured into a sealable container that you can throw into the trash. Leave a reminder for your guests along with the needed resource to get the job done if needed.

 

Avoid putting certain types of food in your garbage disposal. 

• Banana peels
• Coffee grounds
• Eggshells
• Potato skins

 

A simple choice of hot vs cold water can make a difference as well. Coldwater will keep oils and grease in a solid-state so that they can be broken up by the garbage disposal. This helps support the flow of waste through the drainage system. Hot water will only melt and soften grease; encouraging it to coat the garbage disposal.

 

An investment in a screen/strainer that fits over the drain opening of the kitchen sink can help prevent food, hair, and other things from entering your drain. These can be found at stores such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.

 

BATHROOM

When you notice the bathroom sink in your vacation rental home starting to back up, remove the Pop Up Stopper and clean it. Toothpaste, shaving cream, soap scum, and hair are the most common build-up. If you allow this waste to collect for some time, the sink can start to drain slowly until it eventually stops up.  

 

Bathroom drains benefit from very hot water because it can remove excess residue and gunk. Remember to clean the drain stoppers of the bathroom sink and tub regularly for a more proactive approach.

Try these home remedies to melt away any fat, grease, or buildup that may have collected inside your pipes.

 

• Squirt at least a tablespoon of liquid dish soap directly into the drain. Put a large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil. Pour the hot water into the drain, a little at a time. If the buildup is heavy, repeat this process two to three more times.
• Pour one cup of vinegar down your vacation rental drains and let them sit for 30 minutes. Then chase it down with boiling water.
• Pour bleach into the sink. Let it sit for at least an hour (the longer the better) and then run water down the drain.