Prevention is always the best protection when it comes to dealing with any problem. As a homeowner, you may not have a complete understanding of how your plumbing system works. However, you do know how frustrating a clogged pipe or drain could be. A clogged pipe or drain might mean calling plumbers for help.

Plumbing problems cannot be entirely avoided, but they can be prevented. There are a number of things that you can do to help maintain your home plumbing and avoid unnecessary damage and frequent visits by plumbers. Proper maintenance also helps you to avoid additional charges.

The following are tips on how to keep your drains clog-free.

Use drain covers

One of the main reasons why bathroom drains clog is hair. This can be remedied with a drain cover or a hair trap. Human hair forms clogs and becomes tangled around the chain, which operates the stopper. Shower drain covers are the perfect solution for preventing costly repairs and limiting the frequency of clogs. The drain covers also prevent objects from falling down the drain pipe where they may cause problems. You can either choose to use a plastic hair trap or a metallic drain cover. As a homeowner, you should get a hair trap that has a mesh screen to prevent hair from attaching to the clogs that have already built up. 

Ditch the grease

At some point, you may be tempted to pour leftover grease down your sink, especially if you are a lover of things like bacon. You can, however, use a liquid detergent or a lot of hot water as a remedy for grease build-up in your sink. Squirt a teaspoon of the dish detergent directly into the drain and then let the hot water run. The hot water will melt the deposits while the liquid detergent dissolves oil and grease, which in turn allows the water to flush the waste away.

Use cold water for your garbage disposal

When running a garbage disposal, run a lot of cold water down the drain. Cold water helps prevent food particles from sticking to your pipes. You should make it a habit to flush your kitchen drain with cold water before and after using your garbage disposal.

Watch what goes down your toilet

Most feminine products should not be flushed despite some of their packaging saying they can be. Therefore, you should be careful what you flush down your toilet.

Following these tips will help keep your kitchen, toilet and bathroom drains clear of clog-causing debris.