Do you feel like no matter what you do, the clog keeps coming back, or the sink never quite smells fresh?
I’ve been there too.
You might be tempted to grab any cleaning product or tool to fix it, but hold on.
There are some common mistakes that can make matters worse:
1. Pouring Grease Down the Drain
Grease seems harmless when it’s hot and liquid, but it solidifies as it cools, causing blockages.
2. Using Harsh Chemicals
It might be tempting to use strong chemical cleaners, but they can damage your pipes and harm the environment.
Opt for natural alternatives like baking soda and vinegar instead. They are effective and safe for your plumbing.
3. Ignoring the Garbage Disposal
If you have a garbage disposal, neglecting it can lead to nasty odors and blockages.
Run it regularly with cold water and occasionally add ice cubes to keep the blades sharp and clean.
4. Not Using a Sink Strainer
A sink strainer is your first line of defense against clogs.
It catches food particles and debris that could otherwise go down the drain and cause blockages.
Always use one and clean it regularly.
5. Overusing the Garbage Disposal
While garbage disposals are handy, they aren’t meant to handle everything.
Avoid putting fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, and coffee grounds down the disposal.
These items can wrap around the blades or form sludge that clogs your pipes.
6. Using Hot Water with Grease
Hot water might seem like a good idea for flushing out grease, but it only helps grease travel further down the pipes before it solidifies.
Use cold water to flush any small amounts of grease, which helps it solidify quickly and get chopped up by the disposal.
7. Ignoring Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance can prevent major problems.
Periodically clean your sink with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by boiling water to keep the pipes clear and fresh.
8. Not Flushing with Enough Water
After using the garbage disposal, always run cold water for at least 15 seconds.
This helps flush any remaining particles through the pipes and prevents clogs.
9. Using Too Much Dish Soap
Dish soap is great for cleaning, but too much can cause buildup over time.
Use it sparingly and always rinse well to avoid soap scum that can trap food particles and lead to clogs.
10. Ignoring Strange Noises or Smells
Unusual noises or smells from your sink are often the first signs of a problem.
Don’t ignore them.
Investigate and address the issue before it becomes a major blockage.