Believe it or not, the most common issue that plumbers get contacted about is a clogged drain. The clog is usually located in the kitchen sink due to the disposal of food. With a bit of knowledge and care, however, the majority of these clogs can be avoided.

First of all, if you don’t have a garbage disposal installed in your kitchen sink, that’s a great investment to consider. A garbage disposal will greatly decrease the probability of a clog by reducing the size of any waste before it reaches the pipes, allowing it to easily pass through.

If your sink is not equipped with a disposal, it’s important to not let any food find its way into the drain. Put it in the trash instead.

While food remnants are certainly a drain problem, the main culprit is liquid fat. Grease and fat travel through the drain and pipes, leaving a layer of film on the pipes’ interior walls. As more grease enters, multiple layers begin to form on top of each other. These layers continuously build, eventually resulting in a clogged pipe.

Instead of dumping cooking grease down the drain, it’s best to empty it into a can (an old coffee can, for instance) and throw it away with your regular garbage. Empty your cooking grease/oil into the can before washing the cooking pan in the sink. Getting into this habit could seriously save you some bucks down the line — and save you from a few headaches, too.

In the event of a clog, a toilet plunger might do the trick if the clog isn’t too serious. If you can’t beat the clog, give your plumber a call — but remember, prevention is the best method! Watch what you put down the drain!

Check back soon for more plumbing tips & tricks! from Joseph’s Affordable!