Clogged Drains

Q. How could grease get in my drain?
A. We hear it all the time. I am very careful not to put grease in the sink but the truth is no matter how hard you try grease slips down the sink or dishwasher drain when we wash our plates, pots and pans. When we wash our plates, the thin film of grease melts and goes down the drain. When the grease contacts with the colder piping downstream the grease solidifies and coasts the inside of the pipe with a thin film. After years of use this film builds to a drain stopping mess that can only be cleaned by professional drain cleaning equipment. Grease is a fact of life similar to hair clog problems you can try to prevent them but you can't totally stop them.

Q. How can I prevent clogged drains?
A. Do not rinse fats or cooking oils down the kitchen sink. Liquid fats solidify in the cold pipes and create clogs. To help prevent clogs, fit all your tubs and shower drains with a strainer to catch hair and soap chips, and clean the strainer regularly.

Q. Are caustic drain openers (like Drano or Liquid Plumber) harmful to pipes?
A. For minor clogs, there fine, but never use them on a drain that is completely clogged. The caustic ingredients get trapped in your pipes, and it can severely damage them. If you can't cable the drain yourself, contact a professional to do so. Never use caustic drain openers in a drain that has a garbage disposal.