Spring is near, and so is the time to clean! While you pull brooms, mops, and dustpans from the closets, remember to add drain cleaning to your list. Here we’ll talk about why you should spring clean the drains, five household drains to focus on, and how to clean them with household items.

Why Should Spring Cleaning Involve Drains?

A busy holiday season and cozy winter days eventually lead into warmer air and sunshine when spring arrives. The activities which come with spring, such as yard work and cookouts, however, can be the tipping point for drains in need of a proper clean.

• Yard waste: Whether you quickly rinse your hands after planting flowers or raking up grass clippings, yard waste is a common cause of drain clogs in the spring.
• Mud: Kids and pets usually need a bath after frolicking outside to wash away the dust and dirt. But, the dust and dirt turns into mud as it rinses into the drain and builds up.
• Fruit and vegetable peels: Cookouts invite fresh salads and side dishes, but the peels and rinds of seasonal fruits and vegetables should always go into the trash.

5 Drains to Clean This Spring

No matter the size of your home, these six drains are frequently found inside and should be on your spring cleaning list.

1. Kitchen Sink Drains

The kitchen sink is a common location for clogs and smells. Luckily, these can be handled with a handful of household items.

Equal parts baking soda and white vinegar can oust everyday clogs. Begin by pouring baking soda into the drain then gradually add the vinegar. Allow the two to fizz and sit for several minutes, then flush with tepid to cool water. Don’t use warm to hot water since it would melt any cooking fats or grease inside the drain and pipes; fats and grease congeal as they cool, causing clogs.

For odors emanating from the drain, pour in a cup of vinegar each week. Let the vinegar mingle for half an hour then flush with hot to almost boiling water.

2. Garbage Disposal

Preventive action is the best way to spring clean a garbage disposal. Never grind fibrous fruits and vegetables, eggshells, coffee grounds, or bones. These items wrap around the moving blades and clog in openings to the point the appliance jams.

To clean the garbage disposal, start by unplugging it from the power source. Then, use a flashlight to look inside for visible food debris; remove anything you see, if possible. Next, remove the splash guard and use a brush and dish soap to clean the guard. Add equal parts of baking soda and vinegar to the disposal and let this mixture sit for 30 minutes. Next, use hot to near boiling water to flush out the mixture before putting the splash guard back in place.

Then, reconnect the power source and put ice cubes and coarse salt, such as rock salt, into the disposal. Let cool tap water run into the disposal and turn the appliance on; let the disposal run until the ice cubes are ground up. Rinse the inside of the disposal with hot water.

3. Bathroom Sink Drains

From toothpaste to makeup products, your bathroom sink drains are exposed to any number of items that simply can’t dissolve and wash away. But cleaning this drain is easy enough and the best way to avoid unpleasant clogs and smells.

Begin by removing the sink stopper, if possible, and pulling easy-to-reach debris from the drain. Then, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a large cup before adding a pinch of baking soda. Pour the solution into the drain and wait 45 to 60 minutes. Flush the drain and attached pipe with boiling water, and enjoy your clean bathroom drain!

4. Shower and Bathtub Drains

Bath and shower products, such as bath bombs and shower steamers, create a relaxing ambiance but aren’t exactly drain friendly. Many of these products don’t completely dissolve, making them prime culprits in residue buildup and eventual clogs. Spring cleaning is highly recommended for these drains.

Plunging the drain is a good way to expel clogs, especially if they’re mostly loose hairs. Start by blocking the overflow with a wet cloth, place the plunger over the drain opening. Fill the bathtub or shower floor with enough water to cover the plunger cup. Pump the handle a few times; this movement pressurizes the water. Remove the plunger from the drain opening and let the water flush away the clog.

5. Toilets

Similar to the garbage disposal, preventive measures are the best way to keep your toilet drain clean and clear. Many clogs and plumbing issues are caused by flushing too much toilet paper or other items that plug up the drain, such as feminine hygiene products.

But, a good spring cleaning is also a good preventive measure. Start by pouring equal parts apple cider vinegar and baking soda down the drain. Let the two foam for several minutes before flushing the toilet.

You can also use a toilet plunger to clear the drain and pipe. This plunger looks different from a standard plunger, featuring a large dome at the top and long flange that’s inserted into the toilet drain.

Cleaning the household drains this spring is straightforward, not too time consuming, and a great way to keep the rest of your plumbing clean and clear.

If your plumbing has an issue this spring or any time of the year, contact ProSkill Services for professional drain cleaning and plumbing services.