How to Avoid Clogged Drains

According to a recent survey by CompleteLandlord.com, the most frequent complaints handled by landlords are plumbing related. To head off problems before they start, provide your tenants with the following information to prevent clogged drains.

• Avoid pouring grease down the kitchen sink—it collects along the sides of the pipe and food particles stick to it, clogging the drain. Instead of putting it down the drain, pour grease into cans and throw them in the garbage.



• Put coffee grounds in the garbage, not down the drain.



• Run cold water while grinding food in the disposal to flush food particles down the pipe.



• Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain once a week to melt any fat or grease that has collected.



• Periodically, pour a half cup of baking soda and half a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain and let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then flush it down with a kettle of hot water.



• Never pour hot wax or chemicals, such as paint, down the drain.



• Never flush heavy paper products, such as paper towels, down the toilet.



• Periodically clean sink stoppers in all sinks and tubs to keep hair and other drain cloggers out of the pipes.

Ask your tenants to follow these easy tips. You will make fewer trips to repair the plumbing and your tenants will avoid the inconvenience of clogs.