A stopped-up drain can be an unsightly nuisance. Here's how to prevent problems.
Bathroom sinks:
• Try to avoid rinsing hair down the drain. It's the worst culprit.
• Periodically remove and clean the stoppers, especially if a sink begins to drain slowly.
Kitchen sinks:
• Don't put fat (liquid or solid), wax, coffee grounds or food scraps down the drain.
• Don't put fibrous materials such as corn husks or artichokes into a garbage disposal, and always run plenty of cold water while grinding.
• Keep a fine-mesh removable sink strainer on the drain. It costs a few bucks at a kitchen store.
• Regularly (once a week to once a month), pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain. If you have plastic pipes, use hot (not boiling) water to avoid damaging them. Or use a half-cup of baking soda followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar; let sit for 15 minutes and follow up with boiling water.
-- Homes & Gardens staff
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