Best Ways to Prevent Clogged Drains in Winter

As winter approaches, there are a lot of maintenance tasks to worry about. While making sure your home is insulated and winterizing outdoor spaces is an essential step for keeping warm during the colder months, it’s important not to overlook potential issues that could arise from poor indoor plumbing care. 

Since clogged drains can become a major hassle come time for spring cleaning, taking preventative measures now can save you tons of headaches down the road. 

In this blog post, we’ll be discussing how you can take precautionary steps to avoid clogged drains in winter and help keep your plumbing in prime condition all season long.

If you’re struggling with clogged drains and live in Evanston, IL, click here for plumbing services.

What causes clogged drains in winter?

Clogged drains can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common causes are hair, soap scum, grease, and food particles that build up in your pipes over time. Cold temperatures also cause materials to thicken and become more difficult for water to pass through. 

In addition, foreign objects like toys or jewelry can get lost down drains and create blockages. To prevent these issues, it’s important to take the necessary action before they occur.

How to prevent clogged drains in the winter

Here’s how to prevent clogged drains in the winter.

Run hot water down your drains for a minute or two every day to help loosen any built-up gunk

Running hot water down your drains for a minute or two each day is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent clogged drains in winter. The hot water will help loosen any built-up debris, grease, soap scum and other types of gunk that can easily accumulate over time, resulting in blocked pipes. 

To get even better results, consider adding a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar to the hot water. The combination will help dislodge any stubborn grime that might be stuck in your drains. Make sure to follow this up with another flush of hot water for optimal results. 

Put a mesh screen over your drains to catch hair and other debris before it has a chance to build up

Another effective way to prevent clogged drains in the winter is to put a mesh screen over your drains. This will catch any hair or other debris that might otherwise go down the drain and cause blockages. It’s especially useful if you have long hair, as it can help reduce the amount of buildup over time.

Mesh screens are also incredibly easy to install and won’t require any special tools or expertise. You can find them at most hardware stores, and they come in a variety of sizes to fit your needs. Simply attach the screen over the drain using a pair of pliers or any other suitable tool, and you’re good to go.

Clean your showerhead once a month to remove any built-up mineral deposits

It’s important to clean your showerhead once a month to remove any built-up mineral deposits. This is because mineral deposits can accumulate over time and eventually cause clogs in your pipes. To do this, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and attach it to the end of the showerhead so that the mineral deposits are completely submerged. 

Let it sit overnight, and then in the morning, remove the bag and use an old toothbrush to scrub away any remaining deposits. Rinse out with hot water afterwards to finish off.

Use a plunger to try and dislodge any clogs before calling a plumber

If you do experience a clog, use a plunger to try and dislodge any clogs before calling a plumber. This is a quick, easy, and affordable way to try and solve the problem.

Simply fit the plunger over the drain, making sure to cover it completely with water. Then press down on the plunger several times in rapid succession until you feel resistance. This should help push out any debris that could be causing the clog.

If all else fails, it’s time to call a professional plumber. They’ll be able to assess the situation and determine what the best course of action is.

Conclusion

Preventing clogged drains in winter doesn’t have to be a difficult task. With a few simple steps, you can keep your pipes running smoothly and free of any blockages. 

From running hot water down the drain on a regular basis to installing mesh screens over the drains and cleaning your shower head once a month, you can easily take the necessary steps to keep your drains clear and working properly. If a clog does occur, you can use a plunger to try and dislodge the blockage before calling a plumber.

Taking these simple precautions will help ensure that your pipes remain in tip-top shape for years to come.