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Valentine’s Day is all about romance—candles, soft music, and a delicious home-cooked meal. But nothing kills the mood faster than a clogged drain in the middle of your special evening. A backed-up sink or a slow-draining dishwasher isn’t exactly the love language you were going for.
To keep your evening running smoothly, here are five drain tips to help you avoid a plumbing disaster while preparing and cleaning up after your Valentine’s Day dinner.
1. Scrape Plates Before Rinsing
It’s easy to let a little food slip down the drain, but over time, those bits and pieces can add up, leading to blockages. Before rinsing dishes, scrape leftover food into the trash or compost bin. Pay extra attention to pasta, rice, and potato peels—these expand in water and can create a starchy mess in your pipes.
2. Be Careful with Grease and Oils
Cooking up a fancy steak or frying seafood? Be mindful of the grease! When hot, grease seems like a liquid, but once it cools, it solidifies, creating a sticky mess in your pipes. Instead of pouring it down the drain, let it cool in a jar or can and toss it in the trash. This small step can save you from a major clog down the road.
3. Use a Drain Strainer
A simple drain strainer can catch food particles, preventing them from slipping into your pipes. This is especially helpful if you’re working with fibrous foods like celery or artichokes, which can easily tangle and block water flow. It’s an inexpensive solution that can save you from a costly repair later.
4. Run Hot Water While Using the Garbage Disposal
If you’re using your garbage disposal, always run hot water before, during, and after to help flush food particles through the system. However, avoid putting certain things down the disposal, like eggshells, coffee grounds, or bones, which can lead to buildup and damage. And if you notice an odd smell coming from your disposal, toss in some citrus peels and run it with cold water for a fresh scent!
5. Prevent Clogs with Regular Maintenance
Even with the best habits, drains can still collect debris over time. Regularly flushing your drains with hot water and baking soda can help keep things moving. If you have a history of slow drains or backups, it might be time to call a pro. Homeowners dealing with stubborn drains in Tampa know that regular maintenance can prevent major plumbing headaches.
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to preventing plumbing problems. Follow these simple tips to keep your Valentine’s Day focused on love—not a clogged sink. And if you ever find yourself in need of a plumbing expert, contact The Clean Plumbers, the one with the bubbles on the trucks.