Working at home can put a strain on the drain

With millions of Americans confined to their homes due to the COVID crisis, home plumbing systems are finding themselves under vastly increased load. To reduce the chance that these all-important systems will fail just when they’re needed most, Four Seasons Plumbing, a North Carolina plumbing company, has published some useful content instructing Americans how to keep things flowing freely.

First and foremost comes the warning: don’t flush anything but toilet paper. This advice is especially important today because consumers are increasingly purchasing disposable alcohol wipes and other sanitation products. Sadly, these products do not break down easily and can pose a major risk of blocking the home’s main drain. Four Seasons advises that other products such as cat litter should never be flushed.

Another potential trouble spot is the kitchen’s automatic garbage disposal unit, often known as an “insinkerator.” This unit can become blocked and befouled by large food scraps, oil, and grease, so monitor its operation carefully. Four Seasons recommends applying an admixture of vinegar and baking soda if this unit begins to emit foul odors.

Another key concern is the shower drain, where hair from multiple family members can build up unexpectedly. Four Seasons recommends the simple installation of a wire mesh device to trap this hair before it can pose a risk of system blockage.

“Staying at home as much as possible is a critical safeguard right now, but it presents unique challenges,” said Max Rose, Four Seasons Plumbing’s owner. “Families are putting additional strain on the physical fixtures and appliances, and with recommendations to wash your hands frequently and keep surfaces clean, many people are using more water than they would under ordinary circumstances. Even maintaining adequate levels of hot water and water pressure can be difficult if you don’t have a plan.”

You can read the remainder of Four Season’s tips for keeping your home plumbing system flowing freely here:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/four-seasons-plumbing-lists-top-ways-to-prevent-clogs-and-reduce-water-waste-while-staying-in-place-this-spring-301039616.html