No plumbing problem is more common or more frustrating than a clogged drain. Kitchen sink drains clog most often because of a buildup of grease that traps food particles. Hair and soap are often at fault in bathroom drains. Drains can usually be cleared easily and inexpensively, but taking some simple precautions will help you avoid stop-ups.

• Proper disposal of kitchen waste will keep sink drain clogs to a minimum.
• Don’t pour grease down the kitchen sink.
• Don’t wash coffee grounds down the sink. Throw them out.
• Be sparing with chemical cleaners, particularly if you have brass, steel, or cast-iron traps and drain pipes; some caustic chemicals can corrode metal pipes. If used no more than once every few months, cleaners containing sodium hydroxide or sodium nitrate can be safe and effective.
• Clean floor drain strainers. Some tubs, showers, and basement floor drains have strainers that are screwed into the drain opening. You can easily remove these strainers and reach down into the drain with a bent wire to clear out accumulated debris. And be sure to scrub the strainer.
• Clean pop-up stoppers in the bathroom sink and the tub regularly. Lift out sink pop-ups once a week and rinse them off.
• Every few months, remove the overflow plate on a tub and pull up the pop-up assembly to reach the spring or rocker arm.
• Remove accumulated hair and rinse thoroughly.
• Keep the sewer pipes from the house free of tree roots that may invade them. If roots are a particular problem in your yard, you may need to call in professionals once a year or so to clear the pipes. They’ll use an electric auger to cut out the roots.
• Flush the drain-waste and vent systems whenever you go up onto your house roof to clean out downspouts or gutters.
• Run water from a garden hose into all vents, giving them a minute or two of full flow.

CONSERVATION TIPS

Here are some small changes for around the house to make a BIG difference!

• Turn faucet off when brushing teeth and shaving
• Install a faucet aerator on your bathroom sink
• Install a faucet aerator on your kitchen sink
• Install a high efficiency toilet
• Install a water saving shower head

Just to name a few.

KITCHEN

• Rinse dishes, vegetables and fruits in a filled basin, rather than under running water.
• Water your plants with left-over rinse water. (Plants also love fish tank water!)
• Wash only full loads in the dishwasher. Use the “light wash” setting when possible.
• Consider buying a high efficiency dishwasher that will save water and energy. Some water districts and homeowners associations give discounts for this.
• Keep a jug of chilled water in the refrigerator for drinking to avoid running the water until it gets cold.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly.
• Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.

LAUNDRY ROOM

• Wash only full loads of clothing.
• Hand wash single garments.
• Consider buying a high efficiency washing machine that will save water and energy. Some water districts and homeowners associations give rebates for this.

KITCHEN & BATH REMODEL

Kitchen
The decision to remodel your kitchen is one of the best investments you can make. The kitchen is where the people will spend most of their waking hours while they are home. It is where they cook, eat, and gather with the family. It is where they talk share ideas about the latest trends and fashions.

It is no surprise that the remodeling of the kitchen is at the top of the list of home improvement projects!

Bath
When remodeling your bathroom, the first step, and the most important, is choosing a expert you can trust. Many companies perform substandard work, overcharge and don’t stand behind their work. At Kelly’s Plumbing, our commitment is to set the standard for quality of craft and service in bathroom remodel projects such as bathtubs, vanity, and sinks, big or small. Whether you’re looking for a sleek modern look, something more traditional and elegant, or anything in between, Kelly’s Plumbing can give you a free estimates on bathroom remodeling services for your home.