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Cleaning for Your Home's Plumbing
Every now and then, it’s a good idea to open up the windows, let in some fresh air, and deep clean our homes from top to bottom. And while you're at it, don't forget about your home's plumbing! Keeping your plumbing clean and well-maintained is essential to keeping it functioning correctly. Not sure where to start? Here's a quick guide to some of the areas around your home that you should be sure to clean.
1. The Garbage Disposal
Over time, your garbage disposal can become clogged with food scraps and other debris. Simply run some cold water and turn on the disposal to clean it. Then, use a long-handled brush to reach down and remove any build-up from the blades. Finally, rerun the disposal with cold water for 30 seconds to flush everything out.
2. The Dishwasher
Another common source of plumbing problems is the dishwasher. To clean it, start by running a cycle with hot water and no detergent. Then, once that cycle is complete, mix together a solution of one cup of vinegar and one cup of baking soda and pour it into the dishwasher's detergent dispenser. Run another hot water cycle, then rinse everything out with cold water.
3. The Shower
Your shower has a lot of use, so it's no surprise that it can quickly become dirty. Things like hair, soap scum, and shower grime can build up in the shower and cause severe clogs over time.
To clean it, remove any soap scum or mildew with a sponge or scrub brush. Rinse everything off with hot water when you're done. And, when washing your hair, use a mesh hair strainer to keep hair from going down the drain. If your hair goes down, you can use a snake to remove hair from the drain.
4. The Washing Machine Vents
Believe it or not, your washing machine vents can become clogged with lint over time. This can cause all sorts of problems, including leaks and even flooding! To clean them, start by unplugging your washing machine and disconnecting the hose from the back of the machine. Then, using a vacuum with a hose attachment, suck out any lint or debris that has accumulated in the vent over time. Reconnect the hose and plug your machine back in when you're done.
5. The Dryer Vents
Just like your washing machine vents, your dryer vents can also become clogged with lint over time—for the same reasons! To clean them, start by unplugging your dryer and disconnecting the hose from the back of the machine. Then vacuum out any lint or debris that has accumulated in the vent over time (you may need to use an attachment). Reconnect the hose and plug your machine back in when you're done - and be sure to empty out the lint trap before each use!
6. The Toilets
Nobody likes cleaning toilets—but it's necessary if you want to keep your plumbing functioning properly! Start by flushing the toilet to wet all surfaces inside the bowl (this will help prevent streaking). Then use a toilet brush to scrub away any dirt or grime around the bowl's rim and under the rim (be sure to wear gloves!). Finally, flush again and admire your sparkling clean toilet!
7. The Sinks and Drains
One final area to focus on is your sinks and drains. To clean them, start by pouring boiling water down each drain, then follow up with a mixture of one cup baking soda, one cup vinegar, and two cups boiling water. Let this sit for 15 minutes, then flush everything out with hot water. For an extra deep clean, you can remove drain covers and use an old toothbrush or pipe cleaner to remove any build-up around drain openings.
Let Us Keep Your Plumbing in Good Shape!
Taking care of these areas around your home can help keep your plumbing functioning properly! Do you need help with any major plumbing problems? Call Lloyds Plumbing at (805) 495-8766. we're here to help!