The last thing you want when preparing to usher in a new year is to invite a plumber over so they can help you unclog sewer and drain lines. With that said, you need to prepare your plumbing as soon as possible. And to successfully do that, implement the following tips.

1. Inspect Your Bathroom and Kitchen Sink Drains

Check whether your bathroom and kitchen sink drains are working as expected. If these drains are slow, consider clearing them by using a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. You can also get an enzyme-based drain cleaner as recommended by reputable plumbers.

One thing you should never do is use acid-based products. Although these products deliver, this is always only for the short term. That is to say, the damage they cause in the long term can be severe. Ideally, if your DIY techniques appear to bear no fruit, then this is the time to contact a local plumber to help you fix the issue.

2. Check Your Shower and Bathtub Drains

Run the bathtub faucet or showerhead in your bathrooms for a few minutes. While doing this, focus on the amount of time it takes for both the bathtub faucet and showerhead to drain. If your bathroom fixtures are experiencing slow drains, then this might be a result of a buildup of soap, hair, and shampoo residue.

To clear the drains of your bathroom fixtures, start by removing the drain cover from your bathroom, shower, and bathtub sink. After that, get a straightened coat hanger to help you remove any visible debris. Alternatively, you can use an organic drain cleaner to clear your drain pipes. If these fail to work, then do not hesitate to contact a professional plumber.

3. Give the Toilets a Flush Check

Toilets, especially those in bathrooms reserved for guests, need to get a flush check. This gives you a chance to identify those toilets that are not flushing properly, perhaps due to clogs, flange leaks, or inadequate water supply. Once you have identified these toilets, you can call the plumber to help you resolve the issue. Furthermore, make sure there is a garbage can in each of your home’s bathrooms. These garbage cans should be for paper towels and other items that cannot be flushed.

4. Give Your Garbage Disposal a Thorough Cleaning

To do this, pour a cup of white vinegar into the drain. After that, allow it to sit for between 10 and 15 minutes before flushing completely with hot water for an extra minute or so. This process removes grease that has built up inside your garbage disposal over time. By so doing, it ensures your garbage disposal is less susceptible to clogs when the new year comes. What’s more, you should install a new drain strainer for the new year. The new drain strainer will provide you with a less costly way to keep clogs at bay during the holidays.

A new year marks a new beginning that everyone wants to start on a good note. Well, that includes having your plumbing system working efficiently. The above tips should help you unclog all the drains and prepare your plumbing system for a new year. If you have any questions regarding your plumbing or need to schedule drain cleaning or another plumbing service, call All-Out Plumbing in Albuquerque, NM today.