No homeowner wants to deal with a clogged drain. Whether in a sink drain, a shower drain, or any other type of drain, a clog can create major headaches and even possible water damage (if flooding occurs). Unfortunately, many clogged drains and other residential drain problems occur as a result of poor maintenance. By understanding some of the most common drain-maintenance myths, you can avoid making costly mistakes in your own home.

Myth #1: If It's Liquid, It's Safe to Go Down the Drain

While it may seem like any liquid would be "safe" to pour down your drain without causing damage, this is not actually the case. There are plenty of liquids that can cause damage to your plumbing and clog your drains because they may solidify after you pour them down. Some common culprits include grease and fat from cooking. Instead of pouring these down your drain, consider pouring them into a designated "fats" jar that you keep under your sink. Once the jar is full, you can simply throw it out and start a new one.

Myth #2: Drain-Cleaning Chemicals Are Safe to Use

Store-bought drain-cleaning chemicals may seem like a good way to avoid calling a professional, but they can do more harm than good. Not only do these chemicals release strong and potentially harmful fumes, but they can also corrode your pipes over time. While this isn't to say that store-bought drain cleaners are always a bad idea, many homeowners don't realize their potential downfalls. These are all issues that can be avoided by calling a residential drain cleaning expert out to handle the problem.

Myth #3: Garbage Disposals Can Handle Food Scraps

While it's true that garbage disposals can cut down on clogs, they aren't designed to be a catch-all for all of your food scraps. In fact, there are some scraps that can create serious plumbing problems, including the following:

• bones
• coffee grounds
• eggshells
• pasta/rice
• fruit pits

To be safe, it's always a good idea to scrape your plate off into the garbage after eating. From there, you can safely rinse your plate in the sink and run the garbage disposal with confidence. Taking these extra precautions may also prolong the life of your garbage disposal, which will save you money down the road.

Don't fall for these common drain-maintenance myths; avoid making these mistakes and you can keep your home's drains in tip-top shape. And of course, if you ever do encounter a drain problem, a residential plumbing service can assist you.

To learn more, contact a resource like Johnson Plumbing.