Sink Drain

Clean the pop-up stoppers in sinks frequently. Hair often collects and causes clogs. Especially in the kitchen, pouring a kettle of boiling water down the drain will cut grease buildup and opens drains. Regular use of the garbage disposal, if present, will also help to ensure open drains.

To eliminate odors in Sinks with garbage disposals: Fill the disposal about half way with ice cubes, then run the garbage disposal while running the cold water. Next, put half of a lemon or half of a box of baking soda into the garbage disposal and run the disposal while running the cold water for about 30 seconds. Rinse afterwards with cold water for several seconds.

 
Tub and Shower Drians

Tub drains operate a lot like sink drains. Many of the same problems of the bathroom sink will be found in a tub or shower drain. Make sure to keep them clear and to pay attention to drains that are slow to drain, as this may cause flooding in the near future if not attended to. If a sink or tub/shower drains slowly, submit a FIXit request so that it can be repaired before it is completely clogged and causes an overflow or flooding.

Stoppers should to be cleaned on a regular basis as hair tends to twist around the base. First remove the stopper. Some stoppers are removed by turning them with your fingers. Others require that you unscrew a pivot rod that is connected to the opener. Once the stopper is removed, clean it and wipe out the base of the drain opening. Then replace the stopper.

Garbage Disposals

When you are using the disposal, keep the cold water running to flush food particles down the pipe.  Do not use the garbage disposal for meat, bones, or fibrous material such as corn husks, coffee grinds, or animal fat, as this will clog the disposal and damage the motor.

Do not attempt to dislodge any items by reaching or looking into the drain while the garbage disposal is in use. Be sure the disposal is first switched "off". If the unit does not operate properly, please submit a FIXit request online.

Do:

• Grind food waste with moderate flow of cold water until grinding is complete.
• Grind peelings from citrus fruits or baking soda to eliminate odors in your drain.
• You may use a household disposal cleaner, degreaser or deodorizer as needed.

Do Not:

• Overload the grinding chamber as this can damage the motor by causing it to jam or burn out.
• PLEASE NOTE: Improper use of the garbage disposal will cause the dishwasher to overflow as it uses the same sink drain.

If your garbage disposal shuts down while operating it, turn it off, do not use the dishwasher (until the garbage disposal has been fixed) and submit a FIXit request online.