Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500171
06/24/03
Sink and Tub Drains-Care and Maintenance
In sinks or tubs where hair is washed, use a plastic
or metal "hair catcher" or screen to catch hair before it
gets into the drain.
Do not pour grease down kitchen drains; pour liquid
grease from cooking into empty tin cans and set in
refrigerator until solidified; put can into tightly
closed plastic bag, wrap in newspapers, and put into
trash bag.
To keep kitchen drains clear, flush daily with
scalding water. For grease buildup, dissolve 1 pound
washing soda in 3 gallons of boiling water and pour down
the drain. To avoid burns from boiling water, hold water
container close to drain and pour slowly and directly
into drain. For heavy grease buildup, use a commercial
drain opener.
Periodic use of a drain cleaner will prevent
accumulations in the pipe. Be sure to read and follow
directions on the container. Do not have your head over
the drain when you pour the cleaner into the drain. The
violent reaction of the cleaner in water can blow up in
your face.
Drain cleaners are very hazardous so be very careful
in using them.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with references from Michigan
Extension bulletin First Aid for Plumbing.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .