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How Freezing Temperatures Affect Outdoor and Floor Drains

  How Freezing Temperatures Affect Outdoor and Floor Drains When temperatures drop, water doesn’t always disappear—it can shift into solid form. Outdoor drains and interior floor drains that normally carry rainwater, meltwater, or household runoff can become vulnerable as freezing conditions cause water in drain lines to expand and block passages.   In many cases, the problem starts with a simple physics issue: water freezes at 32°F (0°C). Once ice begins forming in the drain opening, the ice can grow within the pipe, narrowing the channel and slowing or stopping drainage altogether.   Why outdoor drains are especially at risk   Outdoor drains—such as those around foundations, driveways, patios, and low points on a property—often face exposure to the elements. If the drain line runs close to the surface or passes through uninsulated areas, the water inside the pipe can freeze more easily. During heavy rain or melting snow, the volume of water c ... Read more »
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Garbage Disposal Dos and Don’ts to Avoid Drain Clogs

Garbage Disposal Dos and Don’ts to Avoid Drain Clogs

Garbage Disposal Dos and Don’ts to Avoid Drain Clogs


Garbage disposals are designed to handle small food scraps—not entire meals, grease, or non-food items. When homeowners use disposals incorrectly, they can cause clogged drains, unpleasant odors, and even costly plumbing repairs.

 

Below are practical dos and don’ts to help you avoid drain clogs while keeping your disposal cleaner and more efficient.

 

Do: Feed it the right things

 

Run cold water before turning on the disposal, then feed small amounts of food at a time. Suitable items include soft food scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, small bits of cooked food, and leftover plant-based waste. Cutting larger scraps into smaller pieces can also help reduce strain and improve grinding.

 

Don’t: Put grease and oils down the drain

 

One of the most common causes of clogs is grease. Pouring cooking oil, fat, or even “small” ... Read more » 

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