The Best Plumbing Cleaning to Do While You’re Stuck At Home

Clean the P-Trap

If a drain is smelly or slow even after cleaning it out, your P-trap might be the culprit. This fixture can collect gunk and start to smell. Place a bucket underneath, unscrew the trap, and remove any buildup inside. Rinse the parts before reassembling. A clean P-trap can restore proper drainage and eliminate unpleasant odors. Rinse the parts before reassembling. A clean P-trap can restore proper drainage and eliminate unpleasant odors.

Clean Faucet Aerators and Showerheads

Dealing with low water pressure? The culprit could be mineral buildup in your faucet aerators or showerheads. Unscrew them and soak them in vinegar for a few hours to dissolve scale and sediment. Rinse thoroughly and reinstall—you’ll notice a difference in water flow.

Scrub Around Toilets and Under the Rim

Even if you clean the toilet bowl regularly, the areas around the base and under the rim often get overlooked. Use a disinfectant cleaner and an old toothbrush to tackle grime in those hard-to-reach spots. If your toilet smells off or runs continuously, it might also be time to inspect the tank for worn-out parts. Call a local plumbing repair service to inspect your toilet and restore the fixture to good working order.

Check and Clean the Garbage Disposal

If your garbage disposal has developed a funky smell, it probably needs a deep clean. Toss in some ice cubes and citrus peels, then run cold water while the disposal is on. For an extra-clean boost, flush it with baking soda and vinegar. Always make sure the unit is off before you go poking around inside it.