As a homeowner, one of the most common and frustrating plumbing problems you may encounter is blocked drains. Whether it’s from the toilet, kitchen sink, or shower drain, the inconvenience can greatly disrupt your daily routine. Thankfully, LocalDrains, a trusted and established name in the plumbing industry, provides effective strategies on how to prevent blocked drains effectively.
First and foremost, be cautious about the items you dispose of down the drain. This may seem like common sense, but numerous drain blockages occur because of careless disposal of waste substances. For instance, in the kitchen, grease and fat are the biggest culprits for blocked drains. When hot, these substances flow easily into the drain but then solidify as they cool, leading to a hard mass that blocks the pathway. To prevent this, LocalDrains suggests wiping your blocked drains localdrains dishes and pans with kitchen paper to remove excess grease before washing them. Also, consider disposing of large quantities of grease in a separate container and then throwing it in your general waste bin.
Secondly, utilize drain strainers. These essential tools can prevent large materials, like food particles in the kitchen sink and hair in the showers or sinks from falling into the drain. LocalDrains recommends regular emptying and cleaning of these strainers to ensure effective draining.
Next, consider using bacterial drain cleaners occasionally. These products utilise ‘friendly’ bacteria to clear the build-up of organic matter in your drains. These are much safer alternatives to chemical drain cleaners, which LocalDrains advises against due to their corrosive nature.
Cleaning the stoppers can also be beneficial, especially in the bathroom. Soap build-ups, hair, and other debris often gather around stoppers. Removing and cleaning them regularly will help to prevent a blockage from forming.
Furthermore, the professional team at LocalDrains suggests running hot water down your drains once a week. This can help dissolve and dislodge minor blockages, keeping your drains clear. They particularly recommend this practice for sinks that you use often, like in the kitchen and bathroom.
Another very practical tip from LocalDrains is to be literate about your home’s plumbing systems. Understanding where the large and small drains are, how they connect, and their trajectories helps you know where potential blockage problem areas are. Suppose you know that a particular set of pipes has many bends or horizontal slopes. In that case, you can pay special attention to them and avoid putting anything down those drains that could potentially cause blockages.
We should all strive towards preventative care, and integrating these simple yet effective tips from LocalDrains into your routine can save you time, money, and the inconvenience associated with blocked drains. By adopting responsible habits, you also contribute to a better environment by reducing the need for harsh chemical cleaners or extensive plumbing repairs. Remember, if you find yourself facing a persistent or severe blockage, it’s best to call on professionals like LocalDrains to get the job done!