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How To Prevent Blocked Drains

Have you got a blocked drain in your kitchen or bathroom? Find out what causes it and how to prevent future blockages.

Here is nothing worse than suffering from a clogged drain. It doesn’t matter if it occurs in the kitchen sink, bathroom sink or an outside sewer drain. It is a massive problem that can create havoc on your property. A blockage in the drain can indicate a bigger plumbing problem in the pipes.

Blocked Drain Prevention

What’s Blocking My Drains?

Clogged drains can occur for several different reasons. Let’s look at some reasons why you may have clogged drains.

Food

Food waste can get washed down the drain and build up in the pipes. Some food items cannot decompose and become lodged in the pipe walls.

Debris/Foreign Objects

You can accidentally wash away items such as jewellery; children have been known to flush their toys down the toilet. An object larger than the pipe opening cannot move through the pipe system and stop the water flow.

Soap/Hair

The shower drain is susceptible to a build-up of hair and soap. Hair is a significant factor in a bathroom or shower drain clogging up. Shampoo can be overly greasy and hard to disintegrate.

Oil

Cooking oils and food grease will become solid once they cool inside the pipework. This creates a barrier and obstructs water flow.

Toilet Paper

Using too much toilet paper will not do any good for your pipes. A blockage can occur in the line if you flush excess amounts of paper and other material down the sewer drain.

Tree Roots

Tree roots are strong, and once they start growing inside your pipes, they will cause the pipework to become weak and break. Tree root invasion is a common culprit in clogging your pipeline.

Damaged Drain Pipes

If there is rust in your water channels or you have an older property, the drainpipes are likely weak and at risk of cracking.

How Do I Stop My Drains From Blocking?

There are some easy tips on saving your drains from becoming clogged. All you need to do is adjust your daily routine and be cautious of what you put down your gutters.

  • Dispose of cooking oil and used grease in a container and place in a garbage bin. Do not wash cooking grease down the sink.
  • Invest in a drain strainer to catch food scraps before reaching the sink opening. These can also be used in your shower drain to prevent hair clogs.
  • Only flush water and human waste down the toilet, and be mindful of how much toilet paper you use.
  • The proper rubbish disposal is important as any items washed down your line can harm the drain system.
  • Clearing your drains regularly through a local licensed plumber is the best way to avoid a clog in the line.
  • It would be best not to throw coffee grounds, paper towels, cat litter, paint and some household cleaners down the drain.

What Can I Pour Down A Drain To Unclog It?

Many items on the market claim to clear clogs and drain blockages in the drains. Instead of unclogging blocked pipes, these products may do more harm than good. Some chemicals may be too harsh on the plumbing and cause your channels to weaken.

If you are looking for a quick remedy for minor clogs in the drain, you could create a compelling and environmentally friendly solution. You can usually find the ingredients around your house. All you need is the following:

  • 1/2 cup baking soda,
  • 1 cup of vinegar and
  • Boiling water

Start by slowly pouring the water down the drain, followed by 1/2 baking soda and vinegar. Cover the drain with a plug and let the mixture work for 5-10 minutes. Finish off by trying to pour boiling water again.

Be careful when pouring hot water, and wear gloves to avoid burning yourself. The chemical reaction between the soda and vinegar will disintegrate small clogs such as grease, soap and hair. You can also use the household washing solution, an excellent method to prevent smelly sinks.

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Prevent Blocked Drains

A well-maintained drain is essential for the smooth functioning of any household. But improper disposal of items and unintentionally dropping them can clog your drains. There may also be undetected leaks and problems you may not be able to see or notice immediately.

Changing a few habits, getting your hands dirty, and putting more time and attention into your home’s drains may save you a lot of money.

Pools of water in your yard, slow-moving drains, and gurgling sounds from your sinks may signify a majorly congested drain.

If you are experiencing drain blockage or anything similar, call a reputable plumbing service to help solve this issue permanently. Do not ignore problems with your home’s plumbing system, as they may worsen or cause further problems and damage to your household plumbing system and property.

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