How To Prevent Blocked Drains

There is nothing worse than suffering from a clogged drain. It doesn’t matter if it occurs in the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or 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.

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

Once cooking oils and food grease cool inside the pipework, they solidify, creating a barrier that obstructs water flow.

Toilet Paper

Using too much toilet paper is bad for your pipes. A blockage can occur if you flush excess 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?

Some easy tips are for preventing clogged drains and maintaining your drainage system. All you need to do is adjust your daily routine and be cautious of what you put down your gutters and stormwater drains.

• Dispose of cooking oil and used grease in a container and place in a garbage bin. Do not wash cooking grease down the sink to prevent blocked drains.
• Invest in a drain strainer to catch food scraps before they reach the sink opening. These can also be used in shower drains to prevent hair clogs and other drain blockages.
• Only flush water and human waste down the toilet, and be mindful of how much toilet paper you use to avoid blocked toilets.
• Proper rubbish disposal is vital, as items washed down the line can harm the sewer system and your household plumbing system.
• Clearing your drains regularly through a local licensed plumber is the best way to avoid a clog in the line and detect potential issues like a collapsed or crushed drain.
• To maintain the health of your drainage system, it is 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 household washing solution, an excellent method to prevent smelly sinks.

Prevent Blocked Drains

A well-maintained drain is essential for the smooth functioning of any household. However, 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.