Blocked drains are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. They cause smelly, unsightly mess and can lead to serious plumbing issues if left untreated.
You can prevent drain blockages by implementing some simple prevention strategies. For example, use a sink strainer in your kitchen and hair catchers in your bathtub and shower. You can also try using natural cleaners that create a fizzing reaction to break apart clogs.
1. Don’t put anything down your drains that doesn’t belong
Putting anything down your drains that doesn’t belong there can cause serious damage, even if it only damages the surface of your pipes. It can also be hazardous to your health and that of anyone who lives in your home.
Grease and oil (FOG) is a major cause of drain blockages, as they congeal and create a sticky sludge that increases your chances of getting stubborn clogs. FOG can also be damaging to your septic system and the environment.
Medication is another dangerous item to put down your drain, as it can enter and pollute local water sources. Also, don’t put egg shells down the drain, as they can add to and progress existing clogs. Instead, use a strainer in your kitchen sink to catch food waste.
2. Don’t use harsh chemicals
Blocked drains can be caused by a number of different things. From foreign objects that have been dropped into the pipes to a heavy build-up of hair, grease and grime there’s a lot that can go wrong with your home’s piping.
The first thing to look out for is a gurgling sound when running the taps or flushing the toilet. This is a sign that water is pooling and pushing against a blockage in the drain pipe.
If this is the case you may be able to clear it using your drain rods, but make sure you have the right tools before getting stuck in. Also, never use harsh chemicals like lye or Drano – these can be damaging to your pipes. Instead, try pouring hot water and a natural cleaner down the drain.
3. Don’t flush anything down your toilet
Only three things are safe to flush down your toilet: pee, poop, and toilet paper. Any other items that end up in your drains can cause blockages. For example, paper products like tissues and facial wipes aren’t designed to dissolve in water. They should go in the trash instead. Cotton balls and Q-tips should also never be flushed down your toilet as they can bend or build up in your pipes and clog them.
Fats, oils, and grease can also wreak havoc on your drains. After cooking, pour fats and oils into a container to solidify before throwing them away or try using soda crystals to prevent fats from building up in your drains. This simple trick is easy and effective! Then you won’t have to worry about calling a plumber.
4. Don’t use your garbage disposal
Using your garbage disposal can cause some serious problems, including clogs and damage to the plumbing lines in your home. Only use it for small food scraps that can be chopped up by the unit’s blades. Fibrous foods like celery, onion skins and corn husks can wrap around the unit’s blades and cause it to jam. Large bones are another thing that shouldn’t go down your disposal because they are too hard for the unit’s impellers to break down.
You can avoid these issues by regularly flushing your drains with hot water. This will clear any gunk that has built up in the drain and prevent future blockages. Also, be sure to put your wipes in the bin and not down the toilet because they are one of the main causes of drain blockages.
5. Don’t overload your drains
It’s important to clean your drains regularly and not to overload them. If you do this, it will prevent the build-up of materials that cause blockages and make them easier to clear.
If you notice water backing up from your toilets, sinks or tubs it’s time to call a plumber. Blocked drains can cause contaminated water to flood your home, damage your property and cause unpleasant odors. For more information on contacting a professional plumber, go online to sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ will provide you with a lot of good information.
Grease waste and fatty substances that are washed down your kitchen drain can also build up and stick to the inside of your pipes over time. A clog from these substances can be very difficult to remove without the help of a professional. Also, cracked or broken pipes are a common cause of clogged drains because dirt constantly makes its way into the piping.
