No one likes to deal with blocked drains, but luckily, many blockages can be prevented. You just need to know how to spot early signs of a blockage and be careful about what you put down the drains!
Bad smells from rotting food scraps, hair and soap foam are the first obvious sign of blocked drains. You can avoid this problem by avoiding certain practices and using mechanical tools.
Invest in a good drain cleaner
Blocked drains are one of the most common household problems. They can cause a lot of inconvenience and stress. Unpleasant odors, slow drainage, and pooling water are just some of the symptoms. Blocked drains can also lead to serious plumbing issues if not dealt with promptly.
The best way to avoid them is by being mindful of what you dispose of down the drains. This means avoiding throwing food scraps, nappies, baby wipes, and other materials down the drain. It is also a good idea to invest in a drain strainer for your sink, shower, and stormwater drains.
Many people attempt to clear their blocked drains using DIY methods, such as a baking soda and vinegar mixture or store-bought chemical cleaners. However, these DIY solutions are often ineffective and can corrode pipes over time. Therefore, it is advisable to contact professional plumbers for drain cleaning. They have the skills and equipment needed to clear even the most stubborn clogs.
Avoid flushing hair
When you’re in a hurry, it can be tempting to flush strands of hair down the toilet. However, this is a big no-no and can cause a serious blockage. It’s best to dispose of hair in the trash can instead.
A similar rule applies to other waste products such as food scraps and cooking grease. It’s also a good idea to avoid flushing kitty litter, even those that claim to be “flushable.” Kitty litter is designed to clump when wet and can cause serious pipe blockages.
Similarly, foreign objects can also fall into drains and cause problems. These include paintbrushes, bits of plastic cutlery and other non-degradable items. They can also clog shower, bath and outside drains. If you suspect an object has fallen into a drain, try using a wire coat hanger and some hot water to unblock it. For more stubborn blockages, a plumbing snake can be used to dislodge them. These tips will help you keep your drains clear and avoid the need for expensive repairs.
Don’t overload your drains
We’ve all had those moments when we’re taking a shower and the water starts to drain slowly until it eventually dribbles out of the plughole. Foul smells and gurgling sounds are also telltale signs that the drain is blocked.
It’s important to avoid overloading your drains because they’re designed to only take sewage and water. Anything else, including food waste, hygiene products and hair can clog the drain and cause serious problems.
When you start to notice blockages, it is important to try out a few DIY methods before calling in the professionals. For instance, pouring soda crystals followed by a kettle of boiling water can break down grease and soap scum. If these techniques don’t work, it is a good idea to contact a professional plumber for help. They can diagnose and solve the problem more quickly and effectively. They can also advise you on preventive measures to avoid future problems. The waste and bacteria that build up in clogged drains can pose serious health risks. They can attract snails and house flies that can spread diseases such as schistosomiasis and typhoid. The stagnant water that builds up in clogged drains can also increase indoor humidity levels, which leads to mould and fungi.
Don’t overfill your toilet
You should always consider calling a plumber if there are any indications of blocked drains or water overflow in your property. These issues should be addressed immediately to lessen the damage caused by water leaks and prevent further problems in the future.
For example, if you have a toilet that continuously overflows, turn off the water supply right away by turning the shut-off valve on the bottom of the tank (it may be a knob with a football shape or a lever). This will stop the constant flow of water and prevent it from worsening the situation.
Other ways to avoid getting a blocked drain include being mindful of what goes down your sink, washbasin and toilet drains. Items like food scraps, hair, hygiene products and small toys can end up in the drain causing blockages if they are not disposed of properly. Also, beware of cooking grease as it will build up and solidify in the sink and eventually clog it. If you do have blocked drains or need help with a blocked drain, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ can offer you services to remove or unblock the drains.