Drain blockage can be a massive headache for homeowners. When it happens, it can lead to lots of inconveniences that may vary from mild incidents to significant issues that may need professional intervention. For Wokingham property owners dealing with problematic drains, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some valuable tips to prevent drain blockages from wreaking havoc in your property.
1. Regularly Remove Hair and Debris: Hair is the most common culprit for shower and bathroom sink blockages. It often binds with sticky substances to form clogs. You can prevent this by using a drain guard in your showers and bathtubs, ensuring it catches the hair and bits of debris. Regularly clean these filters to prevent build-up.
2. Proper Disposal of Fats, Oils, and Grease: Pouring cooking fat, oil, or grease (commonly referred to as FOGS) down the drain is a recipe for disaster. These substances harden as they cool down, causing significant blockage over time. Instead, pour your FOGS into a dedicated container to cool and solidify before throwing them into the garbage.
3. Watch What You Flush: Toilets get blocked when inappropriate materials are flushed down. The rule of thumb is to only flush human waste and toilet paper. Items like baby wipes, sanitary pads, and diapers should be appropriately disposed of in a rubbish bin rather than trying to flush them.
4. Mind the Garbage Disposal: Treat your garbage disposal kindly. While it is equipped to power through some food scraps, not all food waste is safe for your disposal. Avoid hard food items such as bones and fruit pits, fibrous materials like corn husks and celery, and starchy foods like rice and pasta as they can clog your drain.
5. Regular Cleaning: Regularly maintain your drains and pipes by using a mixture of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar. This natural cleaner can help break down minor blockages and build-up while deodorizing your pipes. Conduct this maintenance around once a month to keep your drains running smoothly.
6. Install Drain Strainers: Drain strainers are a great way to prevent food particles, soap residue, hair, and other debris from going down your drain and causing a blockage. Make sure to clean the strainers regularly for optimum functioning.
7. Professional Inspection: Regular inspection by a specialist can help diagnose and address potential issues before they evolve into substantial problems. A professional plumber can use advanced tools and techniques like CCTV drain surveys to look for blockages, cracks, or damages inside the piping system.
8. Plant Away from Sewer Lines: If possible, avoid planting trees too close to your sewer lines as tree roots can penetrate and damage the pipes, leading to blockages. blocked drains wokingham If you love gardening, consider creating a root barrier to protect your sewer lines.
9. Educate the Household: Finally, educate every member of your household about the consequences of blocked drains and how to maintain them correctly. Everyone should be mindful of their habits that could harm the plumbing system.
In conclusion, keeping your drains in perfect working condition is essential for the smooth running of your Wokingham property. By implementing these steps, you can prevent avoidable drain blockages and costly repairs. Should you face a stubborn blockage, don’t hesitate to call on a professional plumber to resolve the issue promptly and efficiently.