It’s important to know how to prevent blocked drains, as it can become very frustrating and inconvenient. You want to keep your home in good working order all the time.
The warning signs are easy to look out for…
- Unpleasant odours – If your drains are blocked they have a tendency to release unpleasant odours into the atmosphere which you will be able to smell. This can happen especially when there’s a big build-up of food debris. As food slowly decomposes, it creates a noticeably bad smell, which is worsened when the tap is turned on.
- Slow drainage – This is one of the most common indicators that your drain may be blocked.
- Raised water levels – When you flush your toilet and notice the water level rises higher than normal, this typically means there is a blockage. Call DSB if the water rises to the point of overflowing as it could be a more serious issue.
- Gurgling sounds – If strange gurgling sounds come from your drains or plug holes they should be treated as a potential blockage. These sounds occur when there is trapped air in the drain and it escapes when you run the water.
Methods to prevent you from getting to the stage of a blocked drain…
- Pour hot water down the drain. This is possibly the easiest and most cost-effective solution in preventing a blockage. If any fat or oil has made its way down the kitchen sink, you need to act fast before it solidifies and blocks the drain. The hot water will melt the unwanted fat and oil, allowing it to exit the drain without causing any issues. PVC pipes may loosen in the event of boiling water poured down the drain, and if you have a porcelain sink bowl, you should never pour boiling water directly onto it as it could cause it to crack.
- Be careful in what you flush… Flushing the wrong items down the toilet could be disastrous in itself leading to blocked drains and flooding of your home. Avoid flushing the following items
- Feminine products
- Baby wipes/ wet wipes
- Cotton balls/ cotton pads
- Nappies
- Paper towels
- Cigarette butts
- Dental floss
- Gum
- Medication
- A sink strainer is a great idea to purchase for the kitchen. It is a perforated metal sieve that filters out solid debris in the water system. You can use it to cover the drain of your kitchen sink, bath or shower.
- Cleaning and maintaining your drains to prevent blockages is essential. There are many ways to do so…
- Baking soda and vinegar is a classic combination, with the dynamic duo effortlessly keeping your drain clear and fresh.
- Cream of tartar is safe to use in the bathroom or kitchen. The salt and bicarbonate of soda work together to help scour pipes and break up the buildup, with the cream of tartar naturally cleaning the metals.
- Collect as much food waste as possible. It will prevent your drains from clogging up and is good for the environment.
- Call out a professional. We are on hand to sort out all of your plumbing needs.
