One of the most embarrassing experiences is blocking your sink or toilet, it’s the type of emergency that you would rather not have help with. In such cases, it’s important that you call for emergency drain services, as a plumber will make sure your toilets and sinks are running properly.
But what is equally important is knowing the common causes of blocking drains and how to avoid blocking.
Unflushables
To prevent toilet blockages, avoid flushing ‘unflushables’ like most wet wipes and baby wipes, which are generally not flushable. According to the Consumer Council for Water, unflushables make up 75% of all sewer blockages. By disposing of them in the bin instead, you help reduce the risk of flooding caused by blockages.
Rinse your drains
Rinsing your drains with hot water or boiling water on a weekly basis can prevent blockages from occurring. This routine will prevent clogging from debris or grease. For drains that get dirty quickly, opt for rinsing at least twice a week. Plus, once a month mix one cup of baking soda with one cup of vinegar to pour into the opening of the drain. Leave the solution for 30 minutes before rinsing with boiling water to flush the pipe.
Get a hair catcher/drain protector
It’s common to detangle your hair in the shower or the bathroom (or even the kitchen) sink. Over time, shed hair, product buildup, and dirt can cause blockages. A simple solution is to invest in a drain protector which covers the drain to catch anything from shed hair to product to debris. Make sure to empty the caught hair into the bin at least once a week, and clean your bath, shower, and sinks thoroughly on a weekly basis.
Don’t use home remedies
Home remedies although cheaper than paying for a local plumbing service, might just cause further blockages. And avoid using household items like wire coat hangers to unclog your drains as they can cause damage to your pipes and get stuck in the drain. This will likely result in a more expensive repair bill as it requires more work by a plumber.
Enzyme cleaning sticks
Enzyme cleaning sticks are an effective preventative measure for keeping drains clear. Simply place one stick down your plugholes once a month to help prevent blockages. Plus, these enzyme cleaning sticks are an excellent way to prevent odours from your drains. These sticks work by ‘eating’ through debris, grease, fat, and food, helping your drains to run freely.
Unblocker treatments
Unblocker treatments work differently depending on the product and brand. They typically come in either salt form or liquid. To use, pour the unblocker treatment down the drain and leave it for the recommended time as per the instructions. Then, rinse with water.
Call a plumber
You have tried everything, from natural drainage solutions to unblocker treatments and you still have recurring blockage problems. It’s time for you to google ‘drain unblocking near me’. Your plumber will unclog your drains, making sure that water can run freely.
So rather than risking it with DIY call a plumber to resolve all your drainage problems quickly and efficiently.
Pipe inspections
By having regular pipe inspections, you can prevent blocked drains from occurring. According to Google, it’s advisable to have a pipe inspection at least every two years. Inspections conducted by plumbers are valuable as they can identify any drainage issues that may develop over time. Additionally, having regular inspections is often cheaper than waiting until your pipes are clogged and need to be cleared. Your plumber can also offer advice on maintenance and prevention to keep your drains in the best condition.
Final thoughts
It’s time to get your drains flowing efficiently. Prevention is key, but remember, there’s no need to feel embarrassed about blockages. Try some natural solutions for unblocking, but when in doubt, call a plumber.
Plumbers can resolve recurring blockages, whilst assessing the underlying causes of the drainage problem to advise you effectively.
But remember prevention is always better than cure. So ensure you make time for plumbing inspections every two years, as their impact is paramount. Regular inspections ensure that all your plumbing systems run smoothly and significantly, reducing the likelihood of drainage issues.