Experiencing a blocked drain in one’s home or business is an incredibly unpleasant and inconvenient experience. In Winchester, like any other city, there are specific steps you can take to prevent this from happening. Regular maintenance is necessary to prevent this unexpected and frustrating issue. So, how about learning some handy tips to preventing blocked drains in Winchester? Here we go.
1. Be Careful What You Flush
The first step to preventing blocked drains is to be selective about what you put down your drains. In the bathroom, the biggest culprits are usually paper products and wipes that aren’t designed to break down blocked drains winchester in the same way as toilet paper, such as sanitary pads, baby wipes, paper towels and cotton balls. Even though certain wipes are labelled as flushable, they do not degrade quickly enough and can lead to blockages. We advise you to dispose of these products in a bin instead of flushing them.
2. Dispose of Grease Properly
This is one for the kitchen. Never pour fats, oil, or grease down the drain. While it may seem like a liquid when hot, it will solidify as it cools down and can cause a serious blockage in your pipes over time. Instead, allow it to cool and solidify, then scrape it into a sealable container and dispose of it in the trash.
3. Use Drain Strainers
These simple devices can save you a lot of hassle. Whether you are doing dishes or taking a shower, a drain strainer can help prevent large and potentially harmful items from going down the drain. It blocks materials like food particles, hair and soap residue that can build up over time and create a stubborn clog.
4. Regularly Clean Your Drains
Bi-weekly manual cleaning is your drain’s best friend. For the kitchen sink, regularly wash it out with boiling water, particularly after fatty or food-laden dishes. For bathtubs and showers, removing the pop-up stoppers to clean them can also prevent blockages.
You can also use a solution of vinegar and baking soda: Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Wait 15-20 minutes as the mixture reacts to break down any obstructions, then rinse with hot water.
5. Mind Your Garden
Watching over the tree roots in your garden helps in preventing blocked drains. Tree roots are known for causing blocked drains since they are always seeking water sources, and they may crack your pipes to get to it.
6. Correct Disposal of Food Waste
Avoid disposing of food remnants like coffee grounds, vegetable peels and egg shells down your kitchen sink. Such waste should go in the compost bin instead of the sink. Also, remember to use plenty of water when using a garbage disposal to help flush waste through the drain pipes.
7. Professional Inspection
A drain and sewage professional can inspect pipes with video equipment to detect any build-ups or damage early, before they escalate into expensive repairs. This helps to ensure that your system remains clear and working properly.
Keeping your drains clean is a preventative step that will help you avoid a messy and stressful situation. Following the above tips in Winchester and understanding how to properly maintain your home’s drains can save you from a costly and inconvenient blockage. In the event that your drains do become blocked, it might be time to call a professional to take a look. Otherwise, with careful practice and regular upkeep, your drains will stay clear, ensuring your plumbing functions optimally for years to come.