A clogged drain is a big problem. Not only does it make your system less efficient, but dealing with it can get pretty messy and expensive. Clogs can also cause backups that slowly flood parts of your facility. After all, you probably wouldn’t want to be responsible for a flooded basement or ruined equipment.
Lack of maintenance and neglect is one of the leading causes of drain blockages. For instance, clogs in kitchen sinks may occur when bits of food and oil build up in the drain. Moreover, toilets frequently become blocked when things like tissue and other sanitary products are flushed. Other than that, bathtubs may get blocked with hair, soap, and other items.
If serious issues arise, don’t hesitate to call the professionals like those at Blocked Drains Plumber Northern Beaches if you’re in Sydney. However, mindful homeowners who practice preventative maintenance may eliminate the need for urgent plumbing services.
Instead of taking action after your drain gets clogged, you can avoid this altogether by following preventive measures. There are several easy and essential maintenance tips you can use to prevent your drainage system from becoming blocked and needing repairs. Learn more about these below:
- Keep Track Of What Goes Into Your Drain
The easiest method to avoid blocked drains is by being cautious of what goes into them. Drains and pipelines are primarily intended for the movement of water and human waste. So, they perform poorly when other particles or materials enter their system. Keeping this in mind will help you secure your pipes and drains from obstructions.
Fat, oil, and grease pose a hazard to your kitchen drain as they can coat your pipelines, making food crumbs and other residues stick to it and clog your pipes. Thus, it’s best not to pour these substances down your drain. To dispose of used cooking oil, fat, or grease properly, you can use a dry, empty container like a can, jar, or plastic bag to collect it, then throw it out with your general waste.
In addition, putting strainers in your sinks is among the easiest and fastest strategies to control solid objects from entering your drains. These filters are built from steel material and come in various sizes to accommodate any sink.
- Flush It With Hot Water
Another simple technique to avoid clogs is by flushing your drain with hot water. This technique helps disintegrate accumulated particles, helping them move smoothly down the pipes. Additionally, pouring sufficient hot water can dissolve any unpleasant fat that may have settled there.
However, make sure not to use boiling water if you have PVC pipes. Boiling water may damage them due to its high temperature.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Drain cleaners may seem like an obvious solution to a clogged drain. However, some chemicals have some drawbacks that reduce their effectiveness considerably. For instance, since commercial drain cleaners involve chemical reactions to dissolve blockages, their active chemicals are often reactive and produce strong fumes.
Moreover, many of these cleaners have contaminants that tend to pollute nearby groundwater. Likewise, many popular cleansers are harsh, which may cause additional or severe harm to your pipes. Thus, chemical cleaners, whether they degrade PVC or increase corrosion in old lines, may lead to more severe issues in the future.
- Use The Right Plunger
Typically, the initial line of action against a blocked sink drain or toilet is a plunger. Hence, another critical component of maintenance that helps avoid blocked drains is purchasing a high-quality plunger. However, many homeowners are unaware that there are two basic kinds of plungers, both with their unique functions:
- Cup Plunger. The cup plunger is the most common type of plunger. It has a long solid handle with a cup-shaped rubber end to push and break up obstructions. This plunger is designed for use on flat surfaces such as sinks and tubs. However, these don’t do well with toilets because of their shape.
- Flange Plunger. These plungers have many of the same characteristics as a standard cup plunger. However, it includes a flap that extends over the rim of the cup. This extra flap enables the plunger to seal against irregular surfaces, such as a toilet.
- Invest In Yearly Drain Cleanings
Another excellent tip to prevent blocked drains is by investing in yearly cleaning services provided by professionals. Investing in regular drain cleaning services ensures that your pipes remain clear throughout the year and reduces the likelihood of blockage and damage.
Drain cleaning services performed by professionals begin with a video check of the interior of your pipelines. A plumber’s camera probes through the drain, looking for obstructions and damage. This provides an accurate view of your pipeline’s general condition.
Moreover, this once-a-year treatment helps maintain your pipes free throughout the year. It’s also an excellent method to prevent significant and costly damage in the future.
Preventive Plumbing Maintenance Is A Must
Preventive plumbing maintenance tips include fixing leaking faucets, checking leaks in appliances, cleaning showerheads, and the items discussed above. You can take a do-it-yourself (DIY) preventive maintenance to save money when hiring a professional. However, you should hire a licensed plumber if you want a more thorough inspection of your sewer pipes, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures.
An annual preventive maintenance inspection and repair is vital for a healthy plumbing system. Contact a reputable local plumber or plumbing contractor to perform tests, such as backflow water testing, to prevent water contamination and the risk of flooding due to pipe damage.
Why Hire A Professional
If you take a DIY route, you must use the right tools and safety gear to avoid accidents. Otherwise, it’s best to entrust a plumbing job to a professional.
Plumbers have the background, experience, and skills to perform different plumbing repair services. They also have a complete set of plumbing tools and equipment, such as hydro-jetting machines, drain cleaning machines, drain inspection cameras, and soldering torches.
It’s advisable to work with a plumbing company with a full range of services, from plumbing inspection and emergency plumbing to preventive maintenance and comprehensive plumbing services.
Learn more about the different services that local licensed plumbing companies offer at https://www.mrrooter.com/san-antonio/.
Conclusion
The primary purpose of a drainage system is to remove various forms of liquid and sometimes solid waste from your home. This is why a simple blocked drain can be relatively easy to fix yourself if you know what causes it. However, if you suspect having a bigger drainage problem, it’s always better to call in the professionals and let them assess the situation before rushing into anything.
