Whether it’s your shower or sink taking longer than usual to drain or foul smells coming from the plughole, blocked drains are never pleasant. However, many blockages can be resolved with simple DIY solutions such as a drain snake or plunger.
Prevention is always better than cure, so try these easy steps to keep your drains clear:
- Don’t flush anything that shouldn’t go down the drain
Many things that are commonly thrown down sinks and toilets can end up clogging pipes and requiring expensive plumber services. This includes egg shells, coffee grounds, and hair which all bind together to create an ugly clog. Other culprits include wipes, especially those that say ‘flushable’ but often contain plastic (even if they are biodegradable), as well as cotton balls and cotton swabs which can soak up water and be lodged in the drain.
Feminine hygiene products like pads and tampons should never be flushed as they swell up, blocking the pipe. Likewise, diapers should always be disposed of in the trash. Fats, oils and cooking grease also play a big role in creating drain blockages. They start off in liquid form but quickly solidify and attach to the inner lining of the pipes, preventing other items from passing, so they should be allowed to cool before being poured down the sink.
- Don’t overfill the sink
If you have a kitchen sink or drain that won’t empty, the best approach is to address it immediately before it becomes worse. This will prevent water damage and potential health issues caused by untreated blocked drains.
Blocked kitchen drains are often caused by fats and grease that harden as they cool, creating blockages. Pouring used oil and grease into a container, then putting it in the trash can prevent these issues.
A drain strainer plug is a good way to keep food scraps from entering the drains and causing clogs. This will also keep your sinks clean and odorless. This will help you avoid unnecessary expenses. You should also consider getting a drain snake for persistent clogs in your kitchen and bathroom. This will make it much easier to get rid of any blockages.
- Don’t use drain cleaners
Clogged drains cause problems such as foul odors and slow-moving water. They also provide a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which can be harmful to your health. This is especially true if you suffer from respiratory problems, like allergies or asthma.
Many people think that chemical drain cleaners are the best solution for blocked
drains, but this is far from the truth. In fact, it is much better to use natural remedies, such as baking soda and vinegar. Regularly cleaning your drains will prevent clogs and keep your home healthy. If you suspect that you have a serious drain blockage, contact an expert plumber in Maryland. They can use a drain camera to identify the problem and fix it safely and effectively. They can also give you tips on how to avoid clogs in the future.
- Don’t flush hair
Hair is one of the most common causes of clogged drains. Brushing your hair before you shower or bathe, removing visible hair from the drain and installing drain screens are all easy ways to help prevent this. You can also use a drain snake to break up blockages and clean your drains.
A blocked drain is a huge health and safety issue. It can cause foul smells around the home, water that takes longer to drain and gurgling noises from your sinks, shower and toilets.
Blocked drains can also breed mosquitoes, which carry diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and dengue. They are also a breeding ground for bacteria, such as MRSA and antibiotic-resistant superbugs. This can lead to a public health crisis.
- Don’t use toilet paper
Blocked drains are a nuisance, but they can also lead to serious problems with your plumbing system. Identifying early signs of blocked drains and taking preventive measures can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
If you notice slow draining water, gurgling sounds, or foul odors coming from your drains, you may have a blockage that needs to be addressed. Even if your drains are clean, you should still check for a few things to make sure everything is in good working order.
Pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into your drains can help break down food scraps, remove gunk, and eliminate bad odours. Just pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a half cup of white vinegar. The solution will fizz and dissolve gunk, leaving you with a clean, fresh-smelling drain. Even with all the home remedies and do it yourself options, a blocked drain is not something to take lightly. If you need a professional plumber’s help or if you do not know how severe your clogged drain is, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ will have a lot of resourceful information.