You probably don’t give your drains much thought – until they get blocked. It is easy to take the function of your drainage system for granted, but if out of sight is out of mind, you probably ought to think again. Like many things, prevention is better than cure, so we are here to offer some sound advice on how to avoid blocked drains.
Firstly, what causes blocked drains in the first place? Many things can clog up your drainpipes and whilst some are out of your control, such as invasive tree roots or pests, others are preventable – including hair, fats, food waste, non-flushable wipes – even coffee granules.
Read on to uncover our top tips to avoid blocking drains.
Get a drain strainer
Never underestimate the effectiveness of a cost-effective yet simple drain strainer to avoid blocking drains. Drain strainers come in stainless-steel and silicone form and are placed directly above your plug hole to filter out hair, food particles and other debris. They are easy to remove and clean and can be placed in the kitchen or shower.
Avoid pouring cooking fats and oils down the drain
Many people think that anything in liquid form should be safe to pour down the drain – but looks can be deceiving. Oils and cooking fats stick to the inside of your pipes and build up over time, clogging up your drainage system. Ensure you pour these liquids into a jar or bottle, and once you have filled up your container, dispose of it along with the rest of your rubbish.
Be mindful of what you flush away
In an age of convenience, it is imperative that you only put flushable items down your toilet – this means no non-flushable wipes, sanitary products, nappies, cleaning cloths or cotton pads. What might begin as the odd item here and there can quickly become a habit that could have consequences for your drainage system.
Regularly pour boiling water down your drain
No matter how careful you are, it is inevitable that over the course of the day, debris will get down your drains. That’s why it’s a good idea to regularly pour boiling water down them to help flush out any built-up residue, hair or food matter.
Get a drain inspection
If you notice any unusual rattling or gurgling noises, or if water is failing to drain away, it’s important not to ignore the problem. What can start as a minor inconvenience could lead to more complex issues later on – so if in doubt, why not book yourself a drain inspection?
How to avoid blocked drains: final thoughts
We hope our guide on how to avoid blocked drains has given you some insight into how to protect your drainage system. Remember that whatever is blocking your drains – Draintech can help.
We are leading drainage specialists with experience in drain repairs and drain surveys who can tackle any problem with your drains. Why not give us a call to discuss your issue today?
