The most common cause of unwanted chaos in any household or business premises is potentially a blocked drain. It could be anything from a minor annoyance causing slow draining sinks or, in more severe cases, a catastrophic overflow causing expensive damage. Most times, places like Southampton, with a coastal environment have a higher chance of experiencing drain blockages due to increased salt levels and silt deposits.
This write-up is the ultimate guide for Southampton’s residents to prevent drain blockages. Following this guide can save you from substantial repair costs and give you peace of mind knowing that you have taken action to safeguard your drainage system.
Regular Cleaning
The most effective first line of defence against a blocked drain is regular cleaning. Regularly rinse your drains with hot water to break down oils and fats that have solidified in your pipes. For stubborn substances that cannot dissolve in hot water, you can use vinegar and baking soda to help break them down.
Use Drain Covers
Nooks and corners like your kitchen, bathroom, and shower are hotspots for drain blockages. The use of drain covers in these areas can provide an excellent solution for preventing clogs. These covers or strainers filter out the accumulative debris that would otherwise go down the drain.
Dispose of Grease and Oil Properly
Food debris, oils, and grease can set in your pipes and become dense blockages. Instead of pouring leftover cooking oils and grease down the sink, dispose of them in a jar or can, and when it’s full, throw it in the rubbish.
Be Conscious of What You Flush
Toilet drains are not exempt from blockages. The only substances that should go blocked drains southampton down your loo are the ‘three P’s’- pee, poo, and (toilet) paper. Flushing anything else, including baby wipes, sanitary products, or a thick clump of toilet paper, can result in a blockage.
Maintain Your Outdoor Drains
Leaves and garden debris are the common culprits of outdoor drain blockages, especially during the autumn season. Regular maintenance exercises such as removing leaves from the top of your drain and installing gutter guards can help to keep your outdoor drain blockage-free.
Use Drain-Cleaning Products Sparingly
While drain-cleaning products are useful in unblocking your drains, they should be used sparingly due to their corrosive nature. Overusing these chemicals can degrade your pipes leading to leaks and breakages.
Professional Drain Cleaning
Sometimes, regular cleaning might not sufficiently maintain your drains. Therefore, consider bringing in a professional drain cleaning company at least once a year. They will conduct a detailed inspection and thorough cleaning to ensure your drains are in a healthy state, thereby preventing potential blockages.
Surveillance
Surveillance might seem extreme, but it’s merely having periodic professional inspections of your drains. These regular checks are vital in spotting any early signs of drain blockages before they escalate.
Educate Your Family
Teach everyone in your family the importance of protecting your drainage systems. Make your kids understand that the bathroom is not a water park, and the toilet is not a waste bin.
In conclusion, while it’s almost impossible to avoid drain blockages completely, implementing the above preventive measures can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of drain blockages, saving you from needless worries and bothersome repair expenditures.
Although this guide focuses on Southampton’s residents, anyone, regardless of their locale, will find these tips helpful for their homes or commercial establishments. If, despite all precautions, you face a drain blockage that you can’t manage, don’t hesitate to call in professionals who can provide high-quality, quick solutions.