Keeping The Flow: How to Prevent Blocked Drains in Exeter
One of the most frustrating problems any homeowner can encounter is a blocked drain. In a place like Exeter, with its complex and ageing plumbing infrastructure, the issue of blocked drains is a very common one. However, with the right knowledge and by taking simple practical measures, you can avoid this headache completely. This article seeks to educate homeowners in Exeter on how to keep the drainage systems efficient, thereby preventing the occurrence of blocked drains.
Why Prevention is Important
A blocked drain can cause a multitude of problems, including unpleasant odours, slow drainage, visibly dirty water, and potentially expensive damage. The situation can escalate to a point where parts or all of your property’s plumbing system require replacement. Therefore, focusing on preventing blockages from happening in the first place saves a lot of time, money, and inconvenience.
What Causes Blocked Drains
In many instances, clogged drains are a result of inappropriate waste disposal. Flushing non-degradable items such as baby wipes, sanitary napkins, cotton wool, cooking fats and oils, coffee grounds and food waste down the drains can lead to blockages.
How to Prevent Blocked Drains
To keep your drains in Exeter flowing efficiently, follow the guidelines below.
1. Be Mindful of What Goes Down Your Drains: This is the first and most significant step in avoiding blocked drains. Make sure only water, body waste and toilet paper goes down your drains. All other material should be disposed of elsewhere.
2. Use Drain Traps: Place traps or coverings over all your drains – sinks, showers, and bathtubs alike. These contraptions catch stray material that could cause a blocked drain. Make sure to clean these traps regularly to optimise their functionality.
3. Regularly Clean Your Drains: It’s not enough to prevent material from going down your drain. As a safeguard, it’s beneficial to clean your drains regularly. You can do this using readily available products. You can also use a homemade mix of vinegar and baking soda, funnelled down the drain, followed by hot water after 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Professional Plumbing Inspections: It’s advisable to have your plumbing system professionally inspected at least once a year. The experts have knowledge and tools that allow them to spot potential blockages before they become an issue. They also provide advice on how to maintain your drainage system.
5. Watch Your Landscaping: In some cases, blocked drains can be caused by tree roots infiltrating your plumbing system. Choose plant species responsibly and keep an eye on root growth around your pipes.
6. Regularly Flush Your Drains: To maintain clean drains, make it a habit of flushing them with hot water, which helps disperse and dissolve fats and soaps. Add a little household cleaner for more effectiveness.
7. Recycle Cooking Oil and Fat: Rather than pouring oil and fat down your sink after cooking, pour them into a disposable container and dispose of them correctly. This will significantly limit the risk of your drains clogging.
In conclusion, preventing the occurrence of blocked drains in Exeter is a task that mainly involves responsible usage of your drains. With a little attention to what goes down your drains, regular maintenance and blocked drains exeter cleaning, and professional inspections, you can keep your drains unblocked and maintain a smoothly running system. By so doing, you’ll bid goodbye to the inconvenient and pricey problem of blocked drains.