The drainage system is the unsung hero of your Redhill home, quietly disposing of waste and water without demanding attention. However, when problems arise, they often demand immediate attention. Clogged drains are a common problem, disrupting normal household activities and causing potential damage to your property. Here are some helpful tips to prevent common blocked drain problems in Redhill.
1. Be conscious of what goes down the drain:
A common cause of blocked pipes is the wrong items going down the drain. This often happens in the kitchen or bathroom. In the kitchen, avoid throwing food scraps, coffee grounds, or grease down the sink. Instead, discard them in the bin. In the bathroom, never dispose of nappies, wipes, or sanitary products in the toilet; they should go in the trash as well. Using drain strainers can help to catch small items blocked drains redhill from inadvertently ending up down the drain.
2. Run hot water after use:
Rinsing the sink with hot water after use can help to prevent blockage. The heat from the water effectively breaks down oil and grime build-up on your pipes’ interior walls.
3. Use a drain guard:
A simple yet effective tool, a drain guard shields the drain entrance, trapping waste while allowing water to pass through. It’s particularly useful in bathroom sinks and bathtubs, where hair and soap scum can cause blockages. Clean the drain guard regularly for maximum efficiency.
4. Regularly clean drain stoppers:
Bathroom sinks and bathtub drain stoppers often collect hair and soap scum over time. Make a habit of cleaning stoppers weekly to prevent this from building up and blocking the drain.
5. Dispose of oil and grease:
Instead of pouring cooking oil, grease and fat down the kitchen sink, pour them into a sealable container and dispose of it in your rubbish bin. These substances harden as they cool, causing blockages in the pipes.
6. Clean your drains regularly:
Regular cleaning of pipes is a preventive measure that keeps your drains flowing smoothly. There are many ways to do this, from pouring boiling water down the drain to using a plunger or a plumber’s snake. If the blockage is stubborn, a chemical drain cleaner might be necessary.
7. Install a grease trap:
Many commercial kitchens in Redhill have grease traps to prevent oil and fat from entering and clogging up the drainage system. Installing one in your home kitchen could safeguard your drain from these harmful substances.
8. Maintenance:
Just like any other system in your house, plumbing also requires maintenance. Investing in regular professional inspections can help you identify and address minor issues before they turn into big, expensive problems.
9. Dispose of toilet paper correctly:
Toilet paper should break down once it hits the water, but too much can still cause a blockage. Aim to use only what’s necessary, and ensure to flush more frequently if needed.
10. Educate house occupants:
If you have young children, educating them about what can and cannot go down the toilet and sink is important. Make it clear that toilets aren’t garbage cans.
These tips should help you prevent blocked drains, but you can’t prevent everything. In case of severe blockages, call a licensed plumber in Redhill. Amateur attempts to unblock severe drainages can cause more damage than good, leading to more costly repairs.
Ensuring a well-functioning drainage system is key for the comfort and hygiene of your home. By being mindful of what goes down the drains and investing in preventive measures, Redhill residents can save themselves the frustration, inconvenience, and financial cost of blocked drain problems.