All Oxford residents, like people everywhere, are susceptible to the inconvenience and mess of blocked drains. This common issue can cause significant migraines if not addressed promptly. However, the good news is that there are preventative measures you can take to avoid experiencing the unpleasant side effects of a blocked drain. Here are some handy tips and advice that offer practical solutions for residents of Oxford wanting to prevent such nuisance.
Firstly, learning what not to put down your drains is the leading step towards preventing blocked pipes. The kitchen sink is not a universal disposal system. Certain types of food waste are harmful to your plumbing system. Coffee grounds, for example, tend to clump together when they’re wet leading to blockages. In the case of cooking oil and grease, they solidify when cool, building up in your pipes and potentially leading to serious blockages. It’s simpler and safer to place these items in the bin.
The bathroom is another area where blockages frequently happen. When it comes to the toilet, the only things you should flush are human waste and toilet paper. Everyday item such as floss, Q-tips, wet wipes (even those labelled flushable), diapers, and menstruation products can cause a block, so always dispose of these items in a rubbish bin instead.
While it is hard to entirely prevent hair from entering the drain in showers, putting a basic drain cover can catch a significant amount before it becomes an issue. These are relatively inexpensive and can save you from a costly unblocking service in the future.
Another method to keep your drains clear is by maintaining and cleaning them regularly. You don’t necessarily need expensive chemical cleaners to do this. A solution of baking soda followed by vinegar can remove minor build-ups. Just pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. After 20 minutes, rinse the drain with hot water. This can dissolve minor obstructions and clean the pipe walls. This is an easy routine that you could implement every few months to maintain flow through pipes.
Investing in annual professional drain cleaning by expert plumbers is another effective preventative measure. Muscles from Pluto or other local plumbers in Oxford can provide comprehensive drain cleaning services using hydro jetting technology to eliminate grease, debris, and sediment build-up in your pipes. This is a more thorough clean than you could achieve on your own and ensures your system remains blockage-free for longer.
In addition, consider installing strainers or baskets over drainholes, which can catch food waste and other debris before it enters the pipe. It must be cleaned periodically, but it’s a small effort that can make a vast difference in preventing blocked drains.
If you own a garden, your outside drains could also be at risk of becoming blocked, especially during the autumn, when Oxford’s many trees lose their leaves. Cleaning the yard and drains from leaves and other debris regularly will save you from potential blockages.
The drains in our homes are often out of sight and out of mind, but a small investment of time can prevent blocked drains oxford blocked drains. The key is to be wary of what you’re disposing through sinks, drain covers, regular cleaning, and periodic help from professionals. Even if you implement these actions today, they can save the future-you from the inconvenience of a blocked drain. Oxford residents who follow these steps will be well-equipped to prevent blocked mostwer drain issues and enjoy a smooth-running drainage system.