Preventing blocked drains is an imperative task to maintain the longevity and effectiveness of your drainage system. Blocked drains can lead to severe damage, producing odours, sewage backup, and expensive repair bills. This article uncovers the best practices to prevent blocked drains in Oxford, UK, that any homeowner can implement.
1. Mindful Disposal: One of the primary causes of blocked drains is the improper disposal of waste. Being cautious about what goes down your sink is the first step to preventing drain blockage. Items like food scraps, coffee grounds, and tea leaves may seem harmless, but they clump together over time, causing severe blockage. Similarly, in the bathroom, avoid flushing anything apart from toilet paper down the toilet.
2. Install Drain Guards: These are simple tools which fit into your drain hole and capture any solid matter that might inadvertently end up going down the sink or bath. Drain guards are a terrific way to trap hair in the blocked drains oxford shower and prevent soap pieces from causing a blockage.
3. Regular Drain Cleaning: Regular drain cleaning is another effective method to prevent blocked drains in Oxford. This involves flushing the drain with a high-pressure water jet to clean out any buildup of sludge, grease, and grime. It is advisable to use baking soda and vinegar or chemical cleaners for deep cleaning, but don’t use them excessively as they may harm the pipes.
4. Use of Bacterial Cleaners: Bacterial cleaners break down the organic matter that could cause blockage, keeping your pipes clean without damaging them. They are an eco-friendly approach and can be used safely in toilets, sinks, baths, and showers.
5. Tree Roots Awareness: Be aware of trees growing near your drain lines. Tree roots hunt for water sources and can infiltrate your pipes, causing horrendous blockages. Plant trees away from pipe lines or remove any that might pose a threat.
6. Regular Professional Inspections: By having your drains routinely checked by professionals, you can spot and tackle any problems before they turn into major issues. Trained plumbers can use CCTV technology to inspect the status of the pipes accurately.
7. Maintenance: Prevention is better than cure. Maintain the drainage system with simple steps like pouring boiling water down the drains periodically to dissolve fatty deposits, using strainers in the sink to catch food particles, and ensuring that the outside drains are clear of debris like leaves.
8. Education: Take time to educate all members of the house on what items can be flushed or disposed of down the drain. Equipping them with the right knowledge goes a long way in maintaining a clog-free drainage system.
9. Dispose of Grease Correctly: Never pour fats, oils, or grease down the drains as when they cool down, they solidify and cause blockages. They should be poured into a container and thrown in the bin.
For best results, it is advisable to incorporate a combination of the above practices. By doing so, you can protect your home from the hassles of blocked drains and enjoy a problem-free, functioning drainage system. Remember, taking a proactive stance will save yourself a great deal of trouble and potentially hefty repair bills down the line.