It’s all too easy for homeowners to underestimate the importance of maintaining their drains. But don’t wait until you have a disaster on hand before you prioritise the plumbing. To avoid the inconvenience, disruption and expense of a major plumbing issue, get regular drain maintenance on your radar to keep drains flowing smoothly.
How to maintain:
Use drain screens: Drain screens or catchers help stop debris, hair and food particles from entering your drainage system. Using a screen catches these potential drain-blockers before they cause havoc. Clean your screens regularly to keep them working effectively.
Avoid these clogging culprits: Hair, cooking oil and fat, soap scum and coffee grounds are your plumbing system’s nemesis. Dispose of each of these carefully, binning cooking oil and coffee grounds, and using drain screens to catch and then dispose of the rest.
Baking soda and vinegar: A naturally effective way to refresh drains and eliminate small blockages, simply pour about half a cup of baking soda into the drain, following it up with a cup of vinegar. After about 10-15 minutes, flush the mixture with hot water. It’ll help eliminate any odours and break down organic matter. For more unblocking tips, see here.
Avoid chemical cleaners: You might think these are a quick fix for stubborn blockages, but they can actually do more harm than good. The harsh chemicals can corrode pipes and harm the environment, so opt for natural methods where possible or call a professional.
Regular professional inspections: Schedule annual or bi-annual inspections with a professional plumber. They can use specialised equipment to inspect your pipes for potential issues, such as tree root intrusion or pipe corrosion before they become majorly expensive problems. If repairs are required or you need drain lining Oldbury and the surrounding area, specialists such as Wilkinson Environmental offer a range of solutions.
Conclusion
Keep your system flowing and avoid clogs, blockages, bad smells and potential plumbing problems by following our regular drain maintenance tips. Don’t wait until you have a plumbing emergency on your hands – proactive maintenance is the key to a healthy plumbing system.