Helpful Tips to Avoid Blocked Drains

Avoid Blocked Drains in 2020

If you don’t know how to spot the warning signs that demonstrate your drain might be blocked, it could result in costly repair work to fix the issue. Signs to look out for include:

Funny smells – Blocked drains tend to produce undesirable odors. As waste gradually deteriorates, it makes an awful stench, which is intensified when the tap is turned on.

Slow waste – This is the most widely recognized pointer that your drain might be blocked. You will notice that it is taking much longer for your waste water to disappear down the sink.

Raised water levels – If you flush your toilet and notice the water level ascents higher than ordinary, this can mean that there is a blockage. If the water ascends to the point of flooding, you should contact us or another plumber to come and inspect your system.

Sputtering sounds – Strange murmuring sounds from your drains ought to be treated as a potential blockage. These sounds happen when there is trapped air. It releases and creates odd noises when you run the water.

Rather than getting to this stage, there are preventative measures that you can do to avoid blocked drains. Below we have listed a few of our top recommended methods.

Boilingwater

Pouring boiling water down your drain is potentially the simplest and most financially savvy answer for preventing a blockage. In the event that you think any fat or oil has advanced into your kitchen sink, you have to act quick before it cements and causes a blockage. Pouring hot water down the sink will dissolve the fat and oil so it can leave your drain without bringing on any issues.

Please note that If you have PVC pipes, the high temp water could make their joints loosen. Also, in the event that you have a porcelain sink bowl, you must never pour boiling water onto it as it could crack the porcelain. To avoid this make sure that you pour the water directly into the drain.

Be mindful of what you flush

Flushing inappropriate things down your loo is very bad for your drains and can lead to blockages and as well as flooding. The most common culprits of blockages that we see are from:

Cigarettes
Tampons
Nappies
Paper towels
Cotton wool
floss
Wet wipes

Use DIY tricks to keep your drains clear

There are many methods to keep your drains in good shape. Below we have outlined our preferred method with instructions. This is something that you can do to release blockages from your drains, but it can also be done on a regular basis as a prevention measure to avoid any blockages.

Baking Soda and vinegar

Baking Soda and vinegar are a magic blend with regards to cleaning, and the dynamic pair will easily keep your drains clear. Simply mix 75g of soda with 25g table salt and pour it down the drain. Next take 200ml of warm vinegar and pour this as well – it should froth at this stage.

Now, it is best to cover the drain with plug or something tight fitting to make sure the liquid does not escape. Let it sit for 20/25 minutes then run the hot tap for roughly a minute. If it doesn´t work the first time repeat the process until your drain is clear.

If you suspect that a public drain is blocked near your property contact your local council via THIS LINK to report the issue.