A clogged drain can quickly bring your home to a smelly, soggy standstill. Experts at The Relining Company Sydney say that Stoppages force water back up sinks, tubs and toilets, causing leaks, floods and damage. Avoid the hassle and mess of blocked drains by being proactive.
Implement these drainage best practices to keep pipes clear and free-flowing:
Install Drain Screens
Fit drain screens over all sink, tub and shower drains to catch hair and debris before going down the pipe. Clean screens regularly to allow maximum flow. Hair and soap residue are common clog culprits.
Use a Drain Stopper
Plug sinks while washing hair, shaving, brushing teeth, or washing dishes to prevent stray hairs and solids from accumulating in pipes. This simple habit stops backup sources at the source.
Mind Grease Disposal
Allow cooked greases to fully cool and solidify before scraping into the trash. Run very hot water when pouring small grease amounts down the drain. Avoid letting fats congeal into clogs.
Employ Small Basket Strainers
Place basket strainers in sink drains to catch bits of food waste when washing produce, cleaning, or prepping meals. Empty strainers into compost routinely to divert debris.
Update Old Pipes
If living in an older home, consider replacing outdated iron or clay pipes prone to cracking and buildup. Modern PVC ducting resists corrosion and flows freely.
Flush With Care
Avoid flushing any paper products besides toilet paper, even those labeled “flushable.” Baby wipes, paper towels and such accumulate in sewers. Toss in the trash instead.
Take Short Showers
Extended hot showers loosen globs of soap and oil that later solidify into nasty clogs as they cool. Quicker showers prevent accumulations from building up.
Alternate Drain Cleaning Products
Rotate chemical drain cleaners to avoid product resistance. Alternate monthly between enzymes, acids, foaming cleaners and caustic compounds for better results long term.
Invest in a Plumbing Snake
Keep a zip-it style flexible plastic snake in bathrooms to manually fish out and clear light clogs and buildup yourself without chemicals. Just remember to glove up.
Maintain Careful Garbage Disposal Use
Run plenty of cold water when grinding food waste in the disposal to flush particles down fully. Avoid overloading the unit or letting pulp accumulate.
Go Natural with Vinegar
For light household drain cleaning, pour 1 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup vinegar and cover briefly. Let bubble and fizz to break up gunk. Flush with hot water.
Control Bathroom Humidity
Prevent soap scum buildup by installing bathroom exhaust fans, leaving shower doors open after use, and wiping down walls. Humidity loosens residues that stick.
Install Overflow Drains
Overflow drains in tubs and bathroom sinks provide an alternate exit if main drains clog. Water flows to the overflow rather than backing up the main drain.
Don’t Use Commercial Drains for Household Waste
Avoid pouring cooking fats/oils or harsh chemicals down garage/laundry sink drains. These commercial drains connect to public sewers and treatment plants.
Keep Roots at Bay
Tree and plant roots infiltrate and crack old pipes. Cut back vegetation near underground plumbing to prevent invasive root balls from obstructing flow.
Perform Routine Drain Maintenance
Schedule annual drain cleanings to clear predictable buildup and keep pipes free-flowing. Preventive maintenance stops small clogs from becoming major blockages over time.
Conclusion
Diligent drain care prevents backups, overflows, leaks and even pipe collapses leading to costly plumbing repairs. Adopt smart habits and be proactive by tackling buildup before it worsens.
Take steps now for free-flowing pipes and healthy household drains. Contact our experts if you need professional drain cleaning services to refresh your pipes.
