Preventing and Clearing Blocked Drains: A Complete Guide by LocalDrains
A blocked drain can become a significant problem if it isn’t dealt with in a timely and efficient manner. That is why LocalDrains designed this comprehensive guide to help you avoid these issues and to understand how to remove any blockages if they occur.
Preventing Blocked Drains
Preventive maintenance is the most practical and cost-effective means to avoid pipe-related troubles. Blocked drains can cause unpleasant smells, a build-up of bacteria, or even worst-case scenarios like flooding. Therefore, prevention should be your first line of defence against such issues.
1. Be conscious of what goes down your drain: The most straightforward preventative measure is watching what gets flushed down your drains. Most blockages result from disposing of items such as cooking oil, food scraps, hair, or other bathroom products that have no business going down the drain.
2. Use Hair Catchers: Simple solutions like placing hair catchers in your shower and bathroom sink can save you from experiencing severe blockages.
3. Regular Clean: It’s a good habit to clean your sinks, toilets, and drains regularly. A mixture of hot water, vinegar, and baking soda can create an effective cleaner that can dislodge any potential blockages.
Clearing Blocked Drains
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your drains may still get blocked. The following steps can help clear your drains:
1. Manual Removal: If the blockage is visible and reachable, manual removal is the most immediate method of clearing it. But remember to use gloves!
2. Plunging: This old-school method of drain clearing is highly effective against minor blockages. Place the plunger over the drain, create a firm seal and push back and forth rapidly. This suction can dislodge the obstruction and clear the drain.
3. Using Drain Snakes: If plunging does not produce results, stepping it up to a drain snake or plumber’s auger might be necessary. A drain snake is a long flexible metal rod that is pushed down the drain to dislodge the blockage.
4. Chemical Drain Cleaners: When all else fails, chemical drain cleaners may be your last option. It’s vital to use these as a last resort due to their corrosive nature blocked drains localdrains harming pipes over time. Always follow directions on the product label, and ensure your space is well-ventilated when using them.
If these methods fail to successfully clear the blocked drain, it may be time to call in the professionals. Blockages could indicate bigger issues that might need more advanced tools and experience to address.
At LocalDrains, we understand that prevention is better than cure, but we’re always on hand to assist you in times of blocked drain distress. The above preventative measures and self-treatments are vital steps but don’t hesitate to entrust the job to your local professionals when things get tough.
Take the time to prevent and manage your home’s blocked drains properly, and you’ll surely maximize your peace of mind while minimizing unwanted costs and damages.
