Blocked drains are inconvenient, messy, and can even lead to costly repair bills. Fortunately, with some preventive maintenance and care, you can avoid that uninviting pool of stagnant water in your sink or bathtub. Here are some practical maintenance tips to ensure the smooth running of your drainage system in your Oxford home.
1. Be Mindful of What Goes Down Your Drain:
Although it may seem like a straightforward tip, being mindful of what you pour down your sink or toilet drain is essential. Avoid disposing of grease, coffee grounds, paper towels, or any other hard items down the sink. When hot grease cools, it solidifies, becoming a significant cause of many blockages. The same goes for food waste – a disposal unit might help or consider composting your food waste instead.
2. Regularly Clean Your Drains:
A weekly routine of cleaning your drains can save you a considerable amount of stress in the future. For your kitchen and bathroom sinks, you could pour boiling water down the drain. Due to its high temperature, it can melt away the fat deposits lining the pipes and clear the way. However, you should not use this method if your pipes are plastic as the boiling water might damage them.
3. Make Use of a Drain Guard:
A drain guard or screen can save your drains from troubles caused by small particles of food or hairs getting stuck. There are several kinds available, from metal ones you can fit over your drain, to plastic that you can cut to size, so you should easily find something suitable for your Oxford home.
4. Use of Natural Drain Cleaners:
Before you reach for off-the-shelf chemical drain cleaners, consider the potential damage to your pipes or to the environment you might cause. You should opt for natural alternatives such as baking soda, white vinegar, or lemon juice to clean your drains. Combining these with boiling water can create a strong cleaner that can handle moderate clogs without harming your pipes or the environment.
5. Regular Professional Maintenance:
Even with the best practices, occasional professional maintenance of your drainage system remains essential. An blocked drains oxford expert plumber can identify any unseen troubles and address them before they become full-blown issues. They have the tools and knowledge to handle any problem and help you maintain your pipes to avoid blockage.
6. Be Careful with Trees and Plants:
Trees may add beauty and shade to your Oxford home, but their roots can grow towards your drain pipes in search of water, leading to severe blockage. When planting trees or larger plants, make sure to do so a safe distance away from any pipe lines.
By taking the above precautionary measures, you can protect your Oxford home’s plumbing system from the annoyance and costly repairs associated with blocked drains. Keep in mind that small daily steps like watching what goes down the drain, regular cleaning, and seeking help from professionals will save you a lot of trouble down the line.
