Blocked drains are a common plumbing problem in Horsham and around the world, causing blocked drains horsham a hassle for homeowners everywhere. This issue can lead to more significant problems such as water invasion, even structural damage if not addressed promptly and professionally. Thankfully, there are several practices to reduce the chances of encountering this issue at your property. Here are some expert tips from industry professionals to help you prevent blocked drains in Horsham.
1. Be Mindful What You Put Down Your Drain
It’s tempting to brush everything — from leftover food particles to hair and oil — down the drain. However, these items are the primary cause of blockages. From the kitchen to the bathroom, ensure only liquids get down the pipes. In the kitchen, avoid disposing of cooking oils, fats, coffee grounds and food debris in the sink as they can solidify and block the pipes. In the bathroom, prevent hair, soap scum, diapers, or wipes from getting into the drains.
2. Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning of your drain is an excellent preventive measure to keep it free flowing. Use a mixture of hot water, baking soda and vinegar to clean kitchen drains. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain followed by half a cup of vinegar. After 15-20 minutes, rinse with hot water. This process can breakdown minimal particles and eliminate unpleasant odours. For bathroom drains, removing and cleaning the stoppers can help reduce the build-up of soap scum and hair.
3. Install Drain Strainers
A drain strainer is an effective, inexpensive method to prevent potential blockage-causing materials from going down the drain. They catch items like food particles, coffee grounds, and hair before they can cause damage. Be sure to clean the strainers regularly to allow water to flow freely.
4. Regular Professional Check-ups
Sometimes, even with the best maintenance and cleaning, drains can still get blocked due to internal pipe issues or external encroachments like tree roots. Regular plumbing maintenance by an expert can help identify and address these problems before they result in blocked drains. A professional can also provide advice on the overall health of your drain and plumbing systems.
5. Use Drain Cleaners Sparingly
While chemical drain cleaners can be a quick-and-easy solution to blocked drains, too much usage can deteriorate your pipes, causing more harm than good. Instead, consider using enzymatic drain cleaners that use bacteria or enzymes to clear the blockage.
In conclusion, preventing blocked drains requires a combination of mindful disposal, regular cleaning, and regular professional maintenance. By following these tips, you can reduce the chances of having to deal with the problems and inconvenience that come with blocked drains. However, if you do encounter a drain blockage, it’s best to call a professional plumber. Repairing blocked drains is often more complicated than it seems, and attempting a DIY fix can cause further damage. If you are located in Horsham, you’ll find a range of experienced plumbing professionals ready to assist with your drain issues.
