Blocked drains in your house are a common issue. But there is no reason to deny the blockage symptoms even when they appear minor to some property owners.
Draining pipes, whether in kitchen sinks, toilet tanks, bathtubs, or other areas, requires maintaining your draining areas with small and consistent efforts. This involves checking for and preventing food, grease, foreign particles, and other waste from reaching down the pipelines.
However, no matter the efforts, major issues and blockage problems require the intervention of a professional plumber in Footscray. In this blog, we’ll uncover how to fix minor to major drain blockage problems. The purpose of this blog is to ensure your home remains safe and free from daily inconveniences.
13 Proven Strategies to Unblock Drains
Clogged drains are more than just a nuisance; they’re a symptom of our daily habits and how they impact our home’s plumbing health. Fortunately, with a bit of preventive care, we can keep our drains flowing smoothly and avoid the mess and expense of dealing with blockages.
Here are some useful tips and techniques to prevent clogged drains, packed with 13 proven strategies.
1. Embrace the Power of Drain Strainers
Drain strainers are a simple and effective tool. These are your first line of defence against hair, food particles, and other debris collecting in the bathrooms and kitchen sinks. Installing strainers in your bathrooms, washrooms, and kitchen sinks is the best way to keep the drains flowing freely.
As it catches these materials before they cross down the pipe, you will never have to worry about cleaning the drains frequently. However, remember that strainers may not prevent grease or soap buildup. That is why calling a professional plumber in Footscray is advisable to avoid damaging the pipes.
2. Keep the Grease Out of Your Sink
Grease may go down the drain as a liquid, but it can freeze inside your pipes, leading to stubborn blockages. Instead of pouring used oils down the sink, let it cool and dispose of it in the trash.
Alternatively, consider repurposing or recycling cooking oils through community programs. Nevertheless, grease may pass out after dishwashing, which can slow down the draining process. Consulting with your local plumber in Footscray will help you avoid major replacements.
The Hot Water Habit
A simple yet effective practice is to run hot water through your sink after each use. This helps dissolve and flush away any lingering oils or substances that could cost your pipes and cause blockages over time. If that still does not help, NLK Plumbing can figure out a unique way to clear the draining issues.
Avoid Draining Coffee Grounds, Banana Peels and Potato Skins
Coffee grounds, banana or potato peels, and eggshells are real troublemakers to obstruct the floating drains. Remember to always throw away banana peels, eggshells and potato peels in the dump.
However, instead of washing the coffee grounds down the sink, add them to your compost bin. They’re beneficial for your garden and will enrich the soil with valuable nutrients.
Natural Cleaners: Baking Soda and Vinegar
The power of natural cleaning remedies like Baking soda and vinegar can work wonders in maintaining clear drains. This natural cleaning method helps break down scum and debris without the harsh effects of chemical cleaners.
To do this, first pour boiling water down the drain. Next, follow it up with a cup of baking soda and an equal mixture of water and vinegar. Cover the drain to contain the reaction for about 10 minutes, then pour the boiling water again. If the problem appears severe even after using these ingredients, then consulting NLK plumbing must be your last resort.
Keep Your Stopper Clean
Sink stoppers can easily gather hair and soap scum which are likely the reasons leading to slow-draining sinks. Regular cleaning of your stopper can prevent these materials from reaching your pipes and causing clogs.
Boiling Water Flushes
A weekly flush with boiling water can melt away any buildup of fatty acids and grease that might be starting to cling to your pipes. This preventive measure keeps your drains clear and odour-free.
Caution with Chemical Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners can provide a quick fix, but at a cost. Their harsh formulas can corrode your pipes over time. For minor clogs, opt for a plunger or a drain snake, and save the chemicals as a last step.
Alternatively, NLK plumbing uses hydro jet cleaning as a safe measure for a high water pressure cleaning to dislodge drains completely.
Garbage Disposal Guidelines
While garbage disposals are convenient, they’re not designed for every type of food waste. Hard materials can damage the unit and clog your drains. Use it sparingly and always with plenty of water.
Education is Key
Ensure all household members are aware of what shouldn’t go down the drain. A collective effort can significantly reduce the risk of clogs.
Schedule Professional Inspections
Periodic inspections by a professional plumber can catch issues before they escalate. Consider making timely inspections a part of your home maintenance routine.
Mindful Landscaping
Tree roots can seek out the moisture in your pipes, leading to serious blockages. Plant new trees away from your home’s plumbing to avoid future issues.
Lint Catchers for the Win
Install a lint catcher on your washing machine’s discharge hose. This simple device can catch fabric fibres that would otherwise contribute to drain blockages.
Final Words
Preventing clogged drains doesn’t require drastic changes to your lifestyle, just a series of small adjustments to your daily habits. With these above strategies, you can protect your home’s plumbing system, save money on repairs, and have peace of mind knowing that you are doing your best in home maintenance efforts.
Remember, a professional plumber in Footscray should always be your first priority if DIY drain blockage fixes don’t help. A little prevention goes a long way towards keeping your drains clear and your home free from the hassles of clogs and blockages.
Leave a Reply