Nothing can set back your day quite like a blocked drain. Whether it’s the bathroom sink slowing down your morning routine or a kitchen sink disrupting your dishwashing, blocked drains are a common nuisance in many homes and businesses in Guildford. The good news is that this is a problem that can be avoided with the right measures. This comprehensive guide aims at helping Guildford residents know how to prevent their drains from blocking.
Firstly, it’s essential to be aware of what may cause a drain to block. There are several culprits, with the predominant ones being hair, soap scum, grease, and food waste. Every time you rinse off under the shower, tiny strands of hair which combine with soap scum can stick on the inner walls of your drain pipes and gradually build up resulting in a blockage. The same applies to kitchen drains, where grease and food waste can accumulate over time and cause a block.
Now, onto preventive measures.
Be mindful of what goes down the drain. This is the simplest yet the most effective way to prevent blocked drains. In the kitchen, remember to throw away leftover food into the bin rather than washing it down the sink. Use a sink strainer to trap any food debris, and clean the strainer regularly. Also, avoid pouring cooking fat and grease down the sink as it can solidify and cause blockages. Instead, allow the grease to cool and dispose of it in the rubbish bin.
Flush your drains regularly. This is another effective preventive measure to take to avoid blocked drains. Whether it’s your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, bathtub, or shower, ensure you run hot water down the drain at least once a week. The hot water helps to dissolve any potential blockages before they become a problem.
For those residing in hard water areas in Guildford, consider investing in a water softener. Hard water contains minerals that can accumulate and cause blockages in your drains. A water softener can help prevent this by removing these minerals. blocked drains guildford
Regular professional inspection and cleaning are also essential for maintaining clear drains. This involves hiring a professional plumber to inspect your drains, detect any potential problems, and carry out thorough cleaning. Regular professional cleaning will not only help prevent blocked drains but also prolong the lifespan of your plumbing system.
Invest in drain guards or covers for your sinks and showers. These are designed to catch larger debris like hair and food scraps that could cause blockages. They are quite affordable and easy to install.
Clearing gutters and outdoor drains is another important preventive measure. Leaves can pile up in your gutters and outdoor drains, causing blockages. Ensure these are regularly cleaned to maintain good water flow.
In addition, educating household members about good drain practices is fundamental. For instance, reminding them not to flush items like sanitary products, baby wipes, or paper towels down toilets can go a long way in preventing blocked drains.
Regardless of how careful you are, drain blockages can still sometimes occur. If you find yourself faced with a stubborn blockage, it might be time to call in a professional plumber. In Guildford, numerous reliable plumbing services are ready to help out with drain unblocking, among other plumbing issues.
With these precautionary measures, you should be well on your way to avoiding blocked drains in Guildford. Remember prevention is not only better but also cheaper than the cure. Therefore, make these practices part and parcel of your routine in order to keep your drains flowing freely.