A blocked drain in a home or commercial building can have serious consequences escalating from an unpleasant inconvenience to a major, costly disaster. For residents and businesses in Leatherhead, effective management of your drainage system is crucial to prevent such occurrences. Here are some vital tips to help you prevent blocked drains in Leatherhead or any other part of Surrey.
The first tip to prevent blocked drains is never to dispose of grease or oil down your drains. Grease blocked drains leatherhead and oil which may seem harmless in their hot, liquefied state will quickly cool down in your pipes, solidify and begin to accumulate residue such as food particles and grit, eventually leading to a blockage. The recommended way to dispose of these substances is to let them solidify in a disposable container and throw them in the bin.
Avoid throwing leftover food particles into the sink. Granted, small particles may seem harmless enough, however, over time the accumulation of these particles can also block your drain pipes. Start a compost heap for your leftover food or dispose of them in the trash. If you have a garbage disposal, make sure to use it correctly and avoid putting hard or fibrous materials that can damage the system or contribute to blockages.
An important tip specifically for bathroom drains is the regular use of hair traps in showers and baths. Hair is a common cause of drainage blockages, but simple measures such as regular cleaning and the use of hair-specific drain traps can greatly reduce the risk of a blockage.
Beware of flushable products. Several products are marked as flushable, however, they do not disintegrate as easily as toilet paper and can contribute to major blockages too. Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Anything additional, including so-called ‘flushable’ wipes, sanitary products or paper towels should be disposed in a bin.
Carry out periodic professional drain cleaning. As much as we can prevent blockages by careful usage of our drains, effective and thorough cleaning of the pipes from time to time is essential to eliminate potential drainage nightmares.
If you’re keen on a DIY approach, try a homemade monthly drain cleaner of baking soda, vinegar and boiling water. This will deal with minor build-ups and keep your drains running freely. However, for major cleaning it’s highly recommended to call a professional plumber.
Install drain guards or over-the-sink strainers. These helpful additions prevent larger bits of waste from going down the drain.
Educate everyone in the building on these important steps to prevent blocked drains. Often the cause of blocked drains can be attributed to ignorance or unawareness of the consequences of poor drain-use habits.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. By taking these precautions, you can save yourself from the inconvenience and heavy expense of coping with a blocked drain in Leatherhead. However, if despite your best efforts, you do suffer from the unfortunate experience of a blocked drain, don’t forget to call in the services of a professional, reliable plumber who can diagnose and remedy the problem effectively.
Taking the time to consider these tips can help you maintain a healthy drainage system, contributing to the smooth running of your household or business. Plus, it saves your environment, keeping Leatherhead beautiful for all to enjoy.