For homeowners in Bracknell, blocked drains can easily become a domestic nightmare. This issue can escalate to severe sewage problems if not addressed promptly and effectively. To help prevent major disruptions blocked drains bracknell in your households, we have compiled some helpful advice on avoiding blocked drains effectively.
Be Mindful of What Goes Down Your Drain
The first tip for preventing blocked drains is to be mindful of what you’re flushing down them. In the kitchen, avoid pouring cooking oil, fat or grease down the drain. These substances solidify when they cool down, thus leading to clogs over time. Instead, allow fats to cool and discard them in the rubbish bin.
Similarly, in your bathroom, avoid flushing nappies, wipes, sanitary products, or paper towels down the toilet. Despite being labelled “flushable,” some products don’t degrade quickly and can accumulate, causing severe blockages.
Regular Cleaning
Another effective way to avoid blocked drains is regular cleaning. Rinse your drains with hot water at least once a week. This helps to dissolve and remove minor blockages before they can build-up and create severe problems. You can also use a mixture of hot water, vinegar, and baking soda to effectively clean and maintain your drains.
Install Drain Guards
Investing in drain guards can be an excellent way to prevent blockages. Also known as drain strainers, these simple devices can catch hair, food particles, and other debris, preventing them from going down the drain. Remember to clean these guards regularly to ensure they remain effective.
Professional Inspection
It’s also advisable to book professional drain inspections, particularly if you reside in an older property in Bracknell. Though this may seem like an unnecessary expense, professionals have advanced tools and techniques, like CCTV drain surveys, that can discover issues before they become severe and expensive to fix.
Avoid DIY Drain Cleaning Chemicals
While they may provide temporary relief, DIY drain cleaning chemicals can be harmful in the long run. These products contain harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes over time, leading to serious leaks and the need for costly repairs. It’s generally recommended to seek professional help when dealing with stubborn blockages.
Consider Trees and Plants around Your Property
Tree roots can penetrate your drain pipes, leading to severe blockages in the future. If you’re seeing persistent blockages, look outside: the issue may lie with problematic roots from overgrown trees or bushes. It’s best to consult with a professional who can advise on solutions, which may involve removing the affected tree or replacing the damaged pipes.
Develop Good Habits
Lastly, instilling good habits in all the households can do wonders. Teach children what is safe to flush down the toilet and discourage them from treating drains like rubbish bins.
Blocked drains can be a serious headache, but by following this advice, homeowners in Bracknell can avoid these problems and keep their drains flowing freely. Prevention is better (and cheaper) than repair, so don’t wait for a problem to occur before treating your drains with the respect they deserve.