Blocked drains are a common problem most homeowners face. What isn’t as common is the knowledge that there are many things you can do to prevent your drains getting blocked in the future. Take a note of this list and remember that if your drains are blocked in the future, it’s probably because you’ve forgotten something on this list.
Here are our tips on preventing blockages of sinks and drains:
Regularly clean plugholes in your bathroom sinks, baths and showers to make sure there’s no build up of hair and dirt
Although it might be your least favourite place to clean, the bathroom needs attention. When cleaning the plugholes, take a close look at taps and shower heads to ensure there’s no mildew build up.
Don’t flush wipes or sanitary products down the toilet. These don’t break down in drains, causing blockages. Put them in the bin instead.
Even if the packaging says they are flushable, they need to be disposed of by placing them in the bin, unless you wish to have blocked drains.
Don’t dump your food in the sink
Make sure you’ve disposed of all food waste before washing dishes in the sink. Food, specifically rice, is the biggest contributor to clogged drains. Use sink strainers to stop anything from falling down the sink that’s not supposed to. Don’t take them off- especially if you’re using the sink.
Don’t put coffee grounds in the sink
There are so many other ways to dispose of coffee grounds- throw them in the bin or put them in a compost or worm bin and use them for your garden. They don’t belong in the drain!
Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain
Dispose of oil correctly (check with your local council on where to dispose of it). Let the grease and oil cool and store it until you can dispose of it correctly. Keep it away from your sink and drain. In cold temperatures these will harden and turn into lumps, restricting passage in your drain.
Follow these steps to ensure you avoid blocked sinks and drains. Remember to have your drainage system checked every couple of years to ensure they’re working and don’t have any issues.
If you have a blocked drain, our team at Green Planet Plumbing can help you. We have highly qualified and licensed plumbers ready to help you with your concerns.
