Residing in the picturesque county of Hampshire in the UK, the people of Basingstoke understand the importance of properly functioning household amenities, one being our plumbing systems and drainage. Just like other parts of homes, the drainage system needs regular maintenance to prevent blocks and leaks, which could ruin our jobs, business, or day. This piece forwards practical tips on preventing one common inconvenience – blocked drains for Basingstoke residents.
Most blocked drains are due to the substances we wash away down our plumbing systems. Over time, these residues accumulate leading to a complete blockage. Understanding and employing these preventative steps will go a long way in curbing the menace, saving time, and cutting down on unnecessary costs.
The first step is regulating what goes down the drains. Voiding oils, fats, and grease down the drain is a traditional practice, which leads to unavoidable blocks. Over time, these fatty substances solidify, creating an impenetrable layer, which results in blockage. A change of habit can drastically reduce possibilities of such blockages. Instead of washing them down the drain, collect these substances in a container and dispose of them in the rubbish bin.
Equally, bathroom drains are blocked drains basingstoke susceptible to blockage from hair, soap residues, and other personal care products. Straining filters come in handy in these situations; these devices provide a simple but effective solution. By placing a strainer on your bathtub and shower drains, you can conveniently catch hair and other debris that may cause blockage, easy to clean and replace.
Basingstoke residents are well-aware of how fall leaves can wreak havoc on drain systems. When disposing of garden waste, never sweep or hose them down your drain. Instead, collect and compost garden waste, or take advantage of council collection services. For Basingstoke residents who live near trees, routinely trimming back tree branches and foliage can reduce leaf and twig build-up in gutter and drain systems.
Pouring boiling water down the sinks is another excellent practice to prevent blocked drains. The hot water aids in dissolving and flushing down any blocked substances that may be clinging on the pipe interiors. However, please be careful not to do this on PVC pipes as the heat can loosen the pipe joints, causing leakage.
Biological enzyme cleaners can also be applied for preventative maintenance. Unlike the normal acidic drain cleaners that tend to corrode pipes over time, enzyme cleaners do no damage, are non-toxic, and are ideal for breaking down organic matter in your pipes.
Periodic professional drain inspections are also crucial in preventing blocked drains. Professional plumbers have tools designed to provide an in-depth analysis, such as CCTV drain surveys, which can spot issues long before they result in extensive damage. These experts will also provide advice and steps to employ in maintaining your drains.
An often-neglected aspect is the oversight of the external drain systems. Keeping your gutters and outside grates free of leaves and moss will go a long way to ensuring they don’t end up in your internal pipes, causing a blockage.
Installing a sink waste disposal unit can further reduce the risk of blocked pipes. This device grinds up food waste into tiny particles that can seamlessly flow down the drain pipes without sticking around to cause blocks.
In conclusion, prevention is less costly and time-consuming than cure. This age-old saying applies to drain blockage problems. However, residents should not hesitate to call an expert when faced with a difficult blockage, instead of trying to force through the block themselves. Practicing the above-mentioned tips will ensure smooth running drains and peaceful living in Basingstoke.