Tips to Avoid Drain Blockage
Drain blockage is a big issue which hinders all the sanitary system of a particular area. This problem if not cured in starting, will require a plumber who will not only charge hefty amount but would even disturb the whole system of the house. So, it is very important that in the early stages we take necessary steps so that the problem of drain blockage is not there.
Given below are some tips for Drain Blockage
#1. Fat
Grease which is produced from fats and liquids like oils on entering a drain cools down there but will quickly congeal, becoming a sticky solid mass that sticks to pipe walls and attracts further waste to it. So, in that case, use a fat trap (a lined, disposable container) to pour waste oils and fats or you can add it to your green recycling bin. So, keep a caddy in the kitchen for food waste. It is healthy for your pipes.
#2. Hair
The hair of pets and human beings are major clog-factors. The easiest way to evade drains becoming blocked by hair build up is to install simple mesh screens all over your drains, mainly shower and bath drain. A mesh screen in the kitchen sink will also trap food waste. They are easy to clean but just remember to clean them regularly.
#3. Food Waste
Coffee grounds seem like an undamaging, free-flowing item to wash down the sink. However, you may be surprised to know that they are a high-risk factor for drain blockages. Dispose them off along with other food waste particles, like rice and pasta in the food waste bin or otherwise, it would result in serious problems and can lead to drain blockage.
#4. Fibrous Materials
Items such as wet-wipes, dental floss, cotton balls and feminine hygiene items should be disposed of in a bin, not flushed down the toilet. They easily catch on rough parts inside drains and are source of potential blockages which results in big problems.
#5. Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals
Engine oil, paints and solvents should be carefully disposed of according to local regulations; never put the chemicals to the water supply as they can harm the groundwater and can also be toxic to plants and wildlife. Return unused medicines to a chemist for safe discard.
#6. Tips to Maintain Clean Drains
From the above points, you would have got the tips on what is safe to dispose where and I hope you would follow the same. Other than that, follow the tips given below to maintain clean drains so that they stay in a good condition for long.
A handful of baking soda in the drain, followed by a kettle of hot (not boiling) water, will help to dissolve and loosen any fats that have started to build up. It will clear the drain blockage and you won’t feel any need to call a plumber.
A cupful of vinegar will act in the same way. It will also clear the blockage. You can even buy yourself an auger which is a long, flexible tool that helps to clear the drain blockage easily. Apart from these, the best way out is to put boiling water on the drains. Just do it in two-three steps. Like put water once, let it settle down for some time and then do it again. By this, the drains will be cleared in the best possible way by self-care only.
Thus, drain blockage is a severe issue but if you take little care of it and by trying to make things go the right direction, you can experience no problem regarding this.