Keeping your drains running smoothly has a significant impact on your daily life, affecting everything from washing dishes to taking a shower. In a lovely town like Kettering, the last thing you’d want to deal with are blocked drains. This article aims to provide professional advice on how to prevent these troublesome blockages in your home or business.
Leading the preventive measures is education. It’s essential to know what you can and cannot throw down your drain. Non-biodegradable materials such as wipes, diapers, sanitary products, plastics, and food residue from cooking can quickly build up, leading to a blocked drain. Pouring fat or cooking oil down the sink is also a big no-no. As fats cool down, they solidify, stick to the pipe walls and tighten the passage until it’s completely blocked. It’s advised to let them cool and dispose of them in regular waste bins.
Next, installation of drain guards or strainers can significantly reduce the number of materials that get down your drain. These handy devices catch large substances that might block your drains while allowing water to pass through. Shop around for ones that fit your specific sinks and bathtubs – they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
Regularly cleaning your drains can also help you keep them free of obstructions. Simple practices like pouring boiling water down the drain could help. The high temperature is more likely to dissolve substances that might be starting to block your drain. However, be cautious to not pour boiling water into a porcelain sink as it may crack from the sudden temperature change.
In addition, consider using a drain-cleaning solution from time to time. Natural, non-toxic solutions are better for the environment and less likely to damage your pipes. Baking soda and vinegar are a popular choice. This mixture generates a chemical reaction that can dislodge minor clogs. Pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let this sit for blocked drains kettering about 20 minutes and then rinse with boiling water.
Professional inspections are another way to keep on top of potential blocked drains. Experts have the tools and knowledge to identify early warning signs or potential issues before they result in fully blocked drains. They can also offer advice tailored to your specific situation and plumbing system. Scheduling yearly drain inspections will ensure that problems are caught early and resolved promptly.
Maintenance isn’t just about what goes in your pipes; it also involves looking at your external environment. Keep an eye on trees around your home or businesses in Kettering. Tree roots often infiltrate sewer lines as they search for water, resulting in blocked drains. If you notice that your trees are too near your sewer lines, you may need to do some trimming or even tree removal.
Water softeners can also be a smart investment. Kettering, like many UK towns, is in a hard water area. This means the water contains minerals that can gradually build-up in your pipes, constricting the flow. Water softeners remove these minerals before they enter your pipes, reducing the chances of blocked drains.
Drain blockages can be frustrating and potentially costly if not dealt with properly. However, by taking these simple prevention measures and getting professional advice when necessary, you can save yourself from the headache of blocked drains in Kettering. Remember, the surest way to prevent drain blockages is ongoing maintenance and care.