The plumbing system in our homes is such an essential aspect of our daily life that even minor problems with it can make things tough for us. Clogged drains are definitely among the plumbing system issues that can be highly irritating and cause havoc at the most unexpected times.
Even though clogged drains can be an absolute menace whenever they occur, they can be prevented easily. By using some basic & prudent techniques and preventive measures, we can minimise the possibility of clogged drains. These methods do not require too much effort and can be implemented with ease. After all, a little care goes a long way in making our lives easy.
Let us take a detailed look at ways that help in the prevention of clogged drains.
General Preventive Measures to Avoid Clogged Drains
Every time you are doing the dishes, taking a bath or using the sink, you need to do so with care. An unwanted piece of polythene or a bunch of hair can be the root cause of clogged drains occurring a week later. So, even minor mistakes and carelessness can make life difficult. Here are some tips to avoid them to prevent drains from getting clogged.
Use mesh screens or drains strainers
The point from where the wastewater from kitchens, washrooms and sinks enters the outflowing pipes must be equipped with strainers. You may also opt for mesh screens. These mesh screens or drainage strainers filter out debris, chopped vegetables, hair, and other objects from entering the outflowing pipes. The fact is that there are minor differences between the plumbing systems installed in various homes. So, the ideal place to install the drainage strainer or the mesh screen will differ from one home to another. However, they must always be placed at the entry point of the wastewater into the outflowing pipes.
Do not dispose cooking oil in the sink
If you want to get rid of the leftover cooking oil, the dustbin for liquid waste is the right place. People who dispose of this into the kitchen sink outflow pipe are highly likely to face a clogged sink. You might wonder how this is possible. Well, we all know that oils are greasy and when they enter the outflowing water pipes, other small debris will get stuck to them. Also, cooking oil turns into a solid mass at lower temperatures. So, the whole thing can become a solid mass big enough to block the outflow of water and clog the drainage system.
Pour cold water when using a garbage disposal unit
A lot of people install garbage disposal units under their sinks in order to shred small vegetables and other food items and dispose of them. Well, it is never a good idea to dispose of kitchen garbage in the sink, but there are times when it is unavoidable. So, when you use the garbage disposal units to dispose of waste in the sink, you must run cold water from the tap for a little while. This will ensure that the waste flows through the pipes and into the drain with ease.
Use hot water to clear residue
The pipeline for outflowing water from your kitchen sink requires occasional cleaning. Some of the oil from the food you cook, coffee powder, food particles, and other small items tend to go inside the sink pipe from time to time despite the best care from your end. When that happens, it is a good idea to pour hot water to flow down this pipe slowly. That way, you can ensure that these items are cleaned out smoothly. If these food items are allowed to accumulate in the pipes, they can cause major problems in the times to follow.
Never flush unwanted objects in the flush
The toilets in our restrooms are meant only for excreta and toilet paper. However, there are times when some of us flush down unwanted things down the toilet- this should always be avoided.
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Let us take the example of sanitary pads. Sanitary supplies such as tampons and pads must be discarded in the bins because they are made from plastic- but flushing them is never okay. These materials have the potential to irreversibly harm your entire sewer system. As a result, all of your drains may need to be replaced.
Get your plumbing system serviced Often
It is essential that you call your plumber every 18-24 months and get the entire plumbing system examined for any issues that may have come up. By doing this, you will be able to get rid of unwanted waste at the earliest without them becoming a problem and causing clogged drains.
Simple Hacks to Prevent Clogged Drains
The following are some steps that you can take on a personal end to take to keep drains from clogging:
- Comb your hair prior to showering or bathing to prevent it from blocking the shower drain.
- Put a towel over the sink or install inexpensive netting screens across your drains when bathing your pet inside the shower or bathtub.
- Wet wipes, dental floss, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products, and other domestic garbage should be discarded in the bins.
Tips to Maintain A Clean Drain
Maintaining clean drains has numerous advantages. It helps you maintain hygiene and aids in good health of everyone in your home. Here are some tips and hacks to ensure clean drains.
- Clean and flush your drains thoroughly - You can do this every week to eliminate all debris, hair, and other small objects before they become a cause of concern. You can get this done by putting some baking soda in the pipes and allowing hot water to flow through them. Additionally, you can also use vinegar for this purpose.
- Use an auger for optimum cleaning - Augers can be very effective tools when it comes to cleaning pipes and drains. They have quite a long reach and can easily pull-out unwanted build-ups from the pipes in your drainage system.
- Opt for bacteria-based cleaners - It is always better to choose bacterial cleaning liquids in place of chemicals. Bacterial liquids are not corrosive and ensure your pipes do not get damaged in any way while cleaning drains and pipes in an effective manner.
The Takeaway
At the end of the day, the drainage and plumbing system in your home affects you more than anyone else. So, you must be careful and cautious in order to prevent any unwanted incidents such as clogged drains. Clogged drains will definitely disrupt your daily routine whenever they occur. If you face issues with clogged drains, reach out to Fast Help for all help with any kind of drainage cleaning services in Chennai.