Paying special attention to maintain your drainage system proves way more economically beneficial than having to deal with sudden emergency situations, like clogged drains. A maintenance routine not only saves money but also ensures the much-needed peace of mind that a homeowner wishes for. This routine involves some common dos and don’ts along with a few basic remedies for effective cure and prevention of unwanted plumbing situations.
This article focuses on educating readers about these useful tips, so that they know what needs to be done as a DIY maintenance activity and when to call a professional.
Pay Special Attention to What You Dispose of in The Drain
One of the most emphasized parts of the drainage system maintenance is being mindful of the things you pass down through it. When it comes to the kitchen, it is a common practice for many to pour the leftover oil and fats down their sink. You should avoid this practice as the fats and grease will accumulate over the long run and will eventually clog the pipes.
You should avoid disposing of waste food through the sink as well. Instead, you can keep a separate bag near the sink for the fats and food to take care of them.
Do not dispose of sanitary waste in the toilet. The most common problematic agents in this regard are:
- wet wipes
- disposable towels
- women’s sanitary products
It is recommended to collect them in a separate bin in the bathroom and then dump them in regular trash cans.
Regularly Rinse The Drains for a Healthy System
Rinsing your drains with warm and soapy water will be good without being very harmful. You should not use the boiling water since it will destroy the weaker pipes. Frequent rinsing and not pouring anything except non-fat liquid down your drain pipes will go an extra mile in ensuring that there are no blockages and the drains are healthy.
Hairballs could easily be a problem with the drains, particularly with the bathtubs and showers. In the case of hair buildups and other solid blockages, different products can be used to dissolve them. Vinegar and baking soda work well as a mixture to clean up residue. In the case of larger jobs, such as storm drain cleaning, seek out a biological or enzymatic drain cleaner.
Use a Drain Guard
Guards are very useful to ensure you do not have something down your drain. It is a tiny plastic or metal grate like disk that is placed in a plughole in order to gather debris like food. The drain guard can be pulled out and emptied into the bin easily. They also do pretty well in the shower, where they would pick up the loose hair or other debris.
Be Wary of Chemical Drain Cleaning Products
The products of chemical drain cleaning boast about their superb effects, but they do not always reveal the entire story. Most of these products are usually highly corrosive with harsh chemicals. They are also burning off the pipes lining as they burn off the blockage. Damaged pipes may lead to leakages and other more deplorable accidents, including bursts.
Stay Observant
Drainage problems do not necessarily present themselves in the full picture until it is too late, and professional help is necessary. Drains can easily be inspected visually or smelled out, and pipe leakage can be observed. Some of the problems that you may encounter are wet spots in other areas of your property that are not supposed to be there.
For effective drainage maintenance, you must also be keen on outdoor drains as you would on the indoor drainage systems. These are subject to obstruction by garden waste like leaves and twigs, and obstructions may lead to floods. A grate can also be installed to assist in maintaining channels in the outside environment.
DIY Drain Unblocking
In case your drainage gets blocked, there are numerous possible solutions to the problem so that you can have a working system. A toilet plunger is one of the first things that comes to mind. These are excellent for easy unblocking processes. Also available to purchase are barbed tools to remove the obstructions built up near the drain aperture.
Biological or enzyme drain cleaners are quite effective in dealing with blockages. Its best effect in drainage system maintenance can be achieved with an overnight application. A plumber’s snake can also be used in case you are sure you can do it correctly.
Know Where Your Stopcock Is
It is the main valve that can shut off the entire water supply to a building. Regarding drain maintenance, you should know where it is to be able to prevent any further damage in case of any bursts or leaks. As soon as they occur, you should turn off the water flow. You can also consider switching off your water at the stopcock when you are not at home in the freezing season, because this will help in eliminating frozen pipes.
Conclusion
There are several ways that can be used to maintain your drainage system effectively throughout the year. It is important to pay special attention to this part of your home, as any mishap that happens as a result of ignorance can lead to costly repairs and replacements. In case you think that you need professional help, LaPan Waterproofing can be your trusted partner in efficient drainage system maintenance as well as necessary repairs.
FAQs
Do not pour oil, grease, or waste food into the drain. These and sanitary towels may lead to blockages of the channels.
Washing them with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda or warm water and soap can clean them. Bigger jobs can be done using biological or enzymatic drain cleaners.
Both visually inspect and smell them on a regular basis so as to detect any problems. Find indications of pipes leaking or wet spots elsewhere on your property. Pay attention to the outlets outdoors as they may be blocked by garden trash.
