Blocked drains are a common problem that many of us face at some point in our lives. It can be a real pain, especially if it happens at a particularly inconvenient time. The best solution, of course, is to call professional plumbers who are well equipped to handle the situation. However, there are a few things you can do on your own to alleviate the problem or even avoid it altogether.
Today, we bring you some insider tips from local plumbers across Hayes who have years of experience dealing with blocked drains. These tips will not only make your life easier but will also reduce the need for frequent calls to professional plumbers.
1. Watch What Goes Down your Drain
One of the best preventive measures starts with us. Be mindful of the things that you let go down the drain. Avoid flushing down tough materials like wipes, paper towels, thick toilet paper, and sanitary products. These materials are resistant to water and do not break down easily, eventually leading to blockage. Also, avoid dumping coffee grounds or grease into your kitchen sink as they can stick to the insides of the pipes and cause clogs.
2. Regular Maintenance
Bi-monthly to monthly maintenance checks on your plumbing system are essential to keep blockages at bay. Pour down hot boiling water down the drain every couple of weeks to dissolve any potential buildup inside the pipes. Using mixtures of vinegar and baking soda also works well to keep your drains free from a clog.
3. Use Drain Screens
One of the simplest and most effective tips from our Hayes plumbers is to install drain screens over all your drain openings. These screens will trap debris like food particles, hair, soap bits, and prevent them from entering and blocking your pipes. Though you need to clean these screens regularly, they provide a simple and inexpensive way to prevent blockages.
4. Invest in a Plunger
When a blockage happens, a good quality plunger can be your immediate aid until professional help arrives. Plungers work on the principle of creating pressure, which pushes out whatever is clogging the pipe. It is important to know the proper technique of using it and remember that excessive force can cause damage to the pipes.
5. Try Drain Snake or Auger
For harder to reach clogs, a drain snake or auger can work wonders. It is a hand-held device that reaches into your drain and breaks up or extracts the blockage. They can be purchased from any home improvement store at a reasonable price.
6. Don’t Ignore Signs of a Blockage
If you notice slow drains, unpleasant odours emanating from your drains, or gurgling sounds while running the water, these might be early signs of a blockage. At this point, a little preventive maintenance can save you from a bigger headache later on.
7. Seek Professional Help for Persistent Issues
While DIY methods work in many cases, persistent issues like recurring blockages or slow drains may indicate a more serious problem that requires professional help. More complex issues like root intrusion or pipe damage should blocked drains hayes always be dealt with by professional plumbers.
In the bustling part of Hayes, it’s handy to remain in touch with a local, reputable plumber who will be familiar with the common plumbing issues in your area. They can provide both quick emergency service and advice based on their intimate knowledge of the local water pressure levels, water table, and typical home construction.
In conclusion, knowing how, when and why your drains may get blocked will significantly help in either preventing or tackling the problem and save you from considerable inconvenience and expense. The valuable tips provided by our local plumbers from Hayes will hopefully assist you in being better prepared for any drain blockages that may come your way.