Your Stevenage home represents a significant investment, and it is essential to maintain each aspect of it carefully — including the drainage system. Neglect of key areas such as drains can lead to significant problems if they become blocked, resulting in water damage or structural issues. As a resident of this bustling town, you want your home to remain a comfortable and safe place to live. For this reason, we sought advice from top drainage experts, and they have provided some invaluable tips on how to prevent blocked drains in your Stevenage home.
1. Keep an Eye on What Goes Down Your Drains
One of the simplest but most effective tips is to be mindful of what goes down your drains. Remember, drains are not rubbish chutes, and they can handle only so much waste. As a rule of thumb, avoid flushing items that don’t disintegrate quickly, like sanitary products, paper towels or wipes. In the kitchen, fatty oils and food waste should never be washed down the sink because they solidify upon cooling and block drains.
2. Regularly Clean Your Drains
Consistent care is the best kind of attention you can give your drainage system. Periodic cleaning with a homemade mixture of half-cup baking soda followed by half-cup vinegar can help to maintain clear pipes. Flush the mixture down the drain, wait for about thirty minutes, and then rinse with boiling water. This is an easy, eco-friendly solution to keep your drains free of persisting blockages.
3. Install Drain Strainers
Fit your drains with catchers or strainers to prevent larger items from being washed down the drain. Strainers are great for catching hair, soap pieces, and other residues that are notorious for blocking drains.
4. Don’t Forget Outside Drains
The blocked drains stevenage exterior drains in your garden or patio can be significantly affected by leaves, twigs, and other garden debris. You should make an effort to keep the surroundings of these drains clean to prevent potential blockages.
5. Get Regular Professional Checks
Since small blockages, over time, can develop into significant problems, it’s a good idea to call a professional plumber to inspect your home’s drainage system at least once a year. These professionals have the expertise and equipment to identify any potential issues that might not be directly visible to the naked eye.
6. Use Good Quality Plumbing Materials
Using substandard plumbing materials can sometimes be the root cause of recurring drain blocks. To enjoy seamless plumbing, invest in good quality pipes, septic tanks and other necessary accessories.
7. Recognize Early Signs
Recognizing early signs of a blocking drain—a slow draining sink, gurgling noises after flushing, a foul smell—can help prevent a full-blown blockage. If these signals are ignored, it can cause more significant problems down the line, including harmful sewer backup.
While it may seem like a lot to handle, taking these preventive measures can save you from costly damages in the future. Remember, the key to a smoothly running drainage system is regular care and preventive maintenance. So, follow these expert tips to ensure your Stevenage home does not fall victim to the dreaded blocked drain problem.