Dealing with Leaking Pipes and Other Problems

Blocked drains are the most common issues plumbers are called to sort out. Besides the fact that a blockage can cause a terrible smell in your house, it's also hazardous because it can cause damage to pipes. It can also greatly inconvenience you if it results in the clogging of multiple drains in the home. Fortunately, there are ways you can be able to prevent blockage by following these four simple rules.

Install a Strainer on All Drains

If the sink, shower drainage, and bathtubs don't already have strainers, it is critical that you have them installed. A sieve plays a considerable role in filtering hair, food and any other particle from going down the drain. Since the strainer will catch a lot of food and hair, you should clean it every day, so it's able to continue doing its job correctly.

Do Not Use the Toilet as a Waste Basket

One of the most common reasons why toilets and the entire system experience blockage is because hard materials were flushed down the toilet bowl. Many people think that just because something has flushed away, it has disappeared but it only goes to clog the system. Apart from toilet paper, nothing else should be flushed down the toilet including baby wipes, newspaper, cotton balls and even facial tissues.

Watch What Goes Down the Drain

Even if all your drains have a strainer, it can be hard to catch everything especially if they are in liquid form. Grease is one of the worst culprits that lead to blocked drains because once the oil cools off, it becomes solid and catches other stuff that also causes a drain clog. You should also avoid pouring things like paint, glue, wax, and oil because they solidify and stick along the pipes instead of moving on to the sewer. All these things should be put in sealed polythene bags or containers and thrown away.

Clean the Disposal System

It is essential to run cold water down your disposal after turning it off. This will not only ensure it stays clean and odor-free, but it will also clear any debris that might have gotten stuck on the sides. For best results, you can use warm water mixed with mild soap or drain cleaner so that any grease and oil is cleaned as well.

These four tips will without a doubt help you prevent blocked drains. However, if after practicing all this every day you still get a blockage, the problem could be something more significant in the sewer system or outside your house, and only a trained plumber can sort that out.