Every homeowner witnesses the dread at the sight of an overflowing drain at some point in their life. A blocked drain can result in a substantial amount of inconvenience, along with unwanted expenses for repair and maintenance. Despite this knowledge, few underscore the importance of precautionary measures in preventing this calamity from striking. Notwithstanding the drama and panic blocked drains usually incite, the prevention tactics are comparatively effortless.
Plumbing experts from Sutton, a major suburb of London, are here to share some nuggets of wisdom on how to avoid the hassle of blocked drains and keep them running smoothly. Sutton plumbers are highly skilled in their craft, and they implement various strategies towards drain maintenance to keep them obstruction-free. Here are a few secrets from the Sutton plumbing community which you can implement yourself to keep your drains in tip-top shape.
1. Be Aware of What You Put Down Your Drain:
The first line of defense in preventing drain blockages is by being careful about the things that are washed or poured down the drain. The primary culprits causing blockages are things like grease, oil, coffee grounds, hair, and soap scum. Sutton plumbers advise against pouring any fat or oil directly into the drain. Instead, pour it into a jar or a tin and dispose of it in the trash once it cools.
2. Regular Use of Drain Strainers:
The best way to prevent clogs caused by foreign objects and soap scum is to use a high-quality drain strainer. They effectively filter the solid particles whilst allowing the smooth passing of water. Sutton plumbers endorse the use of adequate sink and shower strainers to catch food particles, hair, and soap pieces.
3. Use Vinegar and Baking Soda:
You do not need chemical drain cleaners when you have a vinegar and baking soda solution at your disposal. An approved Sutton secret is to dump a cup of baking soda, followed by a cup of vinegar, wait for an hour, then flush with hot water. This method is a natural cleaner, which pushes stubborn particles down the drain without harming your pipes.
4. Flush Your Drains:
Regular flushing of drains with boiling water is recommended by Sutton plumbers, which helps dissolve and push the residue causing potential clogs. Pour a pot of boiling water down your drains at least once a week for better maintenance.
5. Use a Plunger:
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, clogs still form. Sutton plumbers suggest using a plunger, one of the oldest and most effective tools in tackling minor clogs, as a first response to unblock your drains.
6. Don’t Ignore Slow Drains:
A slow drain might not seem as troublesome as a complete block, but it can quickly escalate into a serious issue. It is a clear sign that something is preventing the water from flowing as it should. Sutton plumbers advise to attack the problem as soon as it is identified. This not only saves you from a potential blockage, but also from the possible blocked drains sutton damage to your pipes and stress of an emergency plumbing situation.
7. Regular Maintenance by Professionals:
No matter how careful one is, periodic professional check-ups are always a good idea. Sutton plumbers recommend regular maintenance by professionals to catch any small problems before they turn into major ones.
When it comes to keeping our drains in good running order, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Sutton plumbers offer these proactive measures with the aim of keeping the homes running smoothly, emphasizing the importance of a combined routine that includes both daily precautions and occasional professional assistance. The secrets they share not only save the hassle of blocked drains but also conserve the energy and resources needed to resolve such issues.