7 Things you Shouldn’t do if you want to prevent Blocking your Drains!
Blocked drains are a common problem for most homeowners. They always seem to happen at the worst times, like just before you’re about to have a big family BBQ or a Birthday party.
So I’ve put together a list of 7 things you should avoid doing to prevent blocking your drains.
1. Washing food down the Kitchen Sink
Food is the worst thing you can wash down your sink. Especially rice!. Always scrape your dishes of all food waste. If you use a dishwasher, also remember to remove food from your plates before placing in the dishwasher. If you don’t the excess food will be flushed down the drain and cause a blockage.
2. Wash coffee grounds down your Sink
Don’t bet tempted to rinse these down the drain, instead emptying them into your kitchen bin or put them in the compost or worm farm. Your garden will love it.
3. Pour oils and grease down the drain
Its better to let grease cool down so it sets. Then dispose of it in the bin. Once the grease enters your drains it will set as it cools down and turn into lumps which will restrict the flow in your drain or totally block them!
4. Don’t Remove sink strainers
Strainers are there for a reason. They filter food waste and other particles and stop them from going down the drain. Don’t take them off especially if you’re using the sink.
5. Use correct measures of Washing powder
When using your dishwasher, only use the recommended amount of washing powder. Too much will not clean your dishes any better and in fact using too much washing powder can cause a solid mass to form and this will block your drain.
6. Don’t Flush Baby wipes or nappies down the toilet
Never flush anything down your toilet that could block it up, this includes paper towels and baby wipes. They will accumulate in the pipes and clog your toilet. Don’t flush nappies down the toilet either. They are absorbent and will expand inside your drains and pipes which will block them quickly. The planet will thank you also!
7. Plant trees too close to your drainage system
This is a common cause of blocked drains. Never plant trees or large shrubs in close proximity to drains. A trees’ roots can grow down into the pipes and split or break them. As a guide plant your trees 25 meters or more from your drainage system to avoid damage or blockages.
If you follow my 7 things to avoid you will prevent the most common blocked drain scenarios and save yourself heartache and money. At Plumb it Right we recommend you your drainage system checked every 2 years to make sure they are working well and don’t have any issues that could lead to bigger problems down the track.
If you already have a blocked drain, Plumb it Right can help. Our professional, qualified plumbers can find the problem and fix it for you. Just call or make a booking online.