How do I prevent blocked drains?

Avoiding a clogged drain is a far simpler option that unclogging it

Without thinking, we use drainage systems on multiple occasions daily. From brushing our teeth, showering, to washing dishes, they provide a gateway to our plumbing systems, and our reliance on them can not be understated.

Just like our hot water systems, household drains are taken for granted, yet can provide problems at the most inconvenient of times.

Though this occurrence can’t be avoided entirely, there are steps you can take to minimise the chances of this happening on your premises. Positive habits and general maintenance can greatly contribute to clear drains.

Pure Plumbing Pros know all about the frustration blocked drains in your household can bring. Believe us, we feel your pain. If you need any assistance, our plumbers are here to help!

Household management to prevent drain clogs

Generally, the cause of blocked drains in the household originate from its flushing, rinsing and washing fixtures.

As previously mentioned, prevention is mostly the best method of treatment to drain cloggings.

Everyday usage of household mechanisms affect the drainage of your house.

Before we delve into the do’s and don’ts of drains, it’s recommended you abide by these easy-to-remember rules in your home:

• In the bathroom, ensure grates are always placed over the waste outlets. These grates are terrific at catching fragments that cause blockages, for example long hair.
• Regarding the kitchen, never pour any oil down the sink; that’s just asking for a blockage! The best practice is allowing oil solidification, before disposing of them responsibly.
• Toilets need only be used as they were designed. Bodily waste and toilet paper are all that should be flushed.

The Do’s and Dont's of preventing blocked drains

Delving more into what we previously touched on, we’ve compiled a list of the most important do’s and don’ts of drain management.

DO’s:

• Use sink drain strainers - you can pick them up from your local hardware store in a variety of sizes for a couple of dollars. They'll catch all the food scraps, lint, hair, toenail clippings, and other nasties which usually get washed down the kitchen, laundry or vanity sink or bath drain and contribute to clogs.
• Dispose of old oil, grease, and fat in the rubbish - pouring these substances down the drain is a quick and easy way of getting rid of them but often they don't actually go that far and can build up in your drain system causing greasy, smelly blockages.
• Keep your gutters and stormwater drains clear - regularly cleaning the leaves and garden debris from gutters and stormwater drains stops these items blocking up the drains when it rains.

DONT's

• Don't flush wet wipes - any of them. Not the so called 'flushable' toilet wipes, not the baby wipes, not the ones you can use to clean the bin or the cooktop or the toilet. None of them. Put them all in the rubbish bin.
• Don't ignore slow draining drains - this could be a sign that the drain is slowly clogging up somewhere along the way. The problem could be caused by a number of issues such as tree roots growing into the pipe, a build-up of grease and oil, or bigger issues like a collapsed or crushed drain. Whatever the issue, it's better to get a plumber to check it out sooner rather than later.
• Don't treat your drains and toilet like a bin - this one is really a no-brainer but many still do it. See the infographic below for more on what you can and can't put down your drains.

Remember, these plumbing predicaments are best avoided, rather than slept on. If you have any questions concerning drainage systems and, or the content of this article, contact our friendly plumber team today on (02) 9191 7374 or complete a booking form.

Resources used:

https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/plumbing/clogs/how-to-prevent-clogs-in-your-drains/

https://www.networkplumbing.com.au/preventative-measures-avoid-blocked-drains/

https://www.yarrowplumbing.com.au/news/how-to-prevent-a-clogged-drain-in-your-home/