A blocked drain is a serious issue for any home. The stench from the backed up pipe and the hassle of finding someone to resolve the issue, not to mention the wait for the work to be completed, can be a real headache. Blocked drains occur when least expected and can often cost a small fortune to fix.
Unfortunately, there’s no way around it, you just have to find a way to unclog the drain and free up whatever is blocking it, otherwise, you could be putting yours and your family’s health at risk. However, there are a few simple measures that can be taken to help prevent the headache of a blocked drain.
Clean Out the Drain Pipe
The best way to prevent your drains from becoming blocked in the first place is to ensure your drains are regularly cleared out. A smart solution might be to do this once a month or at least once every three months. This can often require using harsh cleaning chemicals however, chemicals can actually damage the drain pipe, particularly when the pipe is old.
If you live in an old house, you should assume the drain pipe is old, so in this case try cleaning using natural solutions like baking soda, vinegar and hot water. Start by pouring half to three quarters of a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar poured slowly down the drain. Then, cover the drain for about ten minutes to allow them to mix and break down the obstructions and follow by pouring a gallon or four to five litres of boiling hot water down the drain.
If there is a possibility the drain has been affected by grease, apply half a cup of salt, followed by the same amount of baking soda and then pour a kettle of boiling water to help loosen and wash any greasy residue out. For best results leave until the next morning before rinsing.
Bathroom Inspections
Your bath and sink plugs are usually home to sludge, hair, food particles, and soap residue. Over time, these can coagulate, blocking the drain in the process. So, do the smart thing and check these important parts of the home every two to three months. Also check to see your plugs need replacing.
Get a Routine Plumbing Visit
A seasoned plumber who offers comprehensive drainage solutions in Brisbane to come in once a month or every two months is the best way to minimise blocked drains. This can serve as a routine maintenance check. This way, they can quickly spot any possible drainage build-ups or blockages and nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand.
For your drainage solutions in Brisbane, visit one of Brisbane’s leading plumbers: Soul Plumbing at www.brisbane-plumber.com.au. They offer comprehensive drainage unclogging solutions, preventive drainage and gutter solutions along with a wide array of plumbing services.