Blocked drains are a nuisance and can be quite frustrating, particularly when they catch you off guard. Unfortunately, they are a common issue in many homes and businesses in Oxford. They often cause sudden disruption and if not treated promptly, can result in serious health and structural problems.
Thankfully, simple preventative measures can drastically reduce the chances of drain blockages. Here are some expert tips on how to prevent blocked drains in Oxford.
1. Mind What you Throw Down
The main reason for blocked drains is due to what we throw down in the sink or flush down the toilet. It’s important to avoid putting things such as coffee grounds, fats, grease, cooking oil, pasta, rice, and other food bits down the kitchen sink. The bathroom sink is no different, avoid dumping chunks of soap, hair, and other waste products. These items do not dissolve in water blocked drains oxford easily and over time, they accumulate leading to severe blockages.
2. Use Sink Strainers
A simple but highly effective measure you can take to prevent blocked drains is using sink strainers in your kitchen and bathroom sinks. They are designed to catch debris such as food bits, loose hair, soap scum, and other waste products which may block your pipes. Regularly clean the strainers to maintain their effectiveness.
3. Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning of your pipes can help prevent the build-up of debris which can lead to blockages. For instance, you can clean your bathroom sinks with vinegar and baking soda, followed by hot water to get rid of gunk and grime that collects over time. Doing this at least once a month can save you from the nightmare of a blocked pipe.
4. Flushing your Drains
Just like regular cleaning, flushing your drains with ample amounts of water can also help prevent blockages. This is especially useful for the drains in your kitchen where fatty residues can stick to the sides of the pipes. Regularly flushing the drains with boiling water can help to dissolve these residues, thereby preventing blockages.
5. Professional Assistance
Sometimes, the best way to prevent drain blockages is by scheduling regular professional maintenance and checks. Plumbing experts can efficiently detect any potential problems in your pipes and provide timely intervention before they spiral into more significant issues.
6. Install a Lint Catcher
If you have a washing machine, consider installing a lint catcher on the drain hose. This will catch the fibers and lint that the washer expels, reducing the chances of such substances blocking your drainage system.
7. Be Considerate to your Toilet
Your toilet isn’t a trash can, so avoid flushing anything but toilet paper. Diapers, sanitary products, and even “flushable” wipes can easily block your toilet drain, leading to a plumbing nightmare.
In conclusion, prevention is the best approach when dealing with blocked drains in Oxford. By considering what goes down your drain, keeping your pipes clean, and seeking professional help when needed, you’ll keep your drainage system flowing and avoid the inconvenience and potential harm caused by blocked drains.