How to Avoid Getting a Blocked Drain 

Five simple tips to prevent a blocked drain - Which? News

Clogged drains are every homeowner’s worst nightmare. They create unpleasant odors, stop water flow and pose a health risk for your family.

A single clogged drain here and there isn’t a big deal, but frequent occurrences mean something is lodged in the sewer line. This could be anything from children’s toys to intrusive tree roots.

Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain

When something solid or semi-solid gets flushed down a drain, it can become a major cause of clogs. It usually starts small and builds up over time until the drain or pipes are completely blocked.

Blocked drains are a common problem for homeowners. However, they don’t have to be. A few simple strategies can help you prevent them.

Keep in mind that your drains and pipes are only meant to process sewage, water, and liquids. Anything else could result in a serious clog that will require professional intervention to fix.

Many people flush things down their kitchen sinks that should really go in the garbage instead, such as food waste, grease and used cooking oil, cigarette butts, baby wipes, or even condoms. You should also avoid flushing paint down the drain because it can clog the pipes. It’s better to put it in a bucket and dispose of it properly in the trash.

Flush with Hot Water

Pouring boiling water down a drain is a great way to unblock a minor clog. Always be careful when handling hot water to avoid burns or scalds. Slowly pour the hot water down the drain, ensuring to cover as much of the clog as possible. A plunger can also be helpful in loosening the clog.

This method is also a great alternative to harsh chemical drain cleaners, which can be harmful to the environment and pipes. If you’re unsure what’s causing the clog, try using a wet/dry vacuum or a bent wire hanger (straighten out the hanger and then bend one end into a hook) to fish out hair and other debris.

For major blockages, a plumber’s snake may be needed to clear the line. Be sure to fit all your drains with strainers to catch any unwanted materials before they reach the pipe. This can help prevent future clogs and save you costly repairs or replacements.

Unclog with Baking Soda and Vinegar

A regular routine of using baking soda and vinegar as a kitchen drain cleaner can help prevent your drains from becoming clogged. It is also a natural and safer method than chemical drain cleaners like Drano or Liquid Plummer.

Start by dumping a cup of baking soda down the drain. This will neutralize any odors

and begin to dissolve any residue that may be present in the pipe. Then pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain to create a chemical reaction that will produce bubbles and foam that will loosen any remaining pipe grunge.

Once the reaction is complete, slowly pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to flush away any remaining baking soda and vinegar mixture and the resulting debris that has been loosen from the pipe. You can also squirt a bit of grease-fighting dish

soap down the drain before pouring the hot water to further melt any excess grease and help your drains flow freely.

Call a Plumber

Clogged drains are a nuisance and can lead to costly repairs. The best way to avoid them is through preventive maintenance like regularly flushing your drains with hot water and using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. However, there are some cases where you may need to call a plumber for help.

These include: a foul odor emanating from the sink or toilet, slow emptying of water, gurgling sounds, and a clogged sewer line. Some of these problems can be dealt with by a DIY approach but it is best to call a plumber when dealing with multiple clogged drains, persistent clogs and even tree roots in the sewer line.

A professional plumber has the right tools to deal with these issues and can also give you valuable advice on how to avoid future blockages. Attempting to conduct repair without proper knowledge or tools will only make things worse and cause more expensive repairs in the long run. For more information on plumbing services, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ can give you a lot of resourceful information.