Month: August 2020

Blocked drains can cause significant inconvenience in any home, not to mention the damage and repair expenses that come with it. This issue is common in Harrow homes due to various factors like the local weather, aging infrastructure, or just normal wear and tear. However, preventing blocked drains is not impossible. With the right knowledge and appropriate preventive measures, one can effectively safeguard their home plumbing from undesirable blockages. Here are some ways to prevent blocked drains in Harrow homes:

1. Watch What Goes Down the Drain

The most effective way to prevent drain blockages is to be cautious of what goes down your drains. Many homeowners make the mistake of treating their drains as garbage cans. Throwing leftover food, grease, coffee grounds, or other solid waste into the sink will eventually lead to clogs. Use a sink strainer to catch solid food particles and dispose of them in the trash can.

In the bathroom, hair and soap scum are the biggest culprits behind blocked drains. A drain guard can be an important tool for catching hair before it enters the drain. Also, ensure that no sanitary items, wet wipes, or baby nappies are flushed down the toilet as they do not easily break down.

2. Regular Cleaning

Regularly cleaning your drains can help prevent blockages. Pouring a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the drains is a simple and effective home remedy for blocked drains harrow breaking down minor clogs and preventing build-ups. The effervescence of the mixture helps clear fats, oils, and grease stuck in the pipes while also neutralising odours. However, avoid using harsh chemical cleaners as they can damage your pipes over time.

3. Professional Drain Cleaning

While DIY methods can help with minor blockages, professional drain cleaning services are recommended for thorough maintenance. Professionals have the expertise and the right tools to inspect and clean your drains, preventing any serious blockages. It’s advisable to schedule professional drain cleaning at least once a year.

4. Properly Maintain Trees and Plants

Believe it or not, the greenery around your house could be causing your drain problems. Tree roots can grow into your pipes, causing them to crack and eventually block. If you have trees or plants near your sewer line, consider doing regular root pruning or replacing them with slow-growing, smaller plants.

5. Install Drain Screens

Drain screens are an amazing investment for preventing blocked drains. These screens catch food scraps, hair strands, and other debris that can block your drain. They can easily fit over your drain and can be cleaned out, reducing the risk of blockages.

6. Use Drain Rods

Drain rods are another excellent tool to remove minor blockages in your drains. They allow you to manually dislodge any clogs in your pipes. However, they should be used with care to avoid damaging your pipes.

7. Regularly Inspect Your Pipes

Inspect your pipes regularly for any signs of damage or blockage. Look out for slow-draining sinks or bathtubs, foul smells, or gurgling noises. These signs can indicate a potential drain blockage.

In conclusion, preventative care is key to maintaining clear drains in your Harrow home. Being mindful of what goes down your drain, regular cleaning, professional maintenance, and timely inspections can save you from the hassle of blocked drains. Furthermore, installing drain screens and maintaining surrounding greenery can also help keep your drains running smoothly. With these preventative measures in place, you can ensure the longevity of your home’s plumbing system and promote a healthier living environment.

Blocked drains can cause untold stress and frustration, not to mention costly repairs if not remedied promptly. If you’re in Sevenoaks or surrounding areas, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through some preventative measures and repair tips for blocked drains to help you save time, money and maintain a well-functioning drainage system.

Prevention is Key: Steps to avoid blocked drains

The most effective way to handle blocked drains is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Here are some preventative measures you can follow:

1. Watch what goes down your drain: Just because a substance can go down a drain does not mean it should. Grease and fat are common culprits behind clogged pipes, as they harden and cause a blockage. Coffee grounds, tea leaves, hair, kitchen roll, and wipes (including those labelled as ‘flushable’) can also lead to blocked drains. Always discard these substances responsibly.

2. Regularly rinse your drains: A simple way to prevent build-up in your pipes is to regularly rinse them with hot water. This will help to reduce the build-up of fats, soaps and any remaining food waste.

3. Install drain screens: Drain screens are effective, budget-friendly tools that can prevent substantial debris from entering your pipes, reducing the risk of blockages.

4. Keep trees and plants in check: In your garden, plant roots can cause havoc to your drains. Keep trees and large plants away from drain lines to prevent roots from infiltrating and blocking your drains.

Repair Tips: Handling blocked drains

Despite our best efforts, blocked drains can still occur. Don’t worry, though; we have some troubleshooting tips you can try before calling in the professionals:

1. Traditional Plunger: A good old-fashioned plunger can often do the trick. Be sure to cover any overflow spouts before you begin plunging so you can get a strong seal. The up-and-down blocked drains sevenoaks pressure created by the plunger can help to loosen any blockages.

2. Drain Snake: Also known as a plumber’s snake, this tool can reach blockages that are further down the pipe that a plunger can’t reach. A drain snake uses a coiled metal wire to reach through your drain network and dislodge blockages.

3. Drain Cleaning Chemicals: These should be used cautiously as a last resort as they can corrode pipes if used frequently. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

When to call a professional:

If you’ve tried the tips listed and the problem persists, or if the blockage seems severe, it’s time to call in the professionals. A professional plumber has the skills and equipment necessary to thoroughly clear blocked drains and provide a lasting solution. They can also offer expert advice to avoid recurring blockages in the future.

In Sevenoaks, professional drainage services are available to handle obstruction, regardless of size or location. They are skilled in locating the blockage and use advanced techniques like CCTV drain surveys to gain a clear understanding of the problem, resulting in a tailored solution.

Although dealing with blocked drains can be bothersome, understanding the causes, learning how to prevent issues, and effectively handling minor blockages will go a long way in maintaining a well-functioning drainage system. Regular drain maintenance is the ultimate key to keeping your drains running smoothly. Remember, when in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a professional to handle your blocked drain situation in Sevenoaks.

There is nothing more annoying than dealing with blocked drains in your home or office. This common issue can disrupt your regular activities and make daily tasks challenging. Whether you’re located in Kettering or any other part of the world, blocked drains are a fairly common issue. However, if you live in Kettering, you’re in luck as we have curated a list of quick fixes you can use to restore your plumbing system’s functionality without any décor disruption.

Here’s a guide to quickly fixing blocked drains in Kettering:

1. Boiling Water Procedure:

Sometimes, a simple solution is all you need to solve a big problem. One of the fastest and most affordable ways to fix a blocked drain is using boiling water. This method works effectively, especially when the block is due to grease or any other kitchen waste. Pour several pots of boiling water down the drain, doing so in two to three stages to allow the hot water to work for a few seconds in between each pour.

2. Plunge Away:

Another practical solution to a blocked drain is a good ole’ plunger. It creates suction that can help dislodge the blockage and clear the drain. Ensure to completely cover the drain before you start plunging to ensure maximum suction. This method is effective for bigger blockages that are stubborn to clear.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar:

This method is a classic DIY tactic usually reserved for minor blockages. Firstly, pour half a cup of baking soda down your drain, then follow it up with a similar quantity of white vinegar. These two ingredients will react with each other, breaking down minor blockages and cleaning your drain in the process. Let the mixture sit for about 15 – 20 minutes before rinsing with boiling water.

4. Use a Plumber’s Snake:

A plumber’s snake, or drain snake, is a flexible coil of wire that can reach deep into a drain to dislodge blockages. A plumber’s snake is especially helpful for stubborn blockages that are resistant to plungers and chemical drain cleaners. You can easily find one in a hardware store near you.

5. Using a Coat Hanger:

This is another DIY method to unclog your blocked drain. Straighten a wire coat hanger and make a small hook on one end. Reach this down into the drain and begin fishing. Be careful not to push the material further down the drain instead of pulling it up and out. After you’ve cleared as much as possible, run hot water to see if the blockage clears up.

While these methods can be effective for minor blockages, it’s important to note that a severe or recurring blocked drain could indicate a more serious problem. In such cases, it’s advisable to call a professional plumber to examine and fix the issue. In Kettering, there are numerous experienced plumbers who can help with more serious clogs that require professional attention.

In conclusion, blocked drains can be a real nuisance, but luckily, there are several quick fixes one can employ. Whether it’s simple boiling water or a homemade vinegar and baking soda mixture, you can generally get the water flowing again in no time. But blocked drains kettering remember, should these solutions fail to provide the desired relief, don’t hesitate to enlist the services of a professional plumber in Kettering.