5 Tips to Maintain a Healthy Drainage System

When drains go wrong, it’s not a pleasant experience. Sewage can back up and fill your property with a foul smell.  While you can fix blocked drains and correct most drainage issues with professional help, prevention is better than cure.  Therefore, this post explores some tips for maintaining a healthy drainage system. Here’s what you need to do.

Clean Your Garbage Disposal Once Per Month

Garbage disposals (small units that grind up waste food under your sink) are becoming more popular. They’re more convenient than manually scooping food debris out of a sink strainer. Unfortunately, they can get blocked up, making them less efficient.

Cleaning them, though, is relatively easy. Either use a sturdy brush that came with your kit or use a combination of ice cubes and table salt. This solution cleans away stubborn grease and grime, leaving your garbage disposal unit looking beautiful.

Failing that, try a combination of plain white vinegar and baking soda. Brushing with this should get rid of any nasty smells.

Pour Boiling Water Down Your Drain

Some professionals recommend pouring boiling water down your drains once per week. The heat dissolves fat (by making it less viscous) and kills bacteria. It can also prevent the building of dreaded “fatbergs” in your pipes which are hard to remove once they reach a certain size.

To improve cleaning action, prime your drains with baking soda and white vinegar. Any boiling water you add will work more efficiently.

Think Carefully About What You Put Down Drains

Drains usually get clogged because homeowners put things down them that they shouldn’t. Tampons and sanitary pads flushed down the toilet, for instance, can cause blockages that are costly to remove. Also, avoid putting wet wipes down the lavatory. If you use them, place them in a bin instead.

Don’t Allow Pet Hair Down The Drain

Human hair can clog drains when it mixes with shampoo and shower gel, but pet hair is even worse. That’s because animals tend to shed more than people.

If you want to shower your pet in the bathroom, fit a shower strainer first. This way, you can scoop up any fur that comes off their body and put it in the bin. Alternatively, hose them down outside where the drains are bigger and can accommodate large quantities of pet hair.

Use A Bacteriological Drain Cleaner

Lastly, use drain cleaners periodically. Some chemical formulations can harm the environment, but bacteriological products are not. These use the power of nature to clean your pipes without damaging them. This means you can use them as often as you like, usually every three to five months. Drain cleaners eliminate unwanted debris from your drains, leaving them smelling fresh.

Remember, if you need drain clearance in Guildford, District Drain Solutions is always available to help.

Nb. Collaborative post.