Whether you own a home or rent in St Albans, Hertfordshire, it’s crucial to understand how to avoid the hassle of drain blockages properly. Blocked drains can lead to hundreds in repair costs, not to mention the unpleasant odours and potential health risks associated with backed-up drains. Therefore, we have put together a comprehensive guide for the local residents, outlining several useful strategies to prevent such issues.
Most blocked drain issues stem from the improper disposal of waste down the drains. The standard rule of thumb is that only water, urine, and human waste should be flushed down your toilet. Flushing non-dissolvable items such as baby wipes, kitchen roll, tampons, cleaning wipes, and so on can cause severe blockages. Despite some of these products being advertised as ‘flushable’, they can still put your drains at risk of congestion. To avoid unnecessary problems, these should be disposed of in a bin rather than flushed.
In the kitchen, a common cause of drain blockages is fat and grease from cooking. When hot, they are in liquid form, but when cooled, they solidify, which can create a blockage over time. Instead of dumping these materials into your sink, pour them into a separate container to cool and then place in the garbage. For extra precaution, you could even wipe your greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before washing in order to limit the amount of fat entering the drains.
Another significant contributor to drain blockages is foreign objects. From children’s toys to hair and soap residue – these items seem harmless until they cause a major plumbing issue. It’s essential to monitor what goes down your drains, so consider using drain protectors.
Soap residue, when combined with minerals present in water, can lead to soap scum buildup, causing the drains to block over time. Consider switching to soap-free washes or install a water softener.
Tree roots can also invade your drain pipes leading to slow water run-off, so taking care of your landscaping is essential too. Regularly inspect your property for tree roots infringing on your pipes and arrange for their removal if necessary.
In line with this, regular maintenance checks are crucial in preventing drain blockages. A trusted local plumber can carry out a drain inspection and fix small issues before they become major problems. Most professionals use CCTV cameras to identify potential problems. Early detection is the key to maintaining the functionality and blocked drains stalbans longevity of your drain system.
Lastly, while we all understandably prefer DIY methods to cut costs, some situations are best left to professionals. Persistent clogs or slow drains may indicate more severe issues and so it is important for home and business owners not to ignore these signs.
As residents of St Albans, arming ourselves with the right knowledge and taking proactive steps in preventing drain blockages can go a long way. Remember, prevention is always better (and cheaper) than cure, so don’t wait for a blocked drain to create a nuisance before you act. Engage in these preventative measures today and ensure that your drain system is running smoothly and efficiently.