Marinelle Adams
Plumbing disasters can happen at any time, and the best way to prevent them is to maintain a healthy drainage system. Your drainage system is a complex network of pipes, appliances, and drains that all work together to make your life comfortable and easier. However, the system mainly operates away from the naked eye, and we often forget about the things we can’t see. Like everything else, your plumbing is prone to wear. The good news is that there are easy ways to keep your drainage systems in good condition. In this article, we’ll discuss crucial tips for maintaining a drainage system.
Proactive drain maintenance is an essential aspect of keeping your plumbing system in optimal condition, promoting a healthy and efficient drainage system within your home. Regular maintenance tasks, including drain cleaning, inspection, and preventive measures, are vital to prevent clogs, blockages, and potential plumbing issues that can disrupt your daily life. By implementing a routine drain maintenance schedule, you not only extend the lifespan of your plumbing system but also minimize the risk of costly repairs and inconveniences. Moreover, drain maintenance contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the need for harsh chemicals and excessive water usage caused by emergency plumbing situations. It also aids in maintaining a hygienic living environment by preventing the buildup of bacteria and unpleasant odors associated with stagnant water and blockages.
Install drain guards
Drain guards are plastic or metal instruments that you can install on your plugs to prevent hair and large food particles from going down the drain. Installing drain guards won’t eliminate totally the amount of debris flowing down your drains, but it will reduce the chances of the system blocking.
Guards can be bought at any Lex’s plumbing equipment outlet, and the installation is a DIY process. However, even with the devices in place, bear in mind that there are some materials that you shouldn’t put down your drains. They include household fluids, fats, and oils, grease, coffee shells, among others.
Inspect the pipes
Big problems with the drainage system are usually not apparent right away. They become an issue when there is a clogging problem or a leak. It is best to hire experts to inspect your pipes at least once a year. While it is easy to know when there is a blockage, it’s difficult to know when the blockage is about to occur. This is why regular inspections by a professional are recommended.
If you notice watermarks on the wall, a hissing sound, or a drop in temperature, there is likely a burst pipe. You should immediately isolate the primary water source and switch off your water and power supply. You should then contact water restoration experts like iFlooded Restoration to identify the burst pipe before things get out of hand.
Use drain cleaners to clear the drains
Drain cleaners are an excellent way to maintain the drains in your home since they effectively clear a clogged drain. You simply need to pour the solution down the drain and leave it for about 30 minutes before running hot water down the sinks. Be sure to clean your drains using a drain cleaner every few months. You should only use natural drain cleaners since chemical drain cleaners are extremely hazardous and can cause corrosion in your pipes.
Wash your drains with boiling water regularly
Make sure to wash your drains with hot water once every week. It helps to dissolve oils and fats that may have unintentionally gone down the drain and prevent residue from building up. For best results, you can use baking soda and vinegar. Pour hot water into the drain, followed by a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar solution. After that, cover the drain’s opening for about 10 to 15 minutes, then pour more boiling water down the system.
Do not let pet hair go down the drains
If you have pets that you need to wash regularly, make sure the pet hair doesn’t go down the drain. A lot of hair comes off of pets when they are being washed, and it can result in an instant blockage. To prevent this, start by covering your shower drain with a washcloth before cleaning your furry friend. However, to eliminate the risk of hair blocking your drain, you can buy a portable bathtub. You can also use a garden hose to wash you when the weather is favorable.
Inspect your drainage frequently
Drainage system complications can easily go unnoticed, but with frequent inspections, problems can be noticed before they become bigger. Look for signs such as small leaks in odd places and foul smells. It would help if you did drainage inspections seasonally, as some pipes get damaged by weather changes. While inspecting your drain, note that the whole process can turn messy, especially if you are not an expert. It is advisable to contact a professional plumber. While there are costs involved, it is worthwhile than flooding your house with sewage.
Install a garbage disposal
Garbage disposal is an electrically powered device that you can install under your sink to collect and shred large solid materials into small particles that can easily flow down the drainage. If well maintained, a garbage disposal can eliminate the worry of your drainage blocking frequently due to debris. To maintain the efficiency of your garbage disposal system:
- Frequently run cold water through it to keep of build-ups
- Avoid overloading it with too many solid materials at once
- Clean it regularly with vinegar and baking soda
- Inspect it frequently to remove metallic items such as jewelry and spoons
- Do not throw fibrous and starchy materials like potato pills in the sinks
- Avoid cleaning the device with hot water
- Do not insert your hands in it
- Contact a plumber for help in case of emergencies
Pay attention to your home’s water pressure
If your home’s water pressure is low, that could be a sign of a problem in either your distribution system or the drainage system. If the trouble is with the distribution system, it affects the whole neighborhood, and there isn’t much you can do about it. However, if you are the only one affected, the problem could be stemming up from your drainage, and it’s probably in need of your attention. The best way to detect an abnormal water pressure is by investing in a pressure measuring instrument.
Endnote
The best way to maintain a healthy drainage system lies in prevention. If you watch what you put down your drain, you are less likely to experience nasty drainage clogging issues. Wash the systems to remove debris and other solid materials. Another option could be adding a garbage disposal to your sink. Most important, contact a professional to help you fix any problems related to your drain.