Tips to Avoid Costly Drain Repairs

A well-maintained drainage system is the key to ensuring the proper functionality of your home. Therefore, regular inspection is crucial to check for signs of blockage, damage, or wear at early stages. It helps you address these issues before they turn into major issues that can lead to expensive repairs, health issues, and even legal consequences.

Regular care and small changes to daily habits can help you avoid common issues and keep drains running smoothly. It not only prevents damage but also saves money in the long run. In this article, we are going to discuss some easy and effective ways to stop drain problems before they start.

Avoid Throwing Everything in the Sink

One of the biggest causes of drain problems is putting the wrong things down the sink. Cooking oil, grease, and leftover food can all build up inside the pipes and can lead to severe blockages that slow water flow and may also cause backups. So, being careful with what you dispose of in your sink is one of the simplest ways to avoid drain damage. Instead of pouring fat or oil down the sink, let it cool and throw it in the bin. Even small food scraps should go in the food waste bin rather than being washed down.

Empty Your Septic Tank on Time

If your property has a septic tank, keeping it well-maintained is vital to avoid expensive drain repairs. The reason is that waste builds up inside the tank, and if it’s not emptied in a timely manner, it can overflow or damage your drains. Therefore, septic tank emptying should be done on a regular schedule based on the tank size and the number of people using it.

You can hire a licensed company to perform this task safely and correctly. They can also check for signs of wear or damage during the emptying process.

Don’t Flush the Wrong Items

Toilets are often treated like bins, but they are not designed to handle everything. Wet wipes, sanitary items, cotton buds, and even paper towels can cause major clogs. The reason is that these materials don’t break down like toilet paper does, so they get stuck in the pipes and block the flow. It can lead to an overflowing toilet or, worse, damage deep in the drainage system.

Flushing human waste and toilet paper can help you avoid this issue. You can keep a covered, small bin in the bathroom for everything else, protect your drains and keep your system working properly.

Use Drain Strainers

A simple way to protect your drains is to use strainers or covers in your sinks, baths, and showers. These small devices catch hair, soap bits, and food particles before they enter the pipes. They are cheap, easy to install, and can make a big difference. When they fill up, just empty them into the bin. It can help you stop debris from going down the drain and reduce the chance of a blockage forming inside your pipes.

Clean Your Drains Regularly

Regardless of precautionary measures, small bits of dirt and grease can still build up over time. Therefore, regular cleaning is necessary to stop these from turning into blockages. For this purpose, you can simply use hot water with a little washing-up liquid to flush kitchen drains. In bathrooms, a mix of baking soda and vinegar can help break down grime. Doing this once every few weeks keeps your drains clear and working well.

If you notice slow draining despite regular cleaning, it may be time to call a professional drain clearance company to fix the issue before it gets worse.

Protect Outdoor Drains

Leaves, mud, and rubbish can block outdoor drains, especially in autumn and winter and cause flooding or damage to your foundation. So, make sure to keep gutters and outdoor drains clear, sweep leaves and dirt away regularly, and check grates or covers for blockages. If the problem keeps returning, consider having the area cleaned by a drainage specialist. They can use tools to clear deep blockages and make sure everything drains properly.

Book a Professional Inspection

Many drainage issues start deep inside the pipes, where you cannot see them. A professional drain clearance company can carry out a full inspection using cameras and other tools. They can spot early signs of damage or build-up before it leads to serious repairs. It may seem an expensive solution, but it gives you peace of mind and helps you catch problems before they become expensive.

Key Takeaway

Maintaining a drainage system is not a hard nut to crack. By regular checks, proper cleaning and taking a few simple steps, you can keep everything running smoothly and avoid expensive repairs. Consulting with a professional and scheduling regular inspections and repairs can make it a stress and error-free task.