The new year is all about taking advantage of the new opportunities that a fresh year brings. For many, that means running more, joining a book club, or focusing on fitness goals. While your resolutions might center on self-improvement, it’s easy to overlook your home—especially your plumbing system.
Homeowners can attest that a burst pipe or blocked drain is possibly one of the biggest headaches they can experience. Therefore, being proactive this year about your plumbing system is always a bonus.
Why Drains Deserve Your New Year’s Attention
Just like any other part of your property, your drainage system requires care and attention to keep things running smoothly. While your plumbing system may be out of sight, it should never be out of mind. Don’t wait for a disaster to strike before calling your local plumber. Neglecting your drains can lead to severe blockages, leaks, and even structural damage if left unaddressed.
Blocked drains have a knack for showing up at the most inconvenient times, disrupting your routine and creating unnecessary stress. By taking preventative measures early in the year, you can avoid unexpected hassles like a clogged toilet or sink, ensuring your home stays functional and worry-free.
Your 2025 Drain Maintenance Checklist
Regularly Clear Sink and Shower Drains
Few things are more frustrating than standing in a pool of water while showering or watching your kitchen sink drain painfully slowly. If you notice water draining slower than usual, use a plunger or natural solution like vinegar and baking soda to tackle the problem. Regular maintenance ensures that your sink and shower drains remain functional, reduces the risk of unpleasant odors, and helps extend the lifespan of your drainage system.
Preventative measures include using a drain strainer to catch debris before it enters your pipes. This is especially useful over your shower drain and kitchen sink, which you can use to capture hair or trap food.
Avoid Pouring Grease or Oil Down the Sink
While you’re creating a meal plan that ensures your body is healthy and happy, why not do the same for your plumbing system. A blocked drain is completely preventable, you just need to know what you should and shouldn’t pour down your pipes. Pouring grease or oil down your sink may seem harmless in the moment, but these substances eventually solidify and stick to the walls of your pipes when it cools down. As the months tick away, this can combine with food particles that eventually create stubborn clogs known as fatbergs. These blockages can become so severe that you’ll need a professional to remove them. The solution? Use an empty jar in your kitchen to collect used oil and grease, and wipe excess oil from pots and pans before rinsing it down your drain.
Monitor Outdoor Drains and Gutters
Your outdoor drains and gutters play a crucial role in managing rainwater and protecting your property from water damage. However, seasonal changes make it easy for them to become clogged with debris like leaves, dirt, and twigs. This can lead to overflow, flooding, or structural damage that could have easily been prevented with a little elbow grease.
Overflowing gutters during a rainstorm is an obvious sign, but stains on your walls or peeling paint is another sign it’s time to take a look at those gutters. Make gutter cleaning part of your regular maintenance routine: trim nearby trees or use a leaf catcher to help you try and avoid blockages.
Schedule a Professional Drain Inspection
The best way to ensure you’re not dealing with any plumbing issues, no matter the time of year, is by scheduling preventive maintenance with a certified plumber. Even if your drains seem to be working fine, underlying issues like small cracks, root intrusions, or early-stage blockages might not be visible. A professional inspection can pinpoint any issue that could cause a problem in the future, and can ensure that your pipes are working efficiently throughout the year.
Not only does regular maintenance ensure peace of mind, but it can help maintain the structural integrity of your drainage system, preventing premature wear and tear and extending its lifespan.
Clearpath Drainage offers CCTV Drain Surveys that get into the nooks and crannies of your plumbing system, leaving no stone unturned when detecting blockages. We offer tailored solutions to address any issues, ensuring your plumbing system remains problem-free.
Get in touch with us today!
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