Your drainage system is often overlooked in favour of more visible tasks like mowing the lawn or fixing the roof. But just like any good relationship, a little care and attention go a long way. Unfortunately, neglecting your plumbing system can be detrimental to the overall health of your drainage system and your sanity!
Showing your drains some love with regular maintenance keeps everything flowing smoothly, saving you from costly repairs and extending the life of your plumbing system.
Keep Things Flowing: Regular Drain Cleaning
Clogged drains are often caused by a buildup of debris like hair, food, and grease over time. Regular maintenance can help prevent minor blockages from turning into stubborn clogs or expensive repairs. One of the simplest ways to keep your drains clear is by routinely flushing them with a gentle, DIY solution that won’t harm your plumbing.
Pour half a cup of baking soda down your drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizz and break down grime for 10 - 15 minutes before flushing it down with hot water to clear any remaining residue.
However, prevention is always better than cure. So, make sure you try and avoid the usual suspects:
Grease & Cooking Oil: These may go down as a liquid, but they solidify as they cool, creating a sticky mess that traps other debris.
Food Scraps: Even small bits of food can accumulate in your pipes, leading to unpleasant odours and slow drainage. Pouring grease and cooking oil down the drain can lead to even greater buildup, as these substances harden and cling to your pipes as they cool.
A Gentle Touch: Use Drain Covers
Just like setting healthy boundaries in a relationship, using drain covers can help protect your drainage system from unwanted buildup and clogs. This is especially great in showers and kitchens, as these covers catch hair and other debris before it makes its way into your pipes. Drain covers are also an affordable way to avoid unnecessary blockages and provide an extra level of protection —keeping things flowing smoothly and avoiding costly repairs down the line.
Avoid Heartache: Know What Not to Flush
As with any relationship, knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do. Your drainage system may seem like it can handle anything, but flushing or pouring the wrong things down your drains can be catastrophic.
We’ve said it before—pouring grease and oil down the kitchen sink might seem convenient in the moment, but it’s the leading cause of stubborn blockages in your plumbing
Another no-no is feminine hygiene products and wet wipes. While it may be tempting to flush a sanitary towel or tampon down your toilet rather than tossing it into the trash, it can be detrimental to your system and pocket. The problem is that these products don’t dissolve in water and have the potential to get stuck. If you’re lucky enough and it makes its way through your plumbing system, it may cause problems when it enters wastewater treatment facilities. The same goes for wet wipes. Coffee grounds, food scraps and medication are just a few more things you should never toss down your pipes.
Don’t Ghost Your Gutters: Show Them Some Love Too
One of your gutter's most important roles is directing runoff away from your home. Regular cleaning helps ensure proper water flow, especially during the rainy season, preventing potential damage. So, why is this important for your plumbing system? Well, when gutters overflow due to debris build-up, it has to go somewhere—often spilling over onto pathways, driveways, and into nearby drains. This can put increased pressure on your drainage system, as it forms part of your home’s overall drainage network.
When it’s blocked, water may find its way into places it shouldn’t, including seeping into your home’s foundation and overloading your underground pipes. This can cause your kitchen sinks and toilets to drain slowly causing costly blockages. Make sure you regularly clean your gutters of leaves and other debris. This can be done at least twice a year, or if you have lots of trees nearby, try and aim for every three to four months.
Call in the Experts: When to Seek Professional Help
While regular DIY maintenance can go a long way in preventing plumbing problems, some situations require the expertise of a professional. Knowing when to call in the experts can save you from major headaches and prevent your drainage issues from turning into expensive repairs.
Here are a few signs:
Slow drainage: Slow draining sinks, showers, or toilets can be a sign of a growing blockage.
Foul smells: Foul, musty or sewage-like odours emanating from your drains can mean there’s food particles stuck in your pipes.
Gurgling sounds: Gurgling noises coming from your drains or toilet are often a sign that air is trapped in your pipes due to a blockage or slow drainage.
Frequent blockages: If you’re experiencing recurring blockages, even after cleaning your drains regularly, it may be a sign of a deeper, more complicated issue such as build up of grease or tree roots.
Don’t let your drains cause you unnecessary stress. Call in the experts at Clearpath Drainage for a thorough inspection and expert service that will keep your drainage system working smoothly and efficiently.
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