Living in the vibrant city of Southampton, you may thoroughly enjoy the conveniences of modern living. However, one issue that you certainly want to avoid is blocked drains. Drains become blocked due to lots of reasons – be it cooking oil, food waste, hair, or even tree roots. Still, a few simple measures can be taken to prevent these occurrences. Here is a comprehensive guide on how Southampton residents can avoid blocked drains.
First and foremost, always be cautious about what you pour down your drains. Many Southampton residents unintentionally contribute to blocked drains by disposing of oil, grease and fat down the sink. Instead of pouring oily residue down the drain, collect it in a separate container and dispose of it responsibly. Similarly, coffee grounds and food scraps should be composted or thrown in the trash, rather than down the sink. These substances can gather in the plumbing system and cause a blockage over time.
To keep your bathroom drains clear, do not flush anything other than toilet paper in your toilets. Other items, such as wet wipes, cotton buds, sanitary products or dental floss, can cause severe blockages, regardless of whether they claim to be flushable. Installing drain protectors or strainers in your showers, tubs and sinks can prevent hair and soap scum from blocking your pipes. These tools are cheap and easy to install, and their benefits make them incredibly worthwhile investments.
Another useful tip involves hot water. By using hot water regularly, you can prevent build-ups from dried soap or accumulated grease. Every week, run hot water down your drains to break down and wash away these materials.
In the garden, beware of tree roots that can crack into pipes, causing major obstructions. Regularly inspect your underground pipework, particularly if trees surround your property. If you notice more green blocked drains southampton patches of grass around the garden, it might be a sign of leaking pipes feeding the grass. Sharing this information with a professional plumber could save your property from bigger problems.
Routine drain cleaning can also be cost-effective for Southampton residents. Consider hiring a reputable service every six months to a year, depending on your household usage. These routine checks can pinpoint potential problem areas before they escalate.
The importance of addressing minor drain issues immediately cannot be overstated. Small clogs can turn into significant problems if left unattended, causing unpleasant odour, hygiene problems, and potentially expensive repair work. Hiring a professional plumber to examine your pipes might seem expensive initially, but it will be more affordable than dealing with widespread damage caused by blocked drains.
In conclusion, avoiding blocked drains in Southampton is largely about caution and maintenance. Being mindful of what goes down your drain, taking simple preventative steps and enlisting the help of professionals can all contribute to a blockage-free drainage system. This not only ensures the comfort of your home but also contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable Southampton. By following the tips in this guide, you support the lessening of pollution hazards and maintain the aesthetics of our lovely city.
