If there is a problem with your sink or drain, it can put your life on hold. This is why so many households are happy to pay a significant sum to hire a professional to resolve drainage system problems.
The thing is though, this doesn’t have to be the case. Rather than waiting for problems arising at home, preventative maintenance of your drainage system lowers the chances of a problem arising with your drainage systems.
This guide covers telltale signs of a problem with your drain, but it also offers advice on preventative maintenance, and how you can best care for your sinks and drains by stopping problems developing in the first place.
And if you still need our services after following this advice then we’re always on hand to help. 24/7
Signs You Have A Problem With Your Drainage Systems
Recognising the telltale signs of damaged drains or problems with your sink is vital. If you spot any of these problems, take action, and you’ll minimise problems with sinks and drains at home.
- Standing water or water coming into your home
- Gurgling sounds in your pipes
- Water bubbling up from your pipe
- Water draining slowly from your sink or drain
- Funny smells around the sink or drain
- Black gunge or slime around your sink plugs
If you recognise one, some or all of these issues, there is a good chance you have a problem with your drain. They all create obstructions in drains which cause problems, and this is when nasty surprises occur.
Routine Cleaning is the best way to stay on top of an potential issue!
It sounds simple, but regular cleaning of your drains makes perfect sense. If you are a homeowner or tenant, there is no reason why you cannot undertake regular maintenance yourself. This goes for drains inside your house, and outside of your home. If drains are on your premises, it is likely drain maintenance is your responsibility, so carry out a regular inspection, and this includes septic tanks if they are on your premises.
Of course, it makes sense to check with local councils or water authorities to determine who is responsible for drain maintenance services before you do anything! If you don’t need to carry out drain maintenance services, it is best to leave it to others.
Commercial Drain Systems need regular Preventative Maintenance too!
While residents can carry out most drain maintenance themselves, it is another issue for commercial bodies. If you are in this position, you should have a team carrying out drain maintenance on your ground drainage systems, or you should outsource this work.
Businesses Need A Clean Grease Trap
Any business operating in industrial or retail parks should undertake planned preventative maintenance work in their premises, clearing out grease traps and box gutters.
If you are unsure of who is responsible for maintenance contracts ranging from small to large tasks, find out, because you might be surprised at what work falls on you.
What Are The Benefits Of Regularly Cleaning A Drain?
Cleaning a drain is messy, and often unpleasant, but it is an important task. This is because there are many benefits of regular drain cleaning, with the most pertinent benefits including:
* Cleaning Your Drain Extends The Lifespan Of The Drain
By cleaning your drain, you minimise the damage it suffers, and this extends this lifespan. Over time, this saves you money, it leaves you feeling confident about the condition of your drain, and should ensure you enjoy consistent water flow.
* Regularly Cleaning Your Drain Removes A Foul Smell
Foul smells are unpleasant, and can lead to people feeling ill. If your drain is clogged or blocked with food particles, household debris, grease, fat and other blockages, your pipe and drains start to smell, and this can permeate your home. By cleaning your drains, you remove the blockage, removing nasty smells.
* You’ll Enjoy Faster Drainage When Your Drains Are Well Maintained
If you are concerned about the speed of your drainage, and the negative impact slow moving drains have on your home, you’ll be glad to know regularly cleaning your drains will speed up how fast water drains away.
* You Save Money In The Long-Term By Not Needing Plumbing Services
Not cleaning your drains increases the likelihood of problems arising, and this increases the chances of problems arising. Significant plumbing problems need resolved quickly, and this isn’t cheap.
* Plumbing Professionals Do Great Work But Aren’t Always Cheap
The cost of hiring an expert for drainage services adds up, and can be prohibitive. Therefore, cleaning drains regularly makes it less likely you need to hire a plumber or replace your drains, and this is a cost saving that benefits you in the short and long-term.
Preventative Measures To Protect Your Drain
If you have just had your drains cleaned and want to preserve their condition, it makes sense to be proactive when it comes to caring for your drainage systems.
A regular cleaning and maintenance schedule makes sense, but there are also other steps you can take, and here are some top tips to care for your drains and pipes:
- Be mindful about waste and debris you place down your sink, shower drain, bathroom drain and toilet
- Rinse plates and dispose of waste like grease or hard crusts into the bin rather than dropping into the drain
- Buy a drain stopper or some other mechanism which limits waste falling into your drain
- Clean your drain stopper regularly
- Look out for the build up of soap scum
- Remove hair build up from sinks and drains
- Try to avoid chemical cleaning products as these are often harmful to your pipes and drain
- Run the hot water tap at least once a week to wash through any build-up, this is particularly helpful in the bathroom
Care For Your Sewage And Drainage System And Get Your Reward
While it is one thing to act swiftly if there is an issue with your sinks and drains, this is often too late to respond. Savvy householders are proactive in taking care of their drainage issues, and will undertake steps to minimise the chances of problems arising in the future.
This guide to drain preventative care and maintenance will hopefully prevent problems arising, ensuring you enjoy your home in comfort and peace with no nasty shocks or surprises.