As a significant component of the plumbing network, your drainage system is vital to your home’s stability, but it’s often overlooked. Without it, you’d be dealing with moisture and sewer gas seeping into your living spaces, which is both unpleasant and hazardous.
To ensure that your drainage system is working well, you need to give it some TLC. Drainage system maintenance is the key to keeping your drains clear and preventing clogs from disrupting your daily routine.
As a homeowner, you don’t need to be a plumbing expert to maintain your drainage system. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of drain maintenance, so you can keep your plumbing system running smoothly and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
- Contact A Plumbing Expert
If you’re inexperienced with drainage system maintenance techniques, it’s best to seek professional help. A local plumbing expert with experience in dealing with clogged pipes can examine and decontaminate the plumbing system, removing trash and material that blocks the drains. These professionals can also provide valuable tips for preventing issues.
Seeking professional guidance is also critical when blockages negatively affect the drains and the entire plumbing system. By doing so, you can ensure appropriate drain maintenance and keep your drains running effortlessly.
- Avoid Flushing Items That Could Clog The Drain
Drain blockages happen for various reasons, but grease, fat, and oily substances are often the culprits. These compounds can solidify when they cool down inside the drainage systems and pipes, causing them to stick to the internal surfaces and accumulate over time, resulting in significant blockages.
Be cautious about what you flush down the sink, and if possible, install drain traps beneath the sinkhole to prevent oil and foreign substances like food scraps, bathroom wastes, and other toxic substances from going down the drain.
- Prepare Your Maintenance Tools
To effectively maintain, clean, and repair your home’s drainage system, it’s essential to have the necessary equipment on hand. These tools include a snake, an auger, wire brushes, and cleaning solutions that can go a long way in clearing persistent blockages.
It’s important to note that each piece of equipment works differently, and some are more suitable than others for removing clogs or addressing plumbing problems. For instance, a snake might be an excellent removal tool for tough blockages, while a plunger can be used for minor clogs. Identify the type of equipment you need to ensure better results and get the most out of drainage maintenance.
However, it’s best to seek professional help when faced with significant blockages. Sometimes, homeowners do more harm than good by attempting to eliminate major drainage issues. That being said, always ask for expert advice when cleaning and maintaining your plumbing and drainage system.
- Stick To Natural Methods When Cleaning Drains
Avoid using over-the-counter chemical drainage cleaners. Besides risking the environment and your health, chemical-based cleaners are abrasive and can damage your pipes and plumbing system.
Instead of using chemical-based drain cleaners, you can use several minimally disruptive and low-maintenance drain cleaning strategies. For example, pouring hot water down the drainage system and using baking soda and vinegar can effectively clean your drains.
Enzyme-based cleaners are becoming increasingly popular when dealing with organic waste. Instead of relying on strong chemicals, these products introduce bacteria or enzymes that consume organic matter to fix a slow or blocked drain.
By identifying the best natural methods for cleaning drains, you can maintain your drainage system without causing damage to your plumbing system. Make sure to have the necessary equipment on hand and seek professional help when needed to ensure the best results.
- Prioritize Regular Inspections
Regular inspections and cleanups of your drainage system are crucial to identify problems early on. It is recommended to have periodic repairs done by a qualified plumber or drainage contractor at least once a year.
During the plumbing assessment, professionals will use cameras to inspect the inside of your pipes for accumulation, degradation, corrosion-related damage, and breakage. Doing so lets them understand your home’s plumbing system and ensures your drainage system runs smoothly. It also helps determine what needs to be done to prevent drainage blockages and prevent any potential damage to your home. Frequent plumbing and drainage inspection is a proactive approach to keeping your system flowing smoothly.
Conclusion
Homeowners must understand the basics of drain upkeep. By conducting regular inspections and cleanups, you can ensure that your drainage system runs smoothly without any problems. Periodic maintenance can also help you avoid costly repairs in the long run.
Whether facing challenging drainage issues or seeking maintenance, hiring professionals is your best bet to address the problem effectively. If you’re in Melbourne, look no further than LCL Plumbing and Drainage experts. Their skilled and knowledgeable staff can solve your problems and issues anytime, even in emergencies.
