Maintaining a home can be a big job, and with many of us tight on time, we can prioritise seemingly urgent DIY tasks, whilst leaving others for another day. A blocked drain can seem like a minor inconvenience. You might just put some bleach down it and hope for the best, or clear the drain cover if it’s external.
It’s easy to push this task down your to-do list, but over time, this can cause you further issues and expense if it’s not properly dealt with. If you’ve ever had a blocked drain, you’ll know first-hand just how annoying it can be. And with the average person in the UK using 150 litres of water per day, it’s clear that drains are an integral part of modern living, and we need them to be working optimally at all times. Here, we list the top reasons why it’s important to clear blocked drains quickly.
Blocked drains stop drainage
This sounds obvious, but have you ever considered what no drainage means for you and your home? Inside, it will likely mean that you can’t use your sink, and outside, it might mean that those soapy suds from washing your car instead flow onto your lovely lawn.
Blocked drains also mean a build-up of old food, mud or other waste materials, which start to smell and are unhygienic. In addition, blocked drains can provide a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and insects. Especially if you’re got young children, you’ll want to make sure that you remove any potentially harmful waste from your home as quickly as possible so that they can’t get their hands in it, and this means keeping your drains clean.
Blocked drains can cost you money
If they’re not sorted, blocked drains can also overflow. No one wants waste water coming back up into their house – not only will it leave a horrible smell, but it could also leave you with some costly repair work if the water gets to your flooring.
With the rising cost of living, no-one wants to be paying out for things that they don’t need to be. Regularly maintaining your drains does mean that you might need to buy a few small items, but it will save you the cost of an emergency callout later down the line. If getting your hands dirty isn’t your thing, you may also decide to enlist the help of a professional, before the issue gets out of hand. Getting expert help is the best way to get peace of mind that your drains are being properly looked after.
How can I unblock my drains?
If the drain is inside your property boundaries, it’s generally your responsibility to fix. Thankfully, there are a few simple things you can do to help keep your drains clear and help reduce the risk of a problem forming in the first place. For example, avoid pouring grease or food down the drain, and use a mesh screen to catch hair and other debris.
There are several home solutions that you can easily make to regularly clean your drains. For example, a combination of baking soda and vinegar is a simple yet effective option, and it’s safe to use your sink again immediately after cleaning. First, pour hot water down the sink, followed by a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar. This can break up any blockages, and then you should also make sure to regularly clean your drains with a plunger or snake. By following these simple tips, you can help prevent a small blockage from becoming a big problem.
If you do find yourself with an emergency situation, it’s always best to call an expert and get their help. You may think that the drain will sort itself out, but it’s imperative you address the problem as soon as you can, to help keep your home and your family safe – getting this problem sorted quickly is worth the extra cost.
To sum up
Cleaning your drains doesn’t need to be a big task if it’s completed regularly. However, leaving the problem to build up can cause an issue further down the line, and an additional expense. To avoid this, try to reduce the amount of material that goes down the drain that isn’t water, clear off any leaves from external drains, and habitually clean them with baking soda and vinegar.