Drain clogs can disrupt the peaceful harmony of any home – and if you’re a resident of Worthing, you’ve probably experienced this annoyance at least once. Blocked drains are not just frustrating, but they can also lead to more serious problems such as flooding and damage to your property. Fear not though for there are several ways to tackle and prevent this problem. Here are some essential tips you can consider to effectively handle blocked drains in your Worthing home.
1. Regular Maintenance
One of the reliable ways to prevent blocked drains is regular maintenance. A monthly cleaning procedure can help to keep your drains in top-notch condition, saving you from potential clogs. To clean the pipes effectively, you can mix half a cup of vinegar with the same amount of baking soda and pour it into your drains. After a few minutes, flush down with hot water.
2. Use A Plunger
When dealing with minor clogs, a plunger can prove very handy. These simple tools work on the principle of creating a vacuum that dislodges the blockage. To use it effectively, ensure there’s enough water in the sink to cover the plunger base, firmly press it down over the drain and then pull up quickly. This may take several tries, but it’s often effective for minor blockages.
3. Drain Snake
For tougher blockages, a drain snake can be more fitting. Drain snakes are simple tools designed to ‘snake’ down your drains and physically break or retrieve the obstruction. While professional models can be expensive, cheaper, more accessible versions are available at most hardware stores.
4. Boiling Water
While this may sound overly simplistic, it can often be enough to tackle small, stubborn blocks. Boiling water can dissolve or dislodge the offending material enough to drain away. Do remember, this tip should only be employed on metal pipes – plastic can melt under extreme temperatures!
5. Avoid Pouring fats or Grease Down the Drain.
This is a prevention tip but one well-worth mentioning. Pouring hot oils and grease down the drain is a common cause of clogs. These substances cool and solidify when they travel through the pipes, sticking to their blocked drains worthing sides and leading to more significant blockages over time.
6. Regularly Check your Outside Drains
Exterior drains often get ignored, but blocking here can cause significant problems. Regular checks and clearing of leaves or other debris can save potentially larger blockages and expensive fixes.
7. Call a Professional
When all else fails, or if the blockage is too severe initially, calling a professional plumber in Worthing is the best course of action. They have the necessary tools and experience to handle stubborn blocks and can save you time and stress in the long run.
Blocked drains can wreak havoc if not addressed timely and efficiently. These tips can help you prevent and tackle blocked drains and maintain the hygiene and sanitary conditions of your Worthing home. However, remember that while these techniques can solve minor blocks, more severe blockages require professional intervention to avoid damage to your property.