Terri Ramsey Beavers The drains are something that most people don’t spend too much time dwelling on. They take your waste products and wastewater away from your home and sweep them not the main sewer. At that stage, they are no longer your issue!
However, from where they attach to your appliances to the edge of your property, they are your issue. That means any clogs or breakages need to be sorted by you. Digging up a broken sewer pipe and replacing it can be an expensive and messy job. It’s better to maintain your drains and avoid the issue.
Here are 5 simple techniques to help maintain your drainage system:
1. Annual Inspection
The first thing you need to do is invest in a pipe inspection camera. You’ll then be able to insert this into the drains at least once a year, two, three, or even four times a year is better. The camera is small enough to travel along the drains and will give you pictures. You’ll be able to see anywhere waste is building up and if there are any breakages or other potential issues.
This will allow you to deal with the issue before it becomes a bigger problem.
2. Drain Filters
A drain filter or drain guard sits over the plughole. It has small holes in it that allow water through but captures all the debris that would otherwise enter your pipes. The drain filter/guard can then be removed and emptied into your bin.
It’s simple and effective. If debris isn’t going down the drain pipes it can’t cause an issue. The fact that they are cheap and effortless to fit is simply a bonus.
3. Drain Cleaner
It’s a good idea to periodically put some drain cleaner into your drains. This will help to remove any buildup on the side of the pipes which can result in blockages.
However, you should note that most chemical drain cleaners are bad for the environment and can damage the inside of your pipes. The chemicals are corrosive and will effectively eat the inside of your waste pipes.
Instead, you should use a natural bacterial drain cleaner. This will kill the bacteria that cause issues in your pipes.
You can also use baking soda and vinegar. This is especially effective if you have a partial, or complete clog. The baking soda should be put down the drain first and the vinegar after approximately five minutes. The reaction will break-up debris.
4. Boiling Water
Boiling water is surprisingly effective at removing debris and buildup, especially fat-related buildup from oils and similar substances. The boiling water melts the compounds and moves them further down the pipe. By doing this regularly you’ll ensure there is much less risk of an issue.
5. Get the Professionals
If you have an issue then it’s a good idea to get the professionals in to resolve the issue. They can also advise on how to prevent it from happening again. An annual inspection of your drains and all your plumbing systems can save you a substantial amount of money.