5 tips for avoiding blocked drains during Christmas
As the festive season approaches, many of us are busy preparing for holiday gatherings and celebrations. But while we’re focused on cooking, decorating, and shopping, it’s easy to forget about the importance of maintaining our drains. Blocked drains can cause all sorts of problems, from foul smells and slow-moving water to complete blockages and flooding.
In this post, we’ll share five simple tips for avoiding blocked drains during the holidays, so you can enjoy a stress-free and happy season.
1. Use strainers in your sinks and showers.
One simple but effective way to prevent blockages during the festive season is to use strainers in your sinks and showers. These handy devices catch food scraps, hair, and other debris that can block your drains and cause problems. They’re especially useful in the kitchen, where cooking for large groups of people can produce a lot of waste. When you’re done preparing food, simply scrape any leftovers into the bins, then rinse the strainer and put it back in place. In the bathroom, strainers can catch hair, soap scum, and other debris that can build up in your drains. Make sure to clean your strainers regularly to prevent them from becoming blocked themselves.
2. Avoid pouring grease, oil, or fat down your drains.
Another important thing to remember during the festive season is not to pour grease, oil, or fat down your drains. These substances can solidify and block your pipes, causing all sorts of problems. For example, if grease blocks your kitchen drain, it can cause water to back up and overflow, leading to a messy and smelly situation. The same is true for other types of fats and oils, such as those used for cooking or for moisturising your skin. Instead of pouring these substances down the drain, let them cool and solidify in a container, then dispose of them in the trash. This will help prevent blockages and keep your drains flowing smoothly.
Check out this post for more advice on how to dispose of oil and fat.
3. Avoid flushing nonbiodegradable items
Another common cause of blocked drains during the festive season is the improper disposal of wipes, sanitary products, and other non-biodegradable items. These items may seem small and harmless, but they can cause serious blockages in your pipes and sewage system. For example, flushing wipes down the toilet may seem like an easy way to dispose of them, but they don’t break down as toilet paper does. Instead, they can get caught in your pipes and form a mass that can be difficult to remove.
The same is true for sanitary products, which are designed to absorb liquid and can expand in size when wet. To avoid these problems, make sure to dispose of wipes, sanitary products, and other non-biodegradable items in the trash, rather than flushing them down the toilet. This will help keep your drains flowing smoothly and prevent blockages. If you’ve got friends or relatives staying over this Christmas, make sure you keep them informed of these tips to avoid any unfortunate blockages in your bathrooms or kitchens!
4. Stay equipped!
One important way to avoid blocked drains during the festive season is to stay equipped with the tools and supplies you need to unblock them. This means making sure you have access to a plunger, a plumbing snake, and other items that can help clear pipes and keep your drains flowing smoothly. A plunger is a simple and effective tool that uses suction to clear away blockages in your drains. To use it, simply place the rubber end over the drain and pump the handle up and down to create suction. This can help remove debris and break up blockages.
A plumbing snake, also known as a drain auger, is another useful tool for unblocking drains. It consists of a long, flexible cable with an auger or cutting head on the end. You can insert the snake into your drain and use it to remove debris and break up blockages. Having these tools on hand will help you quickly and easily unblock your drains if they become blocked during the holidays.
5. Don’t delay on drainage problems
If you notice any signs of a blocked drain, such as slow-moving water or foul smells, it’s important to take action immediately to unblock it. Ignoring the problem can cause it to get worse, leading to more extensive damage and potentially costly repairs. The first step is to identify the location of the blockage. This may involve inspecting your drains visually, or using a plunger to try and dislodge the blockage.
Once you’ve located the problem, you can try to remove it using a plumbing snake or other tool. If it is severe or you’re unable to remove it yourself, it’s best to call a professional for assistance. Taking prompt action to unblock your drains will help prevent further problems and keep your plumbing system in good working order.
Hope our 5 tips for avoiding blocked drains during the Christmas Holidays have helped.
At Maintain Drains, we can help you with any unexpected drain emergencies. We’re available 24/7 over the Christmas period – simply give us a call!
FAQs
Q: Why are strainers useful in preventing blocked drains during the festive season?
A: Strainers catch food scraps, hair, and debris that can block drains, especially during large gatherings and cooking sessions, preventing potential blockages.
Q: How should you clean and maintain the strainers in sinks and showers?
A: Regularly clean the strainers to prevent them from becoming blocked themselves, ensuring they continue to catch debris effectively.
Q: What should you avoid pouring down your drains during the festive season?
A: Grease, oil, and fat should be avoided, as they can solidify and cause blockages in the pipes, leading to messy and smelly situations.
Q: What is the consequence of pouring grease down the kitchen drain?
A: Grease in the kitchen drain can cause water to back up and overflow, leading to potential flooding and foul smells.
Q: How should you dispose of grease, oil, and fat instead of pouring them down the drain?
A: Let these substances cool and solidify in a container, then dispose of them in the trash to prevent drain blockages and maintain smooth water flow.