The things that make a home livable include not only those things we can easily see on the surface but also those elements that are hidden yet are very essential in keeping things functioning well and running smoothly. The plumbing system is an example of those hidden elements that affect the comfort and functionality of a home. It consists of the water supply system and the drainage system.
While the water supply system is responsible for the fresh and clean water we get from the city water or the well, the drainage system is accountable for the disposal of the household’s wastewater. That is why we should not neglect the significance of our drains.
Nevertheless, the drains of your kitchen and bathroom, like the rest of the parts of your home plumbing, can malfunction at any time. Drain problems may be caused by blockages or simply by system failure. Either way, it is best that you call a plumbing expert to fix the problem.
What Clogged Drains Can Do
Having clogged drains can be a very unpleasant experience for homeowners. Most importantly, clogged drains can make people sick as clogs contribute to the spread of bacteria and diseases. They may also contaminate the fresh water we drink and make the atmosphere smell bad as sewer gases make their way to your home. In other words, clogged drains are very unhygienic and are thereby a threat to our health. In addition, clogged drains eventually lead to pipe leakages, which will eventually cause structural damage, particularly to your ceilings, floors and walls. Consequently, the aesthetics of your home will also be adversely affected as a result of the water stains and discolouration caused by the leaks.
Proper Use of Drains
Not taking care of our drains can lead to plumbing problems that can be such a headache and in the long run can cost us a lot of money. As homeowners, we need to learn the proper ways to use our drains and avoid disasters. Here are useful tips we can do to save our drains:
1. Install strainers.
Stringy food, soap, fat, oil, grease, hair, vegetable peelings, and objects not considered “bodily wastes” are among the culprits behind drain blockage. These nasty materials are not supposed to be thrown into your drains. A way to seize large chunks of food in your kitchen sink and other foreign wastes in your bathroom drain is to install strainers. Moreover, you can place trash cans right beside your toilet and kitchen sink so you have a place to throw these materials.
2. Have a professional inspect your drainage system.
If you are determined to keep your drains in good shape, then you can hire a professional plumber to check on your drainage system. Years of drainage used can result in sewer build-up, which will eventually cause blockage, and sometimes drainage issues might be occurring beneath without us knowing about it, especially if we see that our fixtures seem to be working fine. To be sure about the status of our drains, an expert plumber would be of great help.
3. Avoid flushing down harmful chemicals and nasty debris like coffee ground, fats, grease, and oil down the drain.
As previously mentioned, these wastes are harmful to your drainage system. It is therefore sensible for us to never allow these things to go down our drains. Let us always be mindful of what we flush down our drains even if the object is labelled “flushable.” Stay vigilant and when in doubt, use the garbage can instead of throwing things into your drain.
4. Clean your drains regularly.
There are various ways to clean the drains. If you are a DIYer, you may simply pour boiling water into your drains at least once a week as a way to break that stubborn debris and build-ups. Others also opt to use baking soda and vinegar to clear the drains. First, pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain and then follow it up with a cup of vinegar. You may leave the mixture in the drain for 24 hours and then dilute it with hot water the next day. However, if you want excellent care and attention for your drains, you may choose to invest in professional drain cleaning. The skills of licensed plumbers are unparalleled when it comes to figuring out the solutions to major drainage issues. So, why not call your trusted plumbing company for assistance?
Be Good to Your Drains
Having a proper drainage system is beneficial not only in terms of getting rid of wastewater from your property but also in terms of protecting the health of everyone in the household. Clogged drains serve as perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and if left unattended, you and the people in the household may get ill. Homeowners must know the proper ways to treat their drains.
