Tips for Keeping Your Drains Clean

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Maintaining a healthy drainage system is crucial for any household, and the key to this is prevention. Being cautious about what goes down your drains and regularly using drain cleaners can prevent the buildup of grease and debris. By incorporating these maintenance tips into your regular cleaning routine, you can significantly lower the chances of encountering a blocked drain.
Necessary Items for Drain Maintenance

To effectively maintain your drains, you should have the following items:

• Protective glasses
• Rubber gloves (preferably elbow length)
• Baking soda (or bicarbonate of soda)
• Soda crystals
• White vinegar
• A kettle
• A container for collecting fats

Preparing for Drain Cleaning

When dealing with chemicals or bacteria during cleaning, it’s essential to be prepared. Rubber gloves will protect your hands and make it easier to remove hair and other debris. Protective glasses are also crucial to prevent any bleach or bacteria-laden water from getting into your eyes.
Regular Drain Check-Ups

Some drains in your home, like those in your bathroom sink, shower, and bathtub, need more frequent checks. These areas are prone to accumulating hair, soap scum, grease, and toothpaste, which can lead to blockages.

Weekly Boiling Water Flush

A simple yet effective natural drain cleaner is boiling water. Regularly flushing your drains with boiling water can reduce the buildup of fat, grease, and oils in your pipes.
Biological Cleaners for Drains

For a more environmentally friendly option, use a biological cleaner containing enzymes. These cleaners are excellent for breaking down fats, bacteria, mold, and other organic materials and are less harsh than chemicals like bleach.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Flush

As an alternative to biological cleaners, a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar can be used. Combine a couple of tablespoons of baking soda with a cup of white vinegar and pour it down the drain. Let it fizz for about five minutes before flushing with hot water.

Using Soda Crystals

Soda crystals are another great way to prevent fats, oils, and grease from building up in your drains. Dissolve a cup of soda crystals in boiling water and slowly pour the mixture down your drains.

Proper Disposal of Fats

To prevent blockages, always dispose of excess cooking fat in a container, not down the drain. Congealed oil from cooking, mixed with other debris, is a common cause of blocked kitchen drains.

Hair Prevention Tips

Brushing your hair before a bath or shower can remove loose hairs and prevent them from clogging your drain. Similarly, when washing pets, try to do it outside or cover the drain to collect shed hair.

Items to Avoid Flushing

Never flush items like plastic, cigarettes, food, sanitary products, kitchen roll, cardboard packaging, or harsh chemicals down your drains.

When to Call a Professional

While these tips can keep your drains running smoothly, sometimes professional help is needed. If you encounter persistent issues, SOS Drainage & Plumbing can provide further assistance.

The SOS Drainage & Plumbing Difference

SOS Drainage & Plumbing offers services like no call-out charges, availability 24/7, local engineers, fixed price quotes.