How To Ensure You Don't Have A Drain Disaster

Your Toilet Is Not a Rubbish Bin

We all use the toilet each and every day but, this doesn’t mean you flush everything down it. Yes, we know once it has been flushed it is out of sight, out of mind but, think of the long term effects this will have on your drains. Only toilet paper and bodily fluids/functions should be going down your toilet pipes. Things like nappies, feminine hygiene products, wipes, cotton balls, dental floss or cigarette butts should not. This is not just an environmental hazard causing issues like toxic pollution, using your toilet as a rubbish disposal will cause huge risks to septic tanks and city wastewater treatment centres, as well as embarrassment when the plumber eventually has to be called. Also, try to steer away from drop in cleaners, these can have a lasting effect on your pipes and can cause leakage.

Once Winter Strikes, Keep Those Pipes on

As temperatures drop, pipes can begin to freeze. And water pipes that freeze are at risk of rupturing, which can lead to serious flooding. This is why even at the first sign of temperatures dropping you must keep heating and hot water flowing through the pipes to prevent leaks. The explanation is simply if the water inside the pipe freezes, it then expands, which can cause ruptures. However, much too common thought the pipe rarely bursts where ice or freezing has formed -- instead, the frozen element of the pipe forces a large amount of pressure ‘downstream,’ between the faucet and the frozen blockage. And this is where the pipe bursts. And no one wants to fork out for expensive replacement pipes nearer the Christmas months. A little side note -- if you are away in the warmer months, turn off all heating/gas and water to prevent leakages while no one is home.

Food Floats It Doesn’t Sink

Many foods, unfortunately, retain a high level of fat, grease and oil which can make it hard for these substances to work their way through our drains. Which is why you should dispose of all food into your waste bin. As well as pour any excess oil, fat or grease into a container and let it solidify before throwing that away too. We recommend using a strainer within your plughole to catch any remains or large bits of food to prevent blockage and any long term clogging in your drains.

Check Up On Your Drains

Do not forget about your pipes and drains, they need love and support just like your sinks and plugholes do! This includes checking indoor and outdoor faucets, pipes and drains to help maintain a healthy flow of water. This will allow you to spot any noticeable differences in your pipework and can prevent long term damages. Keep on top of maintenance use sink unblocker and regularly clean out your pipes, plugholes and drains for anything that should not be in there for example hair, rubbish or food. It is advised to investigate any blockage using a CCTV camera, a service that Bates Environmental can provide. One bit of advice is to switch from rubber pipework to metal so that it lasts longer -- this just requires a professional to refit them. Bad installation of pipes and drain work can cause you to pay out a hefty bill, so don’t get caught out!