Dealing with clogged drains could be a stressful and bothersome issue. They might cause water backup and overflow that could result damage to your house and property. In the Philippines, clogged drains are a common problem especially during the rainy season. In this article, know how to take a better care of your home by preventing a clogged drain, rainy season or not.
Dispose of Waste Properly
One of the reasons why drains get clogged is because of garbage. Ensure that you dispose your waste, food scraps, and other items in the trash bin instead of tossing them in the sink or toilet. In addition, cooking oil and other liquids should be disposed properly in separate containers responsibly.
Use a trash can
Use a trash can rather than the sink or toilet to dispose trash and food leftovers. Make sure you regularly remove the garbage.
Waste should be divided into biodegradable and non-biodegradable items
Non-biodegradable garbage should be disposed of in the appropriate facilities, whereas biodegradable waste can be composted or made into fertilizers.
Properly dispose of cooking oil
You shouldn’t pour cooking oil down the sink since it might harden and clog your drains. Instead, dump the oil into a separate container and dispose of it appropriately.
Use Drain Screens
Install screens over your drains to trap hair and other debris, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Using drain screens is an effective way to prevent debris from going down and causing clogs in your drains. Here are some preventive tips on how to prevent clogged drainage by using drain screens:
Regularly clean the screens
Regularly clean the screens to get rid of any dirt that has become stuck. To fully clean them, you may either use a brush or a water rinse.
Replace damage screens
In order to ensure that your screens continue to effectively trap debris, replace any that are damaged right away.
Use a strainer for larger items
When washing bigger items, such as pots and pans, use a strainer to collect any food particles or other debris that could get through the drain screen.
Regularly Clean your Drains
Regularly cleaning your drains may help avoid blockages and backups in your drainage system, which is an important part of house maintenance. Additionally, regular drain cleaning may enhance the general health and safety of the place by getting rid of smells.
There are some preventive tips on how to clean regularly your drains:
Use a plunger
A plunger is a useful tool for clearing out small blocks. Adding water to the bathtub or sink and using the plunger to produce suction will help in clearing any blockages.
Use a drain snake
A long, flexible equipment that may be placed down the drain to clear blockage is a drain snake. To loosen and get rid of any clogs, twist and swirl the drain snake.
Pouring hot water down the drain
It may help dissolve any grease or oil build-up that may be the root of the problem. Pour boiling water down the drain gently.
Do not flush non-degradable items
Non-biodegradable items should never be flushed into drains since they can clog pipes, harm sewage systems, and harm the environment. Wet wipes, paper towels, dental floss, sanitary goods, and cooking oil are non-biodegradable things that can clog pipes and sewage systems, requiring costly repairs and posing a risk to the environment. Following are some tips on how to avoid flushing non-degradable items:
Educate others
If you have kids or neighbours, make sure they understand the significance of avoiding flushing non-biodegradable materials down the toilet.
Install Signage
Consider placing signs to warn members of the family not to flush non-degradable materials down the toilet in your restroom or toilet.
Hazardous material should never be flushed down the toilet
Examples of hazardous waste include batteries, chemicals, and electronics. Place them in authorized facilities for appropriate disposal.
Trim trees and plants near your drainage system
Trimming trees and plants close to your drainage system is a smart idea. Here are some explanation why this helps in preventing clogged drains.
Prevent blockages
It prevents clogs by keeping plants and trees away from your drainage system. These plants and trees can drop leaves, twigs, and other material into your gutters and drains. Regular trimming helps guarantee that water flows easily through your drainage system and assist in preventing blocks.
Reduce Water Damage
As a result of blocked gutters and downspouts, water can overflow and harm your roof, walls, and structure. This can result in expensive repairs or possibly structural harm. You may lessen the possibility of water damage to your home by trimming the trees and plants close to your drainage system.
Improve drainage
Plants and trees that are too near to your drainage system can potentially harm underground drainage systems and pipes. By trimming them, you may increase your drainage system’s capacity and stop water from collecting in low-lying regions.
If you are unsure how to do it, hire a professional when it comes to trimming trees.
Think about calling a professional tree trimming service if you are not known of how to trim trees and plants properly or if the trees and plants are too huge for you to manage on your own.
Maintain your gutters
Maintenance of gutters is an important tip to follow on how to prevent clogged drainage. Gutters are intended to divert water away from the base of the house, but they lose their effectiveness when they are clogged with leaves, other debris, and other items.
Cleaning your gutters frequently is essential to preventing clogged drains. This entails clearing away any trash that may have gathered over time, such as leaves and twigs. Take the necessary safety measures since you may need to use a ladder to access your gutters.
Checking for damage or leaks in your gutters is another smart move. If there are any problems, such cracks or holes, make sure to fix them right once to stop additional harm. You are able to ensure that water flows away from your home’s foundation and avoid costly water damage or floods by keeping your gutters clean.
Written by Sheryl Ann Damgo
