Our Top Tips to Minimise the Chances of a Drain Blockage in Your Melbourne Home

14/05/2024
Arron Eastwood

Have you ever dealt with a blocked drain in your Melbourne home? If you have, you’ll understand how frustrating and inconvenient it can be. It’s not just about the unpleasant odour, but also about the potential flooding and costly plumbing bills. At Dan’s Plumbing, we believe that prevention is better than cure. Here, we’ve compiled a list of 20 practical tips to help you avoid such a messy situation. To kick off this informative yet easy-to-follow guide, let’s take a look at our first ten tips.

1. Regularly clean drains.

Regular cleaning significantly reduces the chances of blockages. Drain cleaner can be used for routine maintenance to clear out any developing build-ups. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using them. If you are environmentally conscious, there are numerous homemade drain cleaning solutions that are eco-friendly and just as effective.

2. Properly dispose of waste

You’d be surprised to learn how many blockages occur because of improper waste disposal. Remember one rule of thumb: your drains are not trash cans. Never dump food scraps, coffee grinds, or hair down the drain as they do not dissolve and will gradually create blockage over time.

3. Use drain strainers.

A simple yet effective preventive measure is the use of drain strainers in your sinks and showers. These handy devices capture debris which would have ended up in your pipes, while still allowing water to flow freely. A quick wash under the tap after each use keeps them effective and increases their lifespan.

4. Install grease traps.

No matter how diligent you are about disposing kitchen waste properly, some fatty residue will inevitably end up down the sink. A grease trap is an excellent solution for such instances. They separate grease and fat from wastewater, preventing them from entering your plumbing system – a key piece of equipment for any home.

5. Avoid flushing wipes.

Despite labels claiming they are flushable, wet wipes can cause havoc in your drains. They do not break down as quickly as toilet paper, increasing the risk of blockages, especially in old or narrow pipes. Always discard wipes in a waste bin instead of flushing them.

6. Limit kitchen scraps.

Avoid using your drain as a waste disposal for kitchen scraps. Even with a garbage disposal unit installed, fibrous materials like vegetable peels and eggshells can cause blockages over time. It’s best to compost such waste or dispose of it in the bin.

7. Discard oils separately.

Oils and fats solidify when they cool and can create stubborn blockages in pipes. Avoid pouring these substances down sinks or toilets; instead, collect them in a separate container and dispose of them appropriately. This also applies to home appliances which utilise water heating systems as improper oil disposal can cause similar issues.

8. Bathroom grates installation.

Bathroom grates installed over drains ensure nothing other than water gets into your drain system helping combat blockage issues caused by accidental drops of hairpins, soap chips etcetera. These grates also make cleaning easier by acting as catch basins.

9. Employ professional services.

If your home is susceptible to frequent drain issues, or it’s been a while since your last drain maintenance, consider hiring a professional plumbing service. They come equipped with experience and special equipment like hydraulic jetters to clear stubborn blockages, while also keeping the integrity of your drainage system intact.

10. Inspect drains periodically.

Keep an eye on your drainage system’s health by conducting routine inspections. Watch out for slow draining water, foul odours, or gurgling noises – all signs of blockage. Early detection and action can prevent small issues turning into significant problems that may require extensive repair or pipe replacement. Building technology advances have made do it yourself (DIY) inspection easier with tools like drain cameras available on the market.

11. Run Hot Water

In the realm of hydraulic engineering and fluid power, running hot water down your drains is a simple yet effective way to prevent clogs. Hot water assists in maintaining a smooth flowing drain, as it has the ability to dissolve and dissipate some of those stubborn substances that are prone to build up in pipes, like fats and oils. This action should ideally be performed once a week, utilising your home appliances such as the hot water system or kettle. In addition to deterring clogs, this technique will also keep unpleasant odours at bay.

12. Use Enzymatic Cleaners

I can’t stress enough the importance of using enzymatic cleaners when it comes to preventing drain blockages. Unlike many chemical cleaners, enzymatic cleaners are safe for both the environment and your plumbing. They employ natural bacteria or enzymes that eat away at organic waste matter in your pipes, offering an effective cleaning solution with none of the potential harm associated with harsh chemicals.

13. Avoid Chemical Products

Prolonged use of chemical products can cause great damage to your plumbing system. These manufactured goods are made up of potent substances which have the potential to corrode metal pipes and interfere with your home’s sanitation system. You might find temporary respite from blockages, but over time chemical products can lead to more complex plumbing problems.

14. Prevention for Tree Roots

A common cause of blocked drains in Melbourne homes is tree roots intruding into pipes. These roots can crack pipe walls causing blockages and leaks which often require extensive civil engineering work for repairs – such a situation isn’t desirable! Therefore it’s important to observe any trees close to your pipe systems and engage an arborist if necessary.

15. Minimize Food Particles

Even in homes equipped with the most up-to-date building technology, its occupants must ensure they minimise food particles going down drains. Using a sink strainer where possible can stop food particles from getting into the plumbing system and reduce the chance of clogs forming.

16. Keep Vents Clean

As part of mechanical and environmental engineering, venting allows sewer gases to be released outside rather than build up in your home’s plumbing system. It’s almost like your pipes need to breathe! Keeping these vents clear allows for proper drainage by maintaining correct atmospheric pressure in the plumbing system.

17. Discourage Hair Entry

Hair is notorious for causing drain blockages. Consider using a hair catcher in your bathroom drains to minimize hair entering your pipes which might cause blockages. This is especially important in homes with members having long hair, which can easily get tangled with other substances and create stubborn clogs.

18. Thoroughly Wash Pets

Pets can unwittingly contribute to drain blockages. When washing your pet, it’s beneficial to thoroughly brush them first outside before their bath to remove loose fur that would otherwise end up blocking your drains.

19. Never Flush Cotton

Cotton products such as baby wipes, tissues, cotton balls or pads should never be flushed down toilets as they don’t decompose readily and could lead to blockages. This rule of thumb also extends to various sanitary and cleaning products commonly found at home.

20. Regular Pipe Maintenance

Last but not least, remember, regular pipe maintenance keeps the drain cleaner! Just like you service all equipment around your home for longevity, regular checkups and maintenance of your building’s engineering, including your plumbing system, can prevent the hassle of blocked drains and associated costs in the long run.

In Conclusion…

Blocking your drains can be easily avoided by following a few simple yet effective habits. Make sure you’re conscious of what goes down your drains, perform regular maintenance on your pipes, and don’t forget to use environmentally friendly cleaning products. Protecting your home’s plumbing system is a straightforward way of enhancing the longevity of your property and ensuring peace of mind.

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Arron Eastwood

Content Coordinator at Dan's Plumbing Guide

Dan's Plumbing stands as a premier provider of rapid plumbing solutions across Australia. Our commitment to swift and efficient service extends to numerous cities nationwide, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and other cities across the nation.

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