Avoiding Blocked Drains: Best Practices For Wimbledon Homes

Wimbledon is a residential gem in London full of serene neighbourhoods with beautiful Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian style homes. Maintaining these homes, however, requires a keen eye for every detail, big and small. One of the often-overlooked aspects of home maintenance blocked drains wimbledon is proper drainage. This article aims to provide local homeowners with some of the best practices for avoiding blocked drains in their Wimbledon homes.

A blocked drain is every homeowner’s nightmare. It arises when you least expect it, causing inconvenience, and if ignored, it may escalate to a health risk due to backing up sewage. So how do you steer clear of this troubling issue? Here are some best practices that Wimbledon homes should be acquainted with to avoid blocked drains.

1. Mind What Goes Down the Drain

The first line of defence against blocked drains is being mindful of what you throw down your drains. Foreign objects like hair, leftover food, coffee grounds, grease and fat shouldn’t get flushed down your sink or toilet. Instead, use a plug-hole filter or strainer to catch small items in the kitchen or bathroom. Similarly, place fats and oils in separate containers for disposal as they can solidify once they are in the drains, causing blockages.

2. Regular Clean and Inspect your Drains

It’s advisable to regularly clean your drains once in a while, at least once a week. Running hot water through the sink after use can serve to clear away residues that might be adhering to the drainage pipes. You could also employ homemade cleaning solutions like baking soda and vinegar, flushing them down your drain, followed by boiling hot water to cyclically keep your drains clean. Furthermore, it would be best if you have a professional inspect your drains annually to detect any growing issues that may cause future blocks.

3. Don’t Overlook Outside Drains

Wimbledon homes with gardens should pay attention to their outside drains. Leaves, dirt, and other garden debris can gather in your outside drains leading to blockages. Regularly sweep your garden, especially in the Autumn season when the leaves are falling, to keep these unwanted materials away from your drains. Installing a drain guard can also help catch debris before it gets into the drains.

4. Use Drain Cleaning Chemicals Sparingly

While it might be tempting to rely on drain cleaning products readily available in supermarkets or online, be cautious. Regular use of chemical-based cleaners can corrode your pipes over time. They contain harsh substances that eat away at the linings of your pipes, potentially causing more damage in the end. It’s best to use these products sparingly and as a last resort.

5. Avoid DIY Drain Snake Usage

A drain snake or plumbers snake is a flexible auger used to dislodge a clog that a plunger can’t reach. While it might be tempting to buy one and sort out the problem yourself, improper usage could end up damaging your drains. Therefore, this tool should be used by a professional plumber.

In essence, the best practice for avoiding blocked drains in Wimbledon homes involves maintaining good habits of what goes down your drains and performing regular drain clean-ups. If a blockage does occur, it’s always wise to call in a professional right away. This way, you don’t risk causing more damage to your drainage system and can continue to enjoy the comfort of your Wimbledon home without any stress.