Tips to Prevent Blocked Drains

TP can come in a variety of thicknesses, from one-ply to three-plies. 2-ply is the most common, but it can be more expensive than a 1-ply version.A blocked drain can be an unpleasant and unsanitary problem for your home. It can also be expensive to clear and repair. Water leaks and blocked drains can create a big plumbing problem. For help with leak detection in Melbourne or to unclog drains, go online and find a reputable plumber to assist. 

However, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some practical tips that you can implement to help prevent your drains from becoming clogged in the first place. 

Leaves 

Leaves are a natural part of the landscape and have many functions, from supporting plants to providing food for animals. However, they can also become a problem when clogging up outdoor drains and gutters. 

One of the best ways to prevent blocked drains from leaves is to rake up fallen foliage in your yard and put it into your green bin or compost heap. This will keep your garden and drains clean while protecting local water quality and preventing street flooding. 

Another way to prevent blockages from autumn leaves is to install a drain guard. These are similar to strainer cups that fit upside down over a drain cover, with slots that allow water to pass through while preventing leaves from blocking it. 

A wet and dry vacuum is also an effective tool to clear a drain of leaves that have built up over time. This can be a great way to deal with a leaf-clogged drain as it is relatively easy to use. 

Grease 

If grease is poured down drains, it can build up and block pipes. This can lead to significant plumbing problems that affect your entire home. 

Grease clogs are also a problem for restaurants and industrial facilities. They can result in sewer overflows that contaminate waterways and roadways. 

In addition, grease may cause a buildup of fatty acids and glycerol in the sewer system. This corrodes the walls of the pipe, making them brittle and more likely to break or rupture. 

This can lead to the formation of fatbergs, which are large masses of solid waste that clog and damage sewer lines. 

Fortunately, there are some simple ways to prevent a grease clog. One tip is to flush your drains on a monthly basis with boiling water. Another is to filter your cooking oils and strain them out before using them. This will extend their shelf life and make it easier to use them again. 

Food Waste 

Food waste is a problem that affects us all. It's a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution and other environmental issues.

The best way to reduce your "food footprint" is to eat less and waste less. That means eating in accordance with a meal plan, buying in bulk when it's cheaper and reducing your waste by disposing of excess food properly. 

Avoid clogging the drains in your kitchen and garbage disposal by using a strainer at all times. These strainers will keep items like coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta and rice from falling into your sink or forming a blockage in your garbage disposal. 

Non-edible food scraps such as banana peels, corn cobs and egg shells can also clog the drains. These are considered non-edible waste and should be composted rather than thrown in the trash. This will help to reduce the amount of methane that landfills release and improve the health of the soil. 

Toilet Paper 

Toilet paper is a soft, crumbly product that dissolves in water and prevents toilet clogs. While this helps, it also means that you should be careful to use the right amount of toilet paper each time you visit the bathroom. 

Using too much toilet paper is an easy way to clog a drain, especially in older houses with old plumbing systems. It is a great idea to have your pipes cleaned periodically to remove any accumulated sludge and other materials that can clog them up. 

The thickness of your toilet paper can also impact your chances of getting a clog. The thicker the paper, the longer it takes to break down in water.