Despite their integral function in our daily lives, flushing waste and keeping our homes clean, drainpipes are out of our sight, and so are also out of mind. Neglecting drains can lead to daily troubles, and larger issues if left unchecked, resulting in large expenses in most cases. To help you prevent these issues, this article will detail how – and how often – you should clean your drains.
Prevention is better than cure
Although drain cleaning will typically get rid of most blockages, drain cleaning shouldn’t only be done reactively. By cleaning drains before major build-ups, you are preventing all the dirt and grime from trapping larger objects. Regular maintenance goes a long way toward keeping large-scale issues at bay.
Scope the scene
Drains are difficult to access, which is another reason why issues so frequently escape our notice until it’s too late. Cameras can be used to assess any damage or blockages your drain may have without invasive digging. You can find information and services for a CCTV drain survey Northampton online, such as at www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/cctv-drain-surveys-northampton/ .
Usage-dependent cleaning
We’re not having baths as often as we’re washing the dishes (unless you insist on a more luxurious morning routine), and so the need for drain cleaning may not be as high depending on the drain.
Kitchen sinks, showers and baths and toilet drains are all recommended for cleaning every one to three months, with bathroom sinks being recommended for cleaning every few weeks. Everyone’s home will be different, but sinks are typically exposed to the most material, leading to blockages. Advice for cleaning can be found here.
Signs that you need drain cleaning
Of course, factors like slow drainage or odours are the more discernible indicators of drain problems. However, issues like gurgling sounds or flies, which may otherwise be dismissed, can also indicate problems.
Gurgling drains indicate trapped air within the pipe system, typically caused by some form of obstruction. Flies, which you may assume just came floating in through a window, will also linger near blocked drains due to the build-up of organic materials.
