Five things you should never put down your drains
Blocked drains are a nuisance in the UK. They are often caused by everyday items improperly disposed of in sinks or toilets. To avoid repairs and damage to your system, it’s essential to know what should never go down the drain.
No grease, fats, or oils
Pouring cooking oils, grease, or fats down the sink is a common cause of blockages. These substances solidify as they cool, sticking to the walls of your pipes and creating clogs.
Instead, let fats cool, scrape them into a container, and dispose of them in the bin.
Don’t flush wet wipes down the toilet
Even wipes labelled as ‘flushable’ should never be flushed. Wet wipes don’t break down like toilet paper, and they can cause blockages, both in your household pipes and in the sewer network.
Always dispose of your wet wipes, baby wipes, or makeup-remover wipes in the bin. Paper towels and facial tissues should never be flushed either.
Avoid putting food scraps down the drain
Food particles, even small ones, can accumulate in your pipes and lead to blockages. Coffee grounds, rice, pasta, and potato peelings are particularly problematic as they expand with water.
Always use a sink strainer to catch food scraps and dispose of them in your food waste bin. Otherwise, you may have a blockage problem on your hands.
What is a CCTV survey?
A CCTV survey is an inspection of drainage systems, using Closed-Circuit Television cameras. This non-invasive method provides video footage to assess the condition of your system, and it can identify blockages. For a CCTV drain survey Birmingham, experts such as www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/birmingham/ offer a reliable, professional service.
Dispose of chemicals and paint properly
Household chemicals, including paint and solvents, can damage your plumbing and harm the environment. Take paint or hazardous chemicals to a recycling centre for proper disposal.
Hair can be problematic
Hair is one of the leading causes of shower blockages. Over time, it forms clumps that catch soap scum. Use drain strainers in your bathroom to trap hair.
