Keep Drains Clear This Summer

• Warmer temperatures can worsen drain odours caused by trapped food, grease, and organic matter decomposing in your pipes. Clearing these blockages removes the source of the smell, keeping your home fresh.
• Bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant conditions within clogged drains, leading to unpleasant odours. Cleaning removes this build-up, promoting a more hygienic environment.

• Over the colder months, debris like cooking fats, food scraps, hair, and soap residue can accumulate in your drains. These partial blockages can worsen over time, especially with increased water usage in the summer.
• Summer often means more showers, gardening, and potentially filling pools, putting extra strain on your drainage system. Clean drains ensure efficient flow and prevent backups.
• Ignoring blockages can lead to more significant problems like burst pipes or leaks, resulting in costly repairs. Preventive cleaning saves you money in the long run.

• Clogged drains can harbour all sorts of unwanted harmful microorganisms and bacteria, which pose many health risks to the household. Clearing drains will eliminate these breeding grounds.

• Blockages and slow drainage put pressure on your entire plumbing system. Regular cleaning helps your pipes last longer and function efficiently.

• A professional drain cleaning often includes an inspection that can identify potential problems like tree root intrusion or pipe damage before they become major headaches.

• Summer often involves more outdoor activities, which can inadvertently introduce dirt and debris into your drainage system (e.g., washing off after gardening). Clean drains can handle this increased load better.

• Drain cleaning and maintenance are generally easier for professionals to carry out in the warmer, drier summer months without weather-related delays.

• Fit Protective Grids: Installing drain covers or grids over the drain openings is a simple yet effective way to prevent larger items like leaves, twigs, and stones from entering and causing blockages.
• Inspect Drain Guards: Regularly check these covers for any damage or blockages and clean them as needed to ensure they are functioning correctly.

• Trim Vegetation: Keep plants, shrubs, and trees near your drains well-trimmed. Roots can sometimes grow into drains, causing significant blockages. Regularly cutting back foliage can help prevent this.
• Avoid Disposing of Garden Waste in Drains: Never intentionally wash or sweep garden waste directly into drains. Use appropriate disposal methods like composting or green waste bins.

• Don't Pour Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Down Drains: Even outdoor drains can become blocked by FOG. These substances solidify and trap other debris. Always dispose of FOG in a sealed container in your household waste. This is particularly important if you have outdoor cooking or BBQ areas.
• Avoid Washing Food Scraps Down Drains: Food particles, especially items like rice and pasta that don't break down easily, can cause blockages. Ensure food scraps are properly binned or composted.

• Use Boiling Water: Periodically pour a kettle of boiling water down your outdoor drains. This can help to dissolve any minor build-ups of grease or soap residue. Be cautious when handling boiling water.
• Hosepipe Flush: If you notice slow drainage, try flushing the drain with a strong stream of water from a hosepipe to dislodge any loose debris.

Ensure Clear Drains This Summer