Blocked drains: A common problem in any urban setting! But before we get to the solution of jammed pipes, let’s understand what causes them. There are several types of pipes, and thus, different causes of blockages. Let’s consider drainage pipes.
Drainage pipes are usually buried underground, making them hard to reach and thus, maintain! Moreover, in areas of heavy traffic, they are likely to be overwhelmed and damaged by the weight of cars, trucks, among others.
Plus the instruments used to open pipes are compact metal-based machines. So naturally, you would think an already injured pipe won’t last a metal’s blow. But, there is a safe spot: The inspection opening! If you are to safely handle the pipe, you would start with finding the inspection opening.
Inspection of Pipes
Pipes don’t just transport waste, but also unintentionally, accumulate it. This accumulated waste could stay there and decompose into toxic compounds and also secrete flammable gases. This is why safety precautions must be observed before inspecting pipes. You must call professionals for the septic tank pump out procedure.
While in most cases, home remedies of combining vinegar with soda or lemon work, there may be some severe blockages. In those cases, we recommend you seek some kind of professional help.
The following measures should always be taken to ensure your safety:
If you have decided to unclog the pipe yourself, you would need to take care of a few things first. Once you have removed the cover over the inspection mouth, allow 15-20 minutes for fresh air to enter through the opening and neutralize the potentially toxic gases inside.
Smoking should be avoided around the inspection mouth because it could cause a fire. The gases, by-products of waste decomposition, can be highly flammable, and therefore, pose a fire hazard. Always make sure you have company when embarking on such a task. It is always best to be under professional assistance even when you choose to do it yourself.
How to Avoid the Blockage
Firstly, Clogged drains can be difficult to clean, and thus, you should do everything right from the beginning. The key to maintaining solid drains is to find out what obstructs them and avoid doing so. The most widely recognized reason for obstructed kitchen channels is the hot oil that pours down them.
The oil eventually cools down and solidifies inside the pipe, obstructing it. The restricted space becomes a food collector and eventually clogs up. Pouring hot water doesn’t really do much. It simply puts it more in your system so that it clogs deeper inside. Tea leaves, vegetable leaves, seeds, plastic – all potential obstacles need to be picked out from the sink before they make their way in!
Secondly, The obstructions of bath pipes are usually caused by human hair. After a shampoo, some hair inevitably enters the pipe and gets caught in the drain filter control. When there is enough hair bundled in the pipe, it clogs the drain. About three times a year, you should check the drain and make it a habit to pick out your hair after every shower.
Thirdly, The toilet pipe will rarely clog unless something large and compact falls into it. The best solution would be to use a rubber plunger or a rod. If you have a septic system, be sure to read the instructions before placing anything on your system. Moreover, used napkins and toilet paper should be disposed of in a bin. Flushing it down the drain could lead to a clogged toilet pipe in the future.
It would be healthy for your drainage if you investigated and cleaned it up at regular intervals. Instruments like Pusher- a cup with a wooden handle, a soda, and a vinegar mix with boiling water can be deployed to remove any minor obstructions. We hope this article helped you understand drainage maintenance better. For more queries, feel free to comment below.
