How to avoid blocked drains
Blocked drains are a real hassle. You can’t use the sink, shower or toilet. There can be many causes for a drain blockage. All wastewater from your unit goes through the macerator pump (usually behind the toilet). Problems starting in the kitchen sink can eventually lead to macerator pump blockages.
To prevent blockages, pay attention to what you are putting into your sinks and drains. Solid materials should be kept out of your drains. Never put food items, grease, paper towels, wipes, newspaper, dental floss, hair, cotton balls or similar items into drains. Scrape off plates into a bin before starting to clean them in the kitchen sink.
Don’t put fat or cooking oils down the drains. Grease and fat easily coat pipes, causing gradual narrowing and, eventually. blocked drains. Don’t put fat, cooking oils, or grease down the drain. Instead, keep an empty can or container to collect it and throw it directly in the rubbish once it has cooled.
Flushing your pipes regularly keeps water moving fast enough to carry away debris before it sticks to the pipe walls. Once a week, bring four cups (one litre) of water to a boil, then pour the hot water down each drain. The temperature loosens grease while the volume flushes light sediment. Finish by flushing with plenty of cool water. Avoid pouring other hot liquids like soups or oils, which solidify as they cool.
What to do if you get a blocked drain
A sluggish drain is an early warning of obstructions forming. Use a plunger at the first sign of a problem - a forceful plunge can sometimes break up minor blockages. Repeatedly plunge the drain for about a minute to clear the pipe. Stop immediately if this makes no difference, or the sink begins to fill.
If the blockage hasn’t been fixed by plunging, using chemical products can help to clear it. Enzyme cleaners dissolve materials including hair, grease, paper, and food waste. They come as powders and liquids designed to treat specific drain types. The enzymes will digest gunk without harming plastic or metal pipes. Drain Clean Septic Tank Treatment is a product you can use to try to remove blockages. It is available from Bunnings and Mitre 10 stores. We recommend you use this once every six months as a preventative measure.
Don't use harsh chemicals
While enzymes and mild acids are effective when used carefully, harsh drain products often do more harm than good. Avoid chemicals containing lye, bleach, ammonia, and other toxic substances. Though they blast away drain clogs quickly, they also corrode plastic pipes, eat holes in metal, weaken joints, and produce noxious indoor fumes. Over time, this leads to leaks, water damage, and dangerous gas buildup. Play it safe by sticking to enzyme cleaners.
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