Few people realise just how aggressive tree roots can be in their relentless search for moisture and nutrients. Sewer and storm water pipes are a prime target, and if there is any way  through the smallest fracture, tree roots will find it. Once in the system, hair like roots may grow into a fibrous mass throughout the pipe, eventually causing blockages or even worse drain damage.

Prevention will save you money in plumbing bills. The repairs that plumbers perform the most are for drains that are clogged. One major thing that causes clots is grease. It builds up over and time. You can help prevent grease build up by looking for a product on the market that will clean the grease out.

Install screen traps or drain covers on all of your sinks and tub drains. Most home plumbing calls are about clogged pipes.  These can be caused by debris, especially hair, washing down  the drains. Putting in a trap means that you can clean this debris off before it ends up in the pipes.

Position a strainer over all drains to collect any particles that would otherwise go down the drain and possibly cause a stoppage. The strainer in the kitchen sink should be cleaned each time you have large particle trapped in it. Those in the bathtub should be cleaned out periodically, as needed.

Use strainers in all drains to catch hair and other objects. This will prevent all the material from going down the drain and causing a clog, which can cause a bigger problem down the line. Clean out the strainers daily so that you don’t start getting backup of water in your sink or tub.

Avoid putting grease, fat, and other oils down your drain. When they cool, they will harden and create clogs in your drains. This is especially true if you have a garbage disposal, as the fat will cause the blades to run slower and less efficiently. Make sure you dispose of oils away from the sink.

If your sink is letting rusty water out and it will not drain, it is mostly likely because of the biological scum and grease that is built up in the pipes. You need to have your drains professionally cleaned, allowing maximum flow through your drains. Your drains must be open completely.

Unclog drains with ease. Try using a plunger and drain cleaner, as your clog may simply be a build-up of hair and debris. If this doesn’t work you may have to clear the drain with a snake. Feed the snake into the drain line as far as it will go. Turn the crank gently, which will help to loosen the clog. Remove the snake, and run water down the drain to see if the clog has been removed. You may have to use the snake a couple of times, before the clog is cleared so don’t give up!

If you want to keep your kitchen drains from clogging up, don’t pour grease down them. As it cools and congeals it can trap other food or waste particles, which over time can slow the draining of water and even form a clog that will not be easy to remove.

Do not pour grease or oil down any of your household drains. Put them in containers and place in the fridge until they are solid, then throw them away. If you pour them down the drain, they can solidify in cold pipes. These solid masses will clog your pipes and are very difficult to remove.

Click here for plumbers that specialise in blocked drains in Balwyn

Click here for plumbers that specialise in blocked drains in Balwyn