Drains – The hidden sufferer of holiday cheer

We may not be the only ones that are sluggish and slow after all the Christmas and New Year celebrations and feasts. Your drains may also be suffering the aftermath.

The combination of overuse and disposal of paper, fats and food waste down the drain can result in clogged, underperforming drains.

FATBERGS

Disposing of oils, grease and fats down the drain can cause a build-up of hardened fat, known as fatbergs. They are a stubborn drain blockage and while you think you’re only pouring a little bit down the sink, it adds up. Especially if every household on your street is thinking along the same lines.

To prevent blockages, it is best to put oils and grease into a small bag and dispose of them in the bin.

Other things to consider are:

“FLUSHABLE’S”

Make sure that you and your guests remember not to flush wipes (even if labelled as flushable), paper towels or sanitary products down the toilet. Have a bin close to your toilet for convenient and discreet disposal of these items.

FOOD SCRAPS

Stringy food scraps such as vegetable and fruit peelings and pasta are challenging to your drainage system. The bin is the best form of food disposal. Remove it from your sink after washing up and peel your fruit and veggies over the bin or, into a container or bag for transfer into the bin.

SIGNS OF A BLOCKED DRAIN

If you’re noticing foul odours coming from your sink, slow draining sinks and showers, or changes to the water levels in your toilet when it flushes, you may have a blocked drain.

WHAT TO DO

Some blockages may be straightforward to fix with home remedies or drain-clearing chemicals. However, it is important to know the cause of the blockage before applying any method of clearing. A drain camera inspection is always best so that a licensed plumber can advise the best solution to clear your drains effectively.

Here’s a handy infographic about drain blockages and how to clear them. Or, watch our video below.

Blocked drain? Give us a call on

1300 712 028