How to Prevent Clogged Drains and Plumbing Backups

Preventing a clogged drain or plumbing backup doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Like many things, a little maintenance goes a long way.

The following are some tips on how to prevent both clogged drains and plumbing backups.

Ensure the Area is Clean and Free of Debris

Make sure the area where the clog or backup is occurring is clean. It is an essential first step to managing any clog and backup. In the case of a backup, cleaning the area will also help determine where the blockage occurred. After fixing the blockage, routine maintenance is essential.

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Remember, Blockage Could be Caused by a Variety of Factors

Sometimes a blockage could be due to a damaged or broken pipe. Maybe it could be caused by a clog of some kind. Depending on the location of the pipe, the culprits could also be roots.

They tend to find their way into basement drains and frequently cause problems. In the case of roots, try a bladed auger. It is sometimes referred to as a drain snake but has blades on the end. It should get the job done.

For Certain Drain Backups, Specialized Valves Could Come in Handy

Excess rainfall raises the amount of water in the ground. It causes an accumulation of excess sewage. It pours through any drain in the house that is lower than the raised water level.

One of the best methods of preventing this is through the use of specialized valves. They are sometimes referred to as “backwater valves” or “backflow prevention valves”.

They will stop debris from flowing through. These types of valves are highly recommended. However, installation requires a licensed professional.

Install a Floor Drain Plug

Floor drain plugs are installed beneath grates. They prevent water from backing up. Once the water in the sewer reaches normal equilibrium, a float in the plug is engaged. It allows water to pass through again. Floor plugs are an effective and inexpensive solution to potential backups.

Standpipes

Standpipes are essentially normal pipes set in floor drains and sealed with rubber. They are effective at combating backups. This is because any water that would normally rise up and out of the drain goes into the pipe instead of the floor.

The solutions listed above are some of the most widely used and recommended. Yet, make sure to consult your plumbing professional. Provide them with the details of your specific situation. In turn, they can best address your needs.

Maybe you are worried that your clumsy, unmovable hot water tank might be too close to your basement drain. That could cause additional problems. In the event of a backup, check out some of the hot water cylinders offered by hot water cylinder NZ. They may provide smaller, more portable solutions.