Long-Term Drainage Care: How to Extend the Lifespan of Your System
When it comes to home maintenance, your drainage system isn’t exactly top-of-mind, until something goes wrong. A slow-draining sink, a gurgling toilet, or a backup can quickly disrupt daily life. However, with a few simple habits and the right professional support, you can maintain a healthy drainage system and significantly extend its lifespan.
In this guide, we’ll explore what homeowners can do to maintain their drains, what to avoid that might be causing hidden damage, and why scheduling regular professional maintenance is the most effective way to protect your home from plumbing emergencies.
Why Long-Term Drain Care Matters
Your drainage system handles all the wastewater from your sinks, showers, toilets, washing machines, and appliances. Over time, build-up, wear and tear, and unexpected blockages can reduce performance and lead to costly repairs.
A neglected drainage system doesn’t just risk inconvenience, it can damage your property, create health hazards, and bring expensive repair bills. By staying on top of system maintenance you greatly reduce the risk of being affected by a faulty system.
What You Can Do at Home to Maintain Your Drainage System
As a homeowner you have more control over your drainage health than you may realise, there are a few small habits you can adopt day-to-day that go a very long way in keeping things flowing smoothly.
Use Drain Strainers
Hair, soap scum, food scraps, and even small bits of plastic can slip into your drains and cause blockages. It might seem harmless to let a bit of debris go down the drain now and then, but over time, those small pieces can accumulate and lead to a serious blockage. A simple mesh drain strainer in your kitchen sink, shower, and bathroom basin can capture debris and make it easy to clean out daily. You can purchase them for as little as a few pounds online or in any hardware store.
Flush with Water Weekly
You may have sinks, toilets, or showers in your home that are rarely used, but it’s important to run them regularly to keep the drainage system functioning properly. If left unused, the water in the traps can evaporate, which may lead to unpleasant odours or allow gases to enter the home from the drainage system. We recommend running water through these fixtures and flushing toilets at least once a week. This helps maintain water seals and keeps the system operating as it should, while also helping to prevent the gradual buildup of residue in the pipes.
Keep Grease and Oil Out of the Drain
One of the most common culprits of clogged kitchen drains is grease. While it may go down as a liquid, it solidifies in the pipes, trapping other debris and eventually creating a blockage. You should never dispose of cooking oil down your sink, instead, pour used grease into a jar or tin, let it cool, and dispose of it in your general waste bin. Alternatively, allow the oil to cool and solidify, then dispose of it in your food waste bin.
Only Flush the Right Things
Toilets are designed for human waste and toilet paper only. Wet wipes (even “flushable” ones), cotton buds, dental floss, sanitary products, and paper towels don’t break down properly and can easily cause backups. It’s the simplest rule to follow but one that often catches people out. Adding a small bathroom bin can help reinforce the habit of properly disposing of products.
Be Water-Wise with Appliances
When installing a new appliance, it may be tempting to carry out the installation yourself. However, improper fitting can lead to drainage problems and potential water damage. Many appliance retailers offer professional installation either free of charge or for a small additional fee, providing peace of mind that the appliance has been installed correctly and won't cause issues in the future.
After installation, you should make sure dishwashers and washing machines are in good working order and avoid overloading them. Blocked or worn hoses and filters can contribute to drainage issues without warning, leading to costly home repairs.
What You Should Avoid
Some habits help your drains, others can cause problems without you even realising it.
Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
While these might seem like a quick fix, harsh chemical drain cleaners can corrode your pipes over time, especially if used regularly. If you feel you need to use harsh drain cleaners regularly this could already be an indicator that there’s a problem with your system. Harsh chemicals can also create health hazards if they back up into the home. Natural methods or professional tools are far safer and more effective.
Don’t Ignore Early Warning Signs
That slow-draining shower or gurgling sink isn’t just an everyday annoyance; it’s often an early warning sign from your drainage system. These subtle changes can indicate a developing blockage, build-up of residue, or even a more serious underlying issue. Ignoring them can allow minor problems to escalate into major disruptions, such as complete blockages, overflows, or even pipe damage. By addressing these signs early, you can avoid costly repairs and protect your property.
Keep an Eye on Outdoor Landscaping
Tree roots are a surprisingly common source of drain damage. Roots are drawn to the moisture in pipes and can infiltrate cracks or joints, eventually causing major blockages and pipe damage. You should always avoid planting trees or shrubs close to underground drain lines and keep root-prone areas monitored. If you have recently moved into a property that has a lot of trees, and shrubs it can be invaluable to have a CCTV drain survey carried out to assess the health of your drains and ensure no roots have already taken hold of your underground system.
Why Professional Maintenance is Worth It
Even with perfect habits, your drainage system benefits from routine checks and cleaning by a licensed professional. There are always going to be things going on out of your control that you may not even think to check, our professionals are highly trained to assess the health of your entire drain system and know all of the signs to be aware of.
Expert Inspections Catch Problems Early
Drainage professionals use specialist tools, such as drain cameras, to inspect your system from the inside. We can spot blockages, corrosion, or root intrusion early before they become bigger problems. We often recommend our CCTV surveys to new homeowners so that they can gain a thorough understanding of the condition of their system and what work they may need to have completed at an early stage.
Emergency Prevention Saves Money
Regular maintenance can save you from future repair costs, water damage, and emergency callouts. It’s far more affordable to invest in a routine drain maintenance check than to deal with a collapsed drain or sewage backup.
Compliance and Documentation
For landlords or commercial property owners, regular drain inspections can help meet strict health and safety requirements. Professional services provide the necessary documentation and proof you need for compliance and also ensures a thorough job is completed, reducing the risk of disruption to your business.
Combine Smart Habits with Expert Care
Taking care of your drainage system doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few mindful habits at home, like watching what goes down the sink, using strainers, and avoiding harsh chemicals you can prevent the most common causes of blockages and wear.
But to keep your system truly healthy for the long haul, routine professional maintenance is key. A drainage expert doesn’t just fix problems, we prevent them, keeping your home running smoothly and your mind at ease.
Need help with your drainage system?
Whether it’s a regular inspection, drain unblocking, or emergency repair, our team is ready to help. Contact us today to book a service and give your drains the long life they deserve.