How To Clean Dirty Drains In Cumbria

As the leading drain cleaning company in Cumbria, we are often asked how to clean dirty drains in households across the county. Dirty drains can cause a range of problems, from water backups and slow drainage to unpleasant odours and even health hazards. Here, we will explain the common causes of drain blockages and offer tips on how to keep your drains clean and free-flowing.

Understanding Drain Blockages

Before we get into how to clean dirty drains, it's important to understand what causes drain blockages. The most common causes of blocked drains are:

Bacteria

Bacteria are micro-organisms that grow in warm and humid environments, making the insides of pipes and drains a perfect breeding ground for them. If neglected, bacteria can cause sludge to accumulate inside pipes and clog them up.

Buildup of Soap and Hair

When soap mixes with the minerals found in hard water, it can create buildup inside pipes. When hair is added to the mix, it can tangle up and form clumps, eventually causing a blockage.

Food Waste and Grease

As a general rule, food scraps should never go down the sink. Even small bits of food can stick to the sides of pipes and build up over time. Grease is also a common culprit, as it can solidify inside pipes and create blockages.

Foreign Objects

Foreign objects, such as toys, sanitary products, and paper towels, can find their way down drains and cause blockages. In addition, leaves and other debris can also accumulate in rain gutters and cause backups.

Ways To Prevent Drain Blockages

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to prevent drain blockages from occurring in the first place. Here are some tips to help keep your drains flowing smoothly:

Be Mindful of What You Put in Your Drains

We've already mentioned that food scraps and grease should never go down the sink. However, it's also important to avoid pouring chemicals such as paint, bleach, and oil down drains, as these can damage pipes and cause blockages.

Clean Up After Your Pets

Pet hair and other debris can easily get caught in drain pipes. If you have pets, be sure to clean up after them and dispose of pet hair in the trash rather than washing it down the drain.

Use a Drain Cleaner

While it's important to be careful with harsh chemicals, using a safe and effective drain cleaner can help keep your pipes clear. We recommend using a product such as soda crystals, which are non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

How To Clean Dirty Drains

If you're already experiencing drain blockages, don't worry there are ways to clean dirty drains and get everything flowing properly again. Here are our top tips:

Shower Drain

Hair is the most common culprit when it comes to blocked shower drains. To remove a clog, try pouring boiling water down the drain or using a mixture of baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water. If you can't get to the blockage, try using a barbed plastic cleaning tool or calling a professional, like Drainage Cumbria.

Kitchen Sink Drain

If you're experiencing a blocked kitchen sink, try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. You can also use a plunger to try and loosen the blockage. If all else fails, call in a professional to help.

Bathroom Sink/Bath Drain

Similar to shower drains, the most common cause of blockages in bathroom sinks and baths is hair. Again, try pouring boiling water down the drain or using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. If the blockage persists, you may need to use a barbed plastic cleaning tool or call in a professional.

Outdoor Drain

If you have a blocked drain outside, start by removing any visible debris, such as leaves and twigs. Then, try using a hose to flush out the drain. If the blockage is severe, you may need to use a drain cleaning tool or call in a professional such as Drainage Cumbria.

Keeping Your Drains Clean and Flowing

By following the tips above, you can help prevent drain blockages from occurring and keep your pipes flowing smoothly. However, it's important to remember that regular maintenance is key. For residential properties, we recommend that you have your drains inspected and cleaned at least once a year.

At Drainage Cumbria, we offer a warranty on our services to ensure that our customers are completely satisfied with the work we do. If you're experiencing blocked drains in Cumbria or the North West England area, give us a call on 01228 734162 or email us at [email protected]. We'll be happy to help!