Richard Southern, plumbing expert at HomeHow.co.uk, exclusively told Express.co.uk: “When your drains are clogged you may notice that your toilet takes longer to flush.
“You may also notice bad odors coming out of your drain or water running slowly out of the sink, bathtub or shower.
“In some cases, when you turn on the faucet or flush the toilet, you hear a gurgling noise.”
While there are a few opportunities for Brits to unblock sinks, it’s best to prevent them in the first place.
The expert presented a number of household items that should “never” be flushed down the toilet.
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1. Edible fats
Richard explained, “Oils, oils and greases can solidify and cause clogs in the pipes, leading to blockages and sewage backlogs.”
“You should always dispose of edible fats, oils and fats properly before washing the dishes.”
2. Leftovers
Brits should ‘avoid’ throwing leftover food down the drain as it can collect in the drain and impede water flow.
These include fruit peel and coffee grounds, which can be tempting to slide down the drain.
3. Paint and Chemicals
Richard continued, “Avoid pouring paint, solvents, pesticides and other chemicals down the drain as these can contaminate water sources and harm the environment.
“In some cases, they can also corrode the plumbing, causing leaks or preventing your plumbing from working properly.”
4. Wet wipes
Even though wet wipes are marketed as flushable, they don’t break down as easily and can clog drains and sewers.
Instead, make sure they are all tossed in the bin along with diapers, cotton balls and swabs, and earbuds.
5. Hair
Hair is often the number one cause of a shower drain clog as it can accumulate and form clumps which can then lead to a clog.
While it’s difficult to keep hair from getting down the drain, try using a hair catcher or drain strainer and remember to empty them regularly.
According to the expert, there are many ways to clean a sink or bathtub drain, including using boiling water.
He explained: “Bring a kettle or pot of water to a boil and make sure there is enough water to pour down the drain at once. Carefully pour the boiling water straight down the drain.
“Start slowly at first to avoid splashing or burns and let the water run through the pipes for a few minutes.
“If the clog is minor, the hot water can help loosen it and clear the drain. Test by running water down the drain to see if it flows freely.”
If that doesn’t work, Brits can use baking soda mixed with white vinegar instead to get rid of the residue.
www.express.co.uk
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/property/1776386/plumbing-drain-blockages-cooking-oil-hair
