Drainage Mistakes People Make at Christmas
Posted on 23rd November 2023 at 13:58
As the festive season approaches, many of us look forward to indulging in delicious meals, exchanging gifts, and spending time with loved ones. However, amidst the joyous celebrations, it's important to be mindful of our drainage systems, which can easily become overwhelmed during this time of year.
Here are some common drainage mistakes people make at Christmas and how to avoid them:
1. Pouring cooking fats and oils down the drain
Fats and oils solidify when they cool, causing blockages and clogs in your pipes. Instead of pouring them down the drain, let them cool and solidify first. Then, scrape them into a bin or container and discard them with your regular trash.
This way, cooking that delicious turkey on Christmas day won’t cause problems for you later.
2. Flushing non-flushable items down the toilet
Wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and even dental floss are not meant to be flushed down the toilet. These items can get caught in your pipes and cause blockages. Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget, and when unblocking drains in winter time, we often find the occasional Christmas cracker or hat.
3. Overloading your drains with food scraps
At Christmas we tend to overindulge on sweet foods and pastries. Plus, when you’re seeing friends over this period, there’s always a lot more food available to share.
Putting too much food waste down the garbage disposal or into your drains can overwhelm your system and lead to clogs. Instead, scrape off excess food scraps from plates and pans before washing them.
4. Putting Christmas tree needles down the drains
It sounds like common sense, but you will be surprised at the amount of people who put the needles from their Christmas tree down the drain.
The needles from a real Christmas tree can easily clog your drains. To avoid this, shake the tree well before bringing it indoors to remove loose needles. You can also place a mesh bag around the base of the tree to catch any falling needles.
5. Ignoring warning signs of drainage problems
There’s always a lot to occupy your mind during the festive season. But don’t let the warning signs of drainage problems escape your notice.
If you notice slow drains, gurgling sounds, or unpleasant smells coming from your drains, it's a sign that you may have a drainage problem. Don't ignore these signs, as they could indicate a more serious issue that could lead to costly repairs.
Tips for preventing drainage problems at Christmas:
Use a grease trap: A grease trap is a device that captures fats and oils before they enter your drains. This can help prevent blockages and clogs.
Install a drain filter: A drain filter catches food scraps and other debris before they enter your drains. This can help prevent blockages and clogs.
Regularly clean your drains: Use a drain cleaner or a plumber's snake to clean your drains regularly. This can help remove any buildup of debris that could cause blockages.
By following these tips, you can help prevent drainage problems at Christmas and keep your festive season running smoothly.
Have a great Christmas, and if you need us call us today on 01604 492701.
Alternatively, visit the contact us page for all other enquiries.
Share this post: