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Perhaps one of the most important but often overlooked parts of the home is the drainage system. After all, the drains are always hidden from view so it is easy to not think much about the things that go on within your plumbing system.
Why Proper Drainage Maintenance is Important
Protection from Health Hazards
Your drainage system carries all the waste and sewage away from your home. As such, it is critical to maintain the drainage system to protect the entire household from all the health hazards caused by a blocked sewer. Unfortunately, not a lot of homeowners know how to troubleshoot a faulty drainage system.
Resolve Minor Issues
Do not wait until issues from your drainage system become unmanageable before you do something about it. The last thing you want is to spend hundreds of dollars on drainage and sewer repairs. Save yourself the headache of spending more by having your drainage system checked regularly.
By checking your drainage system regularly, you can keep an eye out for minor issues that require repair. If you are unsure what to look for, you can call a local contractor to assess your plumbing system for you. Some issues are so unnoticeable that only a professional can tell if there are any at all.
Signs of Drainage Issues
Overflowing Gutters
If say, rainwater from your gutters is flushing away like a mini Niagara, debris could be blocking the flow of the water. If you don’t remove the blockage, the water could cause minor to severe structural damage. The water could also soften the soil, weakening the foundation of your home.
Foundation Cracks
Cracks and dents on foundations are very common. But if you are starting to see larger cracks that are at least 1/8 inch wide then it is a sign of a drainage problem. If you are unsure if the cracks should be a cause of concern, do not hesitate to call a professional to assess the issue.
Mineral Deposits on Walls
Check the basement walls for crusty, mineral deposits. These buildups are often caused by evaporating water. If the paint of your wall is peeling off in huge patches, then it is a sign that your drainage is faulty. This condition is called spalling. Spalling is often caused by moisture condensation. Although spalling will not cause structural problems, it suggests drainage problems in the gutters, pipes, and downspouts.
How to Avoid Drainage Issues
Clean the Drains
The most important step to maintaining the drainage system is to clean the bathroom and kitchen drains. You can create your own drain de-clogger by mixing a ¼ cup of white vinegar with a tablespoon of table salt. Mix the solution well and pour it straight through the drain. Let the solution sit for at least an hour then run hot water to loosen the blockages.
Maintaining the Sinks
Keep your kitchen sink clean at all times. You can use a commercial de-clogging solution to remove blockages in the sink or simply use bleach.
Avoid Greasy Buildup
Grease from cooking and food can clog the drains. You can remove greasy buildup in the pipes by mixing boiling hot water with a little dish detergent. Pour the solution straight to the drain. Do this from time to time. In addition, do not pour unwanted cooking oil straight into your drains. Once the oil cools, it solidifies in the pipes, clogging the sink.
