Preventing Blocked Drains: A Guide For Facility Managers

As a building manager or expert plumber like Plumberoo Plumbing clogged and slow drains are a nuisance you want to avoid. Blocked drains not only impede functionality, but also signal potential pipe damage if not addressed promptly. The good news is there are several effective preventative measures you can implement to minimize clogs and keep your drains free-flowing. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a multi-pronged approach covering tenant education, strategic maintenance, and smart design considerations.

Follow these best practices, and you’ll be far less likely to encounter the headaches of blocked drains across your properties.

Tenant Education Regarding the Use of Drains 

When it comes to drain unclogging, the key issues of maintenance come down to the knowledge the tenants have regarding what should not be sent down the drains. Make sure the tenants are educated on the following items: 

• Fats / Oils/ Grease – These turn solid once cooled and will cause blockage
• Produce stickers – These do not dissolve very quickly 
• Hair – This forms tangles and accumulates debris
• Paper product – paper towels, wipes, tissues and the such 
• Cotton swabs – This does not flush down but gets stuck to the pipes 
• Feminine products – These are large and thick for a reason.
• Kitty litter – causes tremendous harm to sewer systems.

Targeted messages reinforced with simple signs placed strategically around sinks and drains work effectively in the reduction of misusage.

Installation of Strainers and Screens

Barriers such as sink strainers, tub drain screens, floor drain covers, and other objects to prevent the entry of debris into the pipes must be installed at the union of the sinks or tubs to the piping system. The implementation of this measure will reduce the amount of debris collected by the drains themselves.

Monitoring and Cleans Up of the Drains located in the Laundry Rooms 

Laundry room floor drains get clogged with a build-up of hair and lint so there should be warnings for users of such facilities to avoid making unnecessary deposits of such materials. Regularly sending a drain snake through clogged surfaces would entail little wait time if Fan cord has been fitted as described above.

Regular Monitoring of Drains 

Regular routine maintenance evaluation of sink pipe and drains should be carried out in every occupied unit; sheer tension across the points of leverage will replace the need for such measures. Utilize drain cameras to determine if any faults have arisen or developed.

Schedule A Professional Sewer Drain Cleaning On Regular Intervals

To ensure that the building’s sewer pipes remain unclogged, professional hydrojetting or augering services should be done at least every 12 – 24 months, or even more frequently if suggested by site conditions. This is known as a preventative measure since it helps to avoid big blockages.

Caution/Restrict Use Of Garbage Disposal

Garbage Disposal, while efficient, is always going to make plumbing stressful. Consider placing a ban on disposals in rental homes, or limiting usage to select low-power models that exert less pressure on the drain.

Replace Old Galvanised Pipes

If the outlets that are already in place are made of iron or steel, it is advisable to replace them with wider and smoother PVC pipes which will help in preventing accumulation and improving the flow of water. 

Install Water-Efficient Outlets

Outlets such as low flow showers, faucets and toilets result in less solid materials being flushed within the drains, thus decreasing possibilities of clogging. 

Use Intelligent Landscaping Techniques

Do not plant trees or shrubs with aggressive root systems within close proximity to the exterior drains as this may draw in and damage the pipes. 

Conclusion 

With consideration towards these preventative measures, one will be able to ensure that the drains are free from clogs and the amount of maintenance required in order to fix drain issues is minimized.