If you're not sure what needs looking at, plumbing service provider Dyno-Rod has put together these helpful DIY FAQs, to beat any blocked drains or frozen pipes.
Home and Garden on Female First
Drains
Q. Since the start of Autumn my drains have been constantly blocked with fallen leaves and mud. I’ve attempted to clear them myself but the problem is continuing, is there anything else I can do?
A. Try chicken wire or cheap mesh folded over a couple of times, and fitted over the gully at the end of a drainpipe to help keep the leaves out, but let rainwater drain away. If the problem persists it may that a blockage exists further down the drain, requiring assistance from a drains expert, Dyno-Rod to resolve the issue,
Q. I’ve recently bought a new build property, but my kitchen sink takes ages to drain away and is starting to smell. How can this happen when it has hardly been used?’
A. It could be that the pipe work has not been installed correctly or that building materials may have been disposed down the sink causing a blockage. In this instance a drains expert such as Dyno-Rod, will be required to effectively remove building materials using electro mechanical equipment or re-align the pipes if they have been incorrectly installed.
Q. After Christmas last year my sink kept getting blocked, I found that pouring boiling water helped to an extent but is there anything I can do to avoid this happening again?
A. We do see a number of cases where turkey fat has been disposed of down the sink, causing this to block! You should never pour fat or grease down the sink, instead dispose of carefully in an old container or used food packaging, allow to set, then place in the bin As a preventative measure to clear any build up of waste, pour boiling water down the kitchen sink followed up with hot soapy water on a weekly basis. Pouring half a packet of soda crystals followed by a kettle full of boiling water down the sink every two weeks will also help to break up residue. If your sink does become blocked we recommend getting in your local Dyno-Rod drains experts to get the job done.
Plumbing
Q. With winter just around the corner, I am concerned about frozen pipes. What can I do to prevent this from happening and what do I do if they freeze?
A. Prevention is better than cure. Avoid frozen pipe disaster this winter and keep them wrapped up with Dyno Plumbing's pipe lagging solution. If your water supply has stopped, the cold weather could have caused pipes to freeze. You may be able to get the water flowing again by wrapping hot towels around the frozen exposed pipe work and opening loft hatches to let warm air circulate if you suspect tanks and pipe work have frozen.
Q. The downstairs radiators are cool but the upstairs are hot and bleeding hasn’t made a difference. Can you offer any advice?’
A. Don't wait until winter to find out that a radiator needs fixing, flushing or a thermostatic valve fitting. We'll fix, flush or repair your radiators and also fit thermostatic radiator valves (as recommended by the Energy Savings Trust) and you can control the temperature in each room of your house. Thermostatic radiator valves are perfect for making sure the living room is warm and cosy without turning the bedroom into a sauna and they are proven to cut energy bills.
Tagged in DIY Home Heating Home & Garden