It seems this time of year there are always reports of damage and inconvenience caused by flooded kitchens and bathrooms. Make sure to take these precautions to protect your home. These simple and inexpensive fixes can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long term.


1: Securing the bathroom

While it may seem an unpleasant thought, many homes are flooded by blocked and slow draining toilets. You’ll need rubber gloves, plunger (a piston-shaped one is more effective than the standard plunger) as well as standard bleach. To ensure the blockage doesn’t get any worse do not attempt to flush a blocked toilet which can lead to it overflowing. If the object is visible try clearing it by hand. Otherwise, make a vacuum seal on the opening of the toilet bowl with the plunger (try running it with hot water if it needs to be more malleable).


2: Securing the kitchen

Homes can get easily get flooded from a leaking tap and sinks overflowing. If you leave a blocked sink unattended with a flowing tap it can easily flood the kitchen. Sinks can get blocked by any number of food items such as cooking oil, egg shells, lard etc. So it is better to take a preventative measure. You’ll need a plunger, baking soda and vinegar.

Firstly insert the plunger and thrust 5-6 times to dislodge the blockage. If this method fails try using baking soda and vinegar in the sink followed by hot water. This will create a chemical reaction that should remove any residue blocking the pipes.

However, it is not recommended to try DIY attempts too many times as this can cause damage to the pipes and plumbing system. Maintain drains provides a sink unblocking service for those extra tough jobs.


3: Securing the gutters

One of the most common ways that homes can be flooded is by blocked gutters. So you should clean your gutters at least once a year. To do this, ensure you have a stable extendable ladder, rubber gloves and a small shovel. To get the large debris out of the gutters use rubber gloves and a small shovel (for the smaller debris).

You can also call our experts, who are able to do any size house and guttering, ask for a quote today.


4: Securing the drains

The failure with baths and toilets to drain properly may be the sign that the underlying drainage system around your house is damaged. While you can clear some of the debris around this area, it is recommended that you have a professional be called for this. You’ll need a spade, hose, rubber gloves and drain rods for this job.

Open the manhole cover with the point of the spade. Then by using a jet of water from a hose directed into the drainage clear out any fat or grease lodged in the drain. This should remove the blockage. But, if this sort of work is not for you or the problem is more serious you can get a quote from us.