There are plenty of drain issues such as blockages that can be prevented or resolved very quickly so not to cause greater problems.
There's lots of hints and tips as to how you can keep your drains cleared so long as you're confident with what you are doing and you have the right tools to carry the work out with.
The following article includes some different tips on how to clear your drains and how to maintain them so they don't block or corrode.
Removing Drain Blockages
If your drain has already got to the stage where it is blocked and there is a water build up then you will have to get rid of the blockage.
There are several ways in which you can do this you could try using a Drain Blockage Solution which does often work but you would have to be sure if you have PVC pipes it is suitable for use on them.
If this doesn't work or there is something down the drain you want to retrieve such as a ring then you could try removing the trap. This means you would have to look underneath the drain where the "S" or "P" pipe is and un-screw it from the main drain line.
If you have put chemicals down the drain previous to this then you should ensure you have a chemical resistant bucket to catch the water and also that you are wearing chemical resistant gloves as well as eye protection.
Once removed you will be able to retrieve the item you have lost if it was heavy enough to sit in the bottom of the trap. If the item is not there then there is a chance it has been flushed into the external drain.
It is when the trap is removed you should be able to see if there is a blockage in the trap or pipes just below or above the section. Whilst you have the trap off you should also take the opportunity to check the washers because if the washer is damaged you should change it at that time to save your self a leak in the future.
DIY Drain Maintenance
To ensure your drains are kept at their best and to prevent un-necessary blockages you should make sure you maintain them properly on a regular basis.
Many of these tips may be seen as common sense to most people but there are still thousands of people each year ending up with blocked drains.
You should make sure anything you are washing down your drains is suitable for example you shouldn't wash cooking fats or oils, sanitary products or paint down the drain.
This is because when flushed or washed down the drain they can settle in the bottom causing other debris that may go down the drain to build up, then you can end up with a blockage.
Ensure that you put as little solid matter down the drain as possible and clean the drains on a regular basis to avoid them becoming blocked.
If you have tried the above and the blockage remains then you may need to call on a Drain Engineer as the blockage may lay further down the drain pipes.