Putting one thing down drains this summer 'could cost £185'

As summer approaches and people head to the coast, an expert is warning that rinsing sand off in your bathroom could significantly damage your drains. David Rees, a plumbing expert from HomeSupply, explains that sand can build up and create blockages in pipes, despite the sand itself not actually causing any damage.

He said: “As sand can be heavy, it will collect in the U-bend of your pipes. Over time, enough sand can accumulate in the drain trap and prevent it from draining properly.

“Older homes that have cast iron or galvanised steel pipes are more at risk due to the rough interior surface of the pipes. These pipes can corrode over time and sand will catch on these areas, leading to narrowing and clogs. Even newer homes with PVC pipes are not immune to blockages if proper precautions aren’t taken."

David urged homeowners to take preventative measures against blocking drains with sand: “You should ideally hose off any sandy items before bringing them into your home, as this will minimise the amount that enters your home’s plumbing system. If you do have to remove sand in the sink, I recommend installing strainers over drains so that these will catch any debris before it has a chance to build up and create a blockage”.

If homeowners suspect their drains are already blocked with sand, David suggests trying the following methods:

Use a plunger

Remove the drain stopper or cover, and then place a sink plunger over the drain. Pump this up and down to create a suction, as this will loosen the sand so it can flow down the drain.

Use a drain snake or wire hanger

Insert a drain snake into the drain, and rotate it clockwise as you push it further into the pipes. If you are using a wire hanger, straighten the hanger out and create a hook at one end, and then insert the hook end into the drain the same way you would with a drain snake. The twisting motion should help either device to catch onto the sand, allowing you to pull it out.

Flush the drain with hot water

After using either of the above methods, flush your drain with boiling water and this will carry away any leftover sand.

Call a plumber

If nothing appears to be working or you think the blockage is too large to handle, you should call a plumber. Most drain unblocking services cost around £80 to £100. However, if drain jetting is required this can be up to £185 or more.