One of the plumbing and hygiene problems that many people don’t pay attention to is the concept of biofilm. Most people take it for granted since it’s usually an innocuous occurrence in many homes. However, it’s important that you understand what biofilm is and how to prevent it since it has been shown to have an effect on the health of many human beings.
In essence, biofilm refers to the slimy goo that forms in moist areas of your plumbing, such as in drains. It is normally composed of a collection of bacteria together with some of the products of metabolism of the said bacteria. Research has shown that these collections of matter have a huge impact on health, and can lead to a host of infections including MRSA infections.
As a homeowner, chances are that you will only worry about biofilm on account of the fact that it’s gross and can sometimes have a really bad odor. However, when you combine this with the fact that it can also negatively affect your health, you can easily see that this is something you need to get rid of from your home. Fortunately, this is not difficult to do. Some of the strategies you can adopt to reduce the presence of biofilm in areas such as your kitchen and bathroom might include:
Making sure that you get quality plumbing done
The type of plumbing in Phoenix you will get during home renovation or construction can have an effect on the likelihood of biofilm forming. Typically, biofilm forms in areas that are hard to reach, and which have a design that will encourage the accumulation of waste in nooks and crannies. One way to ensure that this does not happen is by investing in a plumbing system that has been designed to be as simple as possible. This will allow the easy flow of water and other wastes from one part of the plumbing system to the next.
The quality of the contractor matters a lot in this regard. Plumbers who have been working for a long time and who have excellent working principles tend to be better at designing systems that will be biofilm free. Always insist on working with them.
Using baking soda
Baking soda makes an excellent cleaning agent when you need to get rid of the biofilm. This is on account of the fact that it works by both chemical and physical means. The rough particles in the baking soda will dislodge any biofilm from the plumbing surfaces, while the basic pH will also help in chemically removing most of the waste. It’s very simple to use baking soda for this indication; you only need to wet a rag, put a bit of the baking soda in it and then scrub away. In no time, you will have cleared most of the slime.
The use of dental floss
Dental floss is not only good for your teeth; you can also use it to clean the hard-to-reach areas of your plumbing. Areas such as between cracks and under faucet handles form excellent media for the growth of biofilm. However, cleaning them is usually difficult for most people. Use dental floss to get rid of all the slime and goo that might have accumulated in such areas over time.
Soak the sink aeration in bleach on a regular basis
If you have a sink that has an aeration screen, you should remember that this forms an ideal surface for the growth of the biofilm. To prevent this, consider removing the screen every once in a while, cleaning it thoroughly, and then soaking it in some bleach. This will ensure that any bacteria already growing on it will be instantly killed, reducing the risk of any biofilm formation.
Clean the kitchen thoroughly after cooking
The plumbing in the kitchen is considered to be particularly prone to the formation of biofilm. This is because a lot of bacteria from food such as chicken is handled here. You will need to be extra vigilant in cleaning the kitchen particularly once you have handled such foods. Pay attention to the surfaces where the raw chicken might have come into contact, and focus on these. Once the cleaning is done, remember to dry the area as well.
Prevent clogging
When a drain is clogged for too long, it provides a perfect environment for the growth of the bacteria. Prevent this by always trying to sort out the problem as soon as you notice it. In addition to reducing biofilm formation, this is also simply more convenient than delaying the process.
In summary, the formation of biofilm is something that you need to be keen on since it will influence many aspects of your health. In addition to the above, you should also consider getting the help of a Phoenix plumber to inspect and maintain the system on a regular basis.