Having Blocked Drain Troubles? Apply These Simple Tips

Have Blocked Drain Troubles? Apply These Simple Tips

Blocked drains are a common yet frustrating problem that many homeowners encounter from time to time.

Sometimes it could be a slow-draining sink, a completely blocked pipe, or a foul smell coming from the clogged drain.

Knowing a little bit about drain cleaning can save you time, money, and stress.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go through the signs of a blocked drain, common causes, how to fix it, prevention tips, and when to call a professional plumber.

 What are the signs of a blocked drain?

Recognising the signs of a drain blockage early can help prevent a small issue from turning into a major problem. Here are some of the most common signs to look out for:

 Slow water drainage

One of the first indicators of a blocked drain is slow drainage. If water is taking longer than usual to go down the drain, it could be a sign of a blockage. This issue can occur in sinks, showers, and bathtubs. The blockage may be caused by debris such as hair, grease, or soap scum that has built up in the pipes.

 Gurgling sounds

If you hear gurgling sounds coming from your drains or toilet, this could indicate that air is trapped in the pipes due to a blockage. This sound occurs when water tries to navigate around the blockage, creating a vacuum effect. This is often a sign that a clog is forming and needs to be addressed promptly.

 Unpleasant odours

Foul odours coming from your drains are another sign of a blockage. When food scraps, grease, or other debris are trapped in the pipes, they begin to decompose, causing a bad smell. This is particularly common in kitchen sinks, where food debris and grease often go down the drain.

 Water backing up

One of the most obvious signs of a blocked drain is water backing up in your sinks, toilets, or bathtubs. This occurs when the blockage is so severe that water cannot pass through the pipes and starts to flow back. If left untreated, this can lead to serious water damage in your home.

Causes of blocked drains

Blocked drains can be caused by a variety of factors. Understanding the common causes can help you prevent future blockages and maintain the efficiency of your plumbing system.

 Grease and fat build-up

One of the most common causes of blocked drains is the accumulation of grease and fat in the pipes. When you pour oil down the drain, it cools and solidifies, sticking to the inside of the pipes. Over time, this can build up and cause a significant blockage. To avoid this, always dispose of oil and fat in the trash rather than pouring them down the drain.

 Hair and soap scum

Hair and soap scum are well known for causing blocked drains, especially in bathroom sinks, showers, and bathtubs. Hair can easily get caught in the drain, creating a web that traps soap scum, dirt, and other debris. This mixture can form a stubborn clog that is difficult to clear. Using a drain cover can help catch hair before it goes down the drain.

 Food scraps and coffee grounds

Kitchen sinks are prone to blockages caused by food scraps and coffee grounds. Even with garbage disposal, food debris can accumulate in the pipes, leading to a blockage. Coffee grounds, in particular, do not break down easily and can combine with grease and oil to form a solid mass. To prevent this, scrape food scraps into the trash and avoid rinsing coffee grounds down the sink.

 Tree roots

Tree roots can cause serious blockages in outdoor drains and sewer pipes. The roots are attracted to the moisture in the pipes and can grow into them, causing cracks and blockages. This is often a more severe issue that requires the expertise of a professional plumber to resolve. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent tree roots from causing damage to your drainage system.

 Wipes and sanitary products

Flushing wipes, sanitary products, and other non-biodegradable items down the toilet is a leading cause of blockages. These items do not break down like toilet paper and can quickly cause a blockage in your sewer drain. Always dispose of these products in the trash to keep your pipes flowing smoothly.

How to fix a blocked drain

If you’re dealing with a blocked drain, there are several methods you can try to clear it. From home remedies to more advanced techniques, these solutions can help you unblock your drain and restore proper drainage.

 Use a plunger

A plunger is one of the simplest and most effective tools for clearing a blocked drain. To use a plunger, fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the plunger head, place the plunger in such a way that it covers the drain, and pump it up and down vigorously. The pressure created by the plunger can help dislodge the blockage and get your water flowing again. This method is particularly effective for sink and toilet blockages.

 Hot water with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda

For a natural and eco-friendly solution, try using hot water with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to clear your blocked drain. Boil a kettle of hot water and pour this boiling water down the drain, followed by a cup of baking soda. After 5 minutes, add a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then flush it with more hot water. The combination of heat and baking soda can help break down grease and other blockages. This method is safer for the environment compared to chemical drain cleaners and can be repeated as needed.

 Use a drain snake or auger

A drain snake or drain auger is a flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain to break up or remove blockages. To use a drain snake, insert the snake into the drain and rotate the handle to push the snake deeper into the pipe. As you encounter the blockage, the snake will help break it apart or pull it out. This method is effective for more stubborn blockages and can reach deeper into the pipes than a plunger. If you don’t have a drain snake, you can try using a DIY drain snake made from a household metal coat hanger. Yes, an iron hanger is another way to clear a blocked drain.

Chemical drain cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners can be effective for clearing blockages, but they should be used with caution. These caustic cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can break down blockages quickly, but they can also damage your pipes and are harmful to the environment. If you choose to use a chemical drain cleaner, always follow the instructions on the label and use it as a last resort. Consider trying safer alternatives like baking soda and vinegar before resorting to chemicals.

 Call a professional plumber

If you’ve tried all of the above methods and still can’t clear your blocked drain, it’s time to call a professional plumber. A plumber has the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix more complex drainage problems, such as tree root intrusions or severe blockages. They may use techniques like high-pressure water jetting or a drain camera to identify and clear the blockage. While it may be tempting to try and fix the problem yourself, calling a professional can save you time and prevent further damage to your plumbing system.

 How to prevent blocked drains

Preventing blocked drains is easier and more cost-effective than dealing with them after they occur. By following these simple tips, you can keep your pipes flowing smoothly and avoid the hassle of a blockage.

 Dispose of grease properly

Never pour grease or fat down the drain. Instead, let it cool and solidify, then scrape it into the trash. You can also pour liquid grease into a container and dispose of it in the trash once it has hardened.

 Use drain covers

Installing drain covers in your sinks and showers can help catch hair, food scraps, and other debris before they enter the drain. Regularly clean the covers to prevent buildup.

 Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items

Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Dispose of wipes, sanitary products, and other non-biodegradable items in the trash.

 Regular maintenance

Schedule regular maintenance and inspections of your plumbing system to catch any potential issues before they become major problems. A plumber can inspect your pipes and drainage system, remove any buildup, and ensure that everything is functioning properly.

 Be mindful of what goes down the drain

Avoid rinsing food scraps, coffee grounds, and grease down the kitchen sink. Dispose of them in the trash instead. In the bathroom, be cautious about what goes down the drain, such as hair, soap scum, and other debris.

 When to call the professionals

While many blocked drains can be cleared with DIY methods, there are times when it’s best to call a professional plumber. If you’re dealing with a persistent blockage that won’t clear, or if you suspect that the blockage is caused by a more serious issue like tree roots or a damaged pipe, it’s time to call in the experts.

A professional plumber has the tools and experience to handle even the most stubborn blockages. They can use advanced techniques like high-pressure water jetting or a drain camera to identify and remove the blockage. Additionally, if your home is experiencing multiple blockages at once, it could be a sign of a larger issue with your plumbing system that requires professional attention.

In cases of emergencies, such as water backing up into your home or a completely blocked sewer drain, don’t hesitate to call an emergency plumber. Waiting too long can lead to extensive water damage and costly repairs.

Take away

Blocked drains are a common problem that can range from a minor inconvenience to a major plumbing disaster.

By recognising the signs of a blocked drain, understanding the common causes, and knowing how to fix and prevent them, you can keep your plumbing system in top shape.

However, when DIY methods aren’t enough, calling a professional plumber is the best way to ensure that the problem is resolved quickly and effectively. Seriously, you don’t have to suffer when dealing with a clogged drain.

Remember, prevention is key to avoiding blocked drains. Dispose of grease, hair, and other debris properly, and be mindful of what you flush or rinse down the drain.

Regular maintenance and inspections by a professional plumber can also help keep your drains clear and your plumbing system running smoothly.

If you need help unblocking your drains, call our drainage experts today. We are the local plumbers you can trust.

FAQs

What are the common causes of blocked drains?
Blocked drains can be caused by a variety of factors, including grease and fat build-up, hair and soap scum accumulation, food scraps, and even tree roots. Grease and fat, when flushed down the toilet or sink, can solidify inside pipes, obstructing water flow. Hair and soap scum can combine to form stubborn clogs, especially in bathroom drains. Tree roots can invade underground pipes, leading to serious blockages that might require pipe relining to resolve.
What are effective ways of unblocking a drain?
An effective way to clear a blocked drain includes using a plunger, pouring hot water down the drain, or using a drain snake to break up the clog. You can also try a natural solution by pouring one cup of vinegar, followed by baking soda, and then hot water to dissolve grease and debris. For stubborn blockages, you might need to call a professional plumber who can use a water jetter to remove the obstruction.
What are some common causes of drain blockages?
Common causes of drain blockages include the accumulation of grease, fat, hair, soap scum, and food particles. When grease or fat is poured down the sink, it can harden inside the pipes, restricting water flow and causing a blockage. Hair and soap scum, often found in bathroom drains, can combine into a dense clog that blocks the drain opening, preventing water from flowing freely.
How can I go about unblocking drains in my home?
Unblocking drains can be done using various methods, depending on the severity of the blockage. Start by pouring hot water down the drain to dissolve any grease or soap scum. If that doesn’t work, try using a plunger to force the blockage out. For tougher clogs, a drain snake can be inserted into the drain to break up or remove the obstruction. As a last resort, a professional plumber can use specialised tools like a water jetter to effectively clear the blockage.
How do plumbers usually clear a blocked drain?
Plumbers have various tools and techniques to clear a blocked drain effectively. One common method is using a water jetter, which shoots high-pressure water into the drain to break up and flush out the blockage. In cases where the blockage is severe or caused by damage to the pipes, plumbers might use pipe relining to repair the pipe without digging. These methods are highly effective in ensuring that the blockage is cleared and the pipes are restored to good condition.
When should I call an emergency plumber for a blocked drain?
You should call an emergency plumber if your efforts to clear a blocked drain are unsuccessful or if water begins to back up into your home, causing standing water or potential damage. An emergency plumber is essential when a blockage is severe enough to cause water to back up, preventing normal drainage. Additionally, if you suspect that the blockage is due to tree roots or a collapsed pipe, professional intervention is necessary to prevent further damage and restore proper drainage.

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