Blocked drains are a potential source of property damage, as well as health problems that can affect pets and owners. These are the signs that a blocked drain is present.
Foul smell
An unusual smell is the first sign that you may notice. This smell is most often a sewage-like smell. A blocked drain can also be identified by:
Most people are used to seeing everything go down the drain. It’s not unusual to see water back up. If your drains are clogged, it could be a sign that there is a blockage.
Gurgling sounds
If you hear a gurgling sound, water is likely clogging the pipe. Your pipe may be blocked.
Slow draining
Sometimes the water pooling in your sink or bathtub can be more noticeable than you thought. It is common for the problem to get worse rather than improve by itself. This could indicate that the blockage has become more severe.
CAUSES OF BLOCKED DRAIN
The following are common causes:
Tree roots
While tree roots will not cause local drain blockages but can damage your main sewer system, The root grows until it breaks through the pipe, causing a blockage.
Foreign objects
Children are more likely to flush unusual items down the toilet than you think. The u-bend can become blocked by toys and other foreign objects.
Oil for cooking
Cooking oil is too viscous to be able to flow freely in the sink so it should not be thrown into the drain. Instead, it collects with food debris to block the drain.
Food scraps
Food scraps are not allowed in your drainage system, just like cooking oils. This is particularly true for coffee grounds.
Natural Debris
If you don’t have gutter guards, natural debris could get in your outdoor drains. This can be leaves or twigs, but also dirt or grit.
CLEARING A BLOCKED WATER
Your cause of the blockage will play a major role in how you get it out. You might find you need to try all of them before calling in a professional plumber.
Boiling Water
Boiling water is a good way to clean blocked drains due to grease, conditioner, and other toiletries. Because these substances have low melting points, extreme heat can help to break them down. Pour boiling water into a pot and let it drain down the drain to clear the blockage.
Natural cleaners
Some natural cleaners can create a fizzing effect to remove blockages from drains. Pour hot water down the drain. Follow it with 1 cup bicarbonate of soda, and 1 cup of vinegar. It should be left for 10 minutes. Then, add more hot water. The combination of hot water and the natural cleaner can help to break down blockages.
Caustic cleaners
Caustic cleaners are sold in stores to take stronger action against blockages. It is ideal for removing stubborn blockages because it dissolves fat, grease, and oils. Before you begin, make sure to follow all instructions and ventilate the room.
Plungers
Plungers are an effective and simple tool that can help you get rid of local blockages. Plungers work by creating a seal around the plughole followed by a vacuum effect to eliminate the blockage.
DIY Drain Snake
Any thin wire of metal, such as a coat hook, can be used to make a DIY drain snake. Insert the hook into the plughole by leaving a loop at the snake’s end. You can use it to get rid of hair-caused blockages. This is especially effective in showers.
Plumbers drain snake
Only a professional plumber should use drain snakes. These snakes can go deeper into your pipes and remove blockages that are deep in the system. These tools are reserved for more difficult clogs than can be tackled by everyday methods.
Hydro jet
Hydro jets use powerful and rapid bursts to clear pipes of any debris or other substances. Although this method can sometimes be used to clear blockages in drains, it is a reliable way to eliminate most of the problems.
Excavation
If there is severe blockage of the drain, excavation may be necessary. This involves digging around the drain to replace or repair some of the pipework. While this is not always necessary, it can save your pipework and prevent further damage.
Wilco plumbing, we are the blocked drain specialists in Australia. We know how difficult it can be to manage blocked drainage. There are ways to get relief from a blocked drain. You can contact us today to unblock your drain by simply searching blocked drains Sydney.