There are many potential causes of a blocked drain, including tree roots, grease, hair, and soap scum. When attempting to clear a blocked drain, it is important to know the source of the blockage and take appropriate action. A plunger or drain snake will often be sufficient to clear the blockage. However, more severe jams may require chemical drain cleaners or hydro-jetting.
How to Tell Your Drain Is Blocked
There are several ways to tell if you have a blocked drain. The most obvious is if water is not draining away properly. This could be water collecting in the sink, shower, or bathtub, or it could be because the toilet is not flushing correctly, and the water level is higher than usual.
Another tell-tale sign is if you can hear water gurgling when you flush the toilet or run the taps.
Bad odours are also a common sign of a blocked drain. If something smells rotten in the bathroom or kitchen, the drainage may be the culprit.
DIY Fixes
If you think you have a blocked drain, there are a few things you can do to try and fix it yourself.
Firstly, try using hot water and a plunger to dislodge any blockages. If this doesn’t work, you could use a drain snake. This is a flexible rod sold in hardware shops or online. If neither of these methods works, it is time to contact a drainage professional.
How to Avoid Clogging Your Drains
1. Use a sink strainer. This mesh screen catches food and other small objects before they go down the drain. This will help to prevent clogs and keep your drains flowing freely.
2. Don’t pour grease down the drain. When the grease cools, it can solidify and cling to the sides of your pipes, causing clogs. Instead, pour oil and fats into a tin can or a jar and dispose of it in the bin.
3. Don’t flush foreign objects down the toilet. Foreign objects can cause problems for your toilet and plumbing system. Some things that should never be flushed down the toilet include cigarettes, condoms, nappies, wet wipes, paper towels, and sanitary towels.
4. Be careful what you put down the rubbage disposal. The rubbage disposal is not a dustbin. While it can grind up some food scraps, certain things should never be put down the waste disposal, including grease, bones, coffee grounds, eggshells, and fruit seeds.
5. Don’t use chemical drain cleaners. Chemical drain cleaners are harsh and can damage your pipes. If you have a clog, try using a plunger or a plumber’s snake before using chemicals.
6. Have your drains cleaned regularly. Regular drain cleaning can help to prevent clogs and keep your drains flowing freely. Schedule a drain cleaning with a professional plumber every few years to keep your drains in tip-top shape.
Contact a Drainage Professional
A blocked drain is one of the most annoying things in the home. It can cause many problems, from bad smells to overflowing sewage. If you suspect you have a blocked drain that won’t clear with a plunger, hot water, or a plumbing snake, you must contact a professional for help.
When choosing a professional to help with your blocked drain, it is important to choose someone who is experienced and has a good reputation. You should also check they are fully insured, as this will protect you in case anything goes wrong. The sooner the problem is fixed, the less disruption it will cause to your home. Leaving a drain blocked can be costly, so call a drainage company without delay, and the less expensive it will be to fix.
