Who Fixes Blocked Drains?
Who fixes blocked drains?
Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing problems, but who do you call to fix a blocked drain?
Sometimes a blocked drain can be cleared quickly, and we will look at the steps you can try. However, if these do not work, you know it is time to call a plumber!
Fixing Blocked Drains And What To Do
They can be a nuisance and cause all sorts of problems if they are not fixed.
But what are the signs of a blocked drain – Some signs are obvious such as water not draining away in a toilet; some are more subtle, and they are the start of a blockage that can be rectified before a significant problem starts.
How do you know if I have a blocked drain?
Do you have a clogged drain? Need help figuring out how to tell?
The Signs of a Blocked Drain
There are a few signs that you may have a blocked drain.
If you notice one or more of the following, your drain is likely blocked:
- When you empty your sink, it remains full for a long time before all the water drains away. The water may come up into the other side if you have a double sink.
- When you turn on the tap, the water does not quickly drain away in the sink and starts to fill up.
- The shower water stops draining, and you are standing in water.
- You hear strange noises from your drains (like gurgling or bubbling).
- Water levels in the toilet are either higher or lower than usual.
- The floor in the bathroom area seems damp all the time.
- Your toilet starts draining slowly or not at all.
- Revolting odours from your sinks or drains will likely be a festering blockage.
Steps You Can Try To Unblock A Drain
If you notice any of the following signs that your drains may be blocked, it is important to take action, and we do recommend trying these to fix a simple blockage.
Bathroom Sinks Or Shower Drain Blockages
Blocked bathroom sinks are most likely blocked due to hair and skin care products building up. These can usually be cleared if the blockage is within reach.
By going to a hardware store and buying an item called a snake drain auger, you can use this to pull out the hair and gunk that has built up.
Once the hair is removed – These blockages are easy to prevent by buying a hair catcher to be placed over or inside the drain.
Talk to our team, and we can advise what is best suited for your home to prevent them.
Kitchen Sink Blockages
The kitchen often sinks block due to food and oil that builds up.
Pouring oil or washy greasy pots leads to the buildup of sludge in the pipes, and every time more food or grease is washed down the sink, it gets caught in the sludge building up. Till finally, you have a solid barrier of greasy sludge.
Try and clear this type of blockage with a plunger.
If this does not work, you may need a chemical reaction to break it down.
Boiling Water, Bicarb And Vinegar
Pour a kettle full of boiling water into the sink
Then pour a cup of bicarb soda into the drain.
Follow with a cup of vinegar.
It will fizz.
Wait 5 Minutes and pour more boiling kettle water down the drain.
If this does not work, you can try using a product like Draino and leaving it overnight.
If this still needs to be resolved, it is time to call a plumber.
If you have a kitchen island sink – that blockage could be anywhere underneath the kitchen floor, and you will need a plumber to try and clear it.
Kitchen Sink Blockages Can Be Avoided!
Do not pour oil down the sink!
Pour hot oil into a heatproof item that can be thrown away – like a used paper coffee cup.
Or allow the oil to cool and scrape it into the bin.
Scrape food scraps into the bin and use a sieve over your drains to collect food particles and bin them.
Blocked Toilets
Do not waste time with toilet blockages.
If there is a physical reason, such as excess toilet paper or a toy, put on gloves and remove the items. Use a plunger and see if that resolves it.
If this does not fix the issue – Call a plumber.
A clogged toilet can quickly become dangerous if not treated properly. If sewage begins backing up into your home, avoid using the toilet and find an accessible sink or shower till the toilet is cleared. If you smell gas or see flames in your drains, call 000 immediately.
Preventing Toilet Blocks
Toilets are for number 1’s and number 2’s and toilet paper only.
Anything else, such as toilet wipes, baby wipes, sanitary items or even kitty litter – Should be binned.
These items do not break down and cause major blockages, just not in your toilet but for the entire sewerage system.
Drain Blockages
Sometimes a blockage can happen outside of the house. These blockages can be caused by the above reasons, such as tree roots getting into the pipes and building up within the pipe walls from mineral buildup, dirt, and soil.
This is often an excellent time to talk about pipe relining.
The rough surface on the pipe’s inner walls will keep attracting more buildup happening.
Pipe relining will stop the tree roots and create a smooth surface that will prevent future clogs and save you money.
The Consequences of Not Fixing a Blocked Drain
If you have a blocked drain in your home, it is essential to take action as soon as possible.
Leaving a clogged drain for too long can cause irreversible damage to your home, including damage to the pipes and surrounding walls, flooring, and carpets. In addition, blocked drains can attract vermin and pests, spreading disease.
Flooding caused by a blocked drain can also lead to mould and mildew growth, which can cause health problems.
Finally, ignoring a blockage may result in expensive repairs down the line. Therefore, it is important to call an expert if you notice any signs of a blocked drain in your home.
When to Call a Plumber for a Blocked Drain
Plumbers are trained professionals with the tools and experience to unblock drains quickly and safely. Sewerage water is something you do not want to mess with!
If you have a blocked drain, there are a few things that you can do to help fix the problem. First, you can try using a plunger to clear the obstruction. If this doesn’t work, you can call an expert who will use special tools to clear the blockage. In some cases, removing the flooring and replacing the pipes below may be necessary. These are all expensive repairs, but they’re worth it if you prevent further damage from happening.
Time To Call The Blocked Drain Specialists
If you cannot unblock your drain using the tips above, it’s best to call a professional. A qualified plumber will use different techniques and tools to get the obstruction out of the pipe.
A plumber may use a camera to inspect the drain and determine the cause of the blockage and where it is.
Some tools plumbers a plumber will use are:
- Plungers
- Drain Snake
- Drain Augers – Motorised ones can cut through tree roots
- Jetta – High-pressure water will flush out pipes and force the water into the stormwater or sewer waste
Choosing A Blocked Drain Specialist
If you’re ever faced with a blocked drain, it’s important to remember the following tips:
1. Choose a reputable and reliable plumber – if not, they may not be able to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.
2. Always budget for a block drain repair – it will likely cost more than just trying to clear the blockage yourself!
A blocked drain can be a considerable inconvenience and should not be left to worsen.
Plumbmaster Plumbing Can Fix Blocked Drains
5 Reasons to call Plumbmaster Plumbing for a blocked drain.
1. We are experts in plumbing and know how to unblock drains quickly and efficiently.
2. We use the latest technology and equipment to unblock drains quickly and without causing any damage or mess.
3. Our prices are very reasonable, so you can be sure that you’re getting value for money when using our services.
4. We always take care of our customers, so you can rest assured that your privacy is continually respected when we are working on your drainage issue.
5. We stand behind all the plumbing work we perform so you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible service when using us as your plumber!
