Blocked drains are an all-too-common problem that can cause frustration and inconvenience in any home. From slow-draining sinks to overflowing toilets, a blocked drain can quickly turn into a major headache if left untreated. But don’t worry, identifying and unblocking a blocked drain is easier than you might think. In this post, we’ll walk you through some simple steps to help you diagnose the problem and get your drain flowing freely again. We’ll cover everything from common causes of blocked drains to easy DIY solutions that you can try at home. Blocked drains can cause a lot of problems in your home, such as bad smells, slow drainage, and even flooding. If you suspect that you have a blocked drain, you should act quickly to identify and unblock it before it gets worse. So whether you’re dealing with a stubborn clog in your kitchen sink or a slow-draining shower, read on to learn how you can identify and unblock blocked drains in your home.
How to Identify a Blocked Drain¶
The first step in unblocking a drain is to identify whether or not it is actually blocked. There are a few signs that can indicate a blocked drain, such as:
Slow-draining water¶
One of the most common signs of a blocked drain is slow-draining water. If you notice that your sink or shower is taking longer than usual to drain, it’s likely that there’s a blockage somewhere in the pipes.
Unpleasant smells¶
Another sign of a blocked drain is an unpleasant smell coming from your sink or shower. This can be caused by stagnant water sitting in the pipes, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Gurgling noises¶
If you hear gurgling noises when you run water down the drain, this can also be a sign of a blocked drain. This is caused by air trapped in the pipes, which can’t escape due to the blockage.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly to prevent the blockage from getting worse.
What are the causes of Blocked Drains?
There are many different things that can cause a drain to become blocked. Some of the most common causes include:
Food waste¶
In the kitchen, food waste is a common culprit for blocked drains. Bits of food, grease and oil Hair
In the bathroom, hair is a common cause of blocked drains. As hair collects in the pipes, it can create a blockage that prevents water from draining properly.
Soap scum¶
Soap scum can also contribute to blocked drains. Over time, soap scum can build up in the pipes, making it harder for water to flow through.
Foreign objects¶
Sometimes, foreign objects can find their way into the pipes and cause a blockage. This can include everything from children’s toys to sanitary products.
It’s important to be mindful of what you’re putting down your drains to prevent blockages from occurring.
The Dangers of Blocked Drains¶
Blocked drains can be more than just a nuisance – they can also be dangerous. Here are some of the potential dangers of blocked drains:
Water damage¶
If a blocked drain causes water to overflow, it can lead to water damage in your home. This can be expensive to repair and can cause lasting damage to your property if not dealt with quickly.
Health risks¶
Blocked drains can also pose a health risk, as stagnant water can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful organisms. This can lead to unpleasant odours and potential health problems for you and your family.
Structural damage¶
If a blocked drain goes untreated for too long, it can cause structural damage to your home. This is because the water pressure can cause cracks in the pipes or even cause them to burst, which can be costly to repair.
It’s important to address blocked drains as soon as possible to prevent these potential dangers from occurring.
DIY Methods for Unblocking a Drain¶
If you’ve identified a blocked drain in your home, there are a few simple DIY methods that you can try to unblock it. Here are some of the most effective methods:
Plunger¶
A plunger is a simple and effective way to unblock a drain. Fill the sink or shower with enough water to cover the plunger head, then place the plunger over the drain and pump it up and down rapidly. This creates suction that can dislodge the blockage and allow water to flow freely again.
Boiling water¶
Boiling water can also be effective at unblocking drains. Simply boil a kettle of water, then pour it down the drain in two to three stages, allowing the water to work its way through the pipes and dislodge the blockage.
Baking soda and vinegar¶
Another effective DIY method is to use a combination of baking soda and vinegar. First, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Wait for 10-15 minutes, then pour boiling water down the drain to wash away the blockage.
These DIY methods can be effective at unblocking drains, but they may not work for more stubborn blockages.
Chemical drain cleaners vs natural methods¶
When it comes to unblocking drains, there are two main types of products available – chemical drain cleaners and natural methods. Chemical drain cleaners can be effective at breaking down stubborn blockages, but they can also be harsh on your pipes and the environment. Natural methods, such as baking soda and vinegar, are gentler on your pipes and the environment, but may not be as effective at breaking down blockages.
Ultimately, the choice between chemical drain cleaners and natural methods will depend on your personal preferences and the severity of the blockage.
When to Call a Professional Plumber¶
If DIY methods and chemical drain cleaners aren’t effective at unblocking your drain, it may be time to call in a professional plumber. A plumber will have the tools and expertise to identify and fix the blockage, and can also give you advice on how to prevent future blockages from occurring.
It’s also important to call a plumber if you notice any of the following signs:
- Foul smells coming from your drains. Plumbers know and are experts in cleaning smelly drains
- Water backing up into other drains or appliances
- Gurgling noises coming from your drains
These can all be signs of a more serious problem that requires professional attention.
How Plumbers Unblock Drains¶
When a drain plumber comes to unblock your drain, who specialises in unblocking and clearing blocked drains they will typically use one of two methods – a drain snake or hydro jetting.
Drain snake¶
A drain snake is a long, flexible cable that is inserted into the drain and rotated to break up the blockage. This is a simple and effective method for unblocking most drains.
Hydro Jetting¶
Hydro jetting is a more powerful method that uses high-pressure water to break up blockages and clean the inside of the pipes. This method is particularly effective for more stubborn blockages
Electric Eel¶
Electric eel plumbing is a method of clearing blocked drains using a device called an electric eel. An electric eel is a long, flexible cable with a rotating cutting head attached to the end. The cable is fed into the drain and the cutting head breaks up any blockages.
Preventing Blocked Drains in the Future¶
There are a lot of recommendations from different blocked drain plumbers who do drain services to prevent blocked drains from occurring in the future, there are a few simple steps you can take:
- Be mindful of what you’re putting down your drains
- Use drain guards to catch hair and food waste
- Regularly clean your drains with baking soda and vinegar
- Avoid pouring grease and oil down your drains
By taking these simple steps, you can reduce the likelihood of blocked drains occurring in your home.
Conclusion¶
Blocked drains can be a frustrating and inconvenient problem to deal with, but they don’t have to be. By identifying the signs of a blocked drain and using simple DIY methods or calling in a professional plumber, you can get your drain flowing freely again in no time. By taking steps to prevent blocked drains from occurring in the future, you can save yourself time, money and the potential dangers associated with blocked drains.
