Have you ever faced the frustration of water pooling in your sink? Blocked drains are a common plumbing issue that can disrupt your daily routine and create unnecessary stress. Understanding the basics and knowing how to clear them can save you a lot of trouble. So, before you let blocked drains dampen your day, we’ve got some easy-to-follow tips that can help you tackle them.
Simple Steps To Diagnose Your Blocked Drain
First, let’s find out if your drain is indeed blocked. Here are several ways to assess the situation:
- Visual Inspection: Take a look down the drain. Often, blockages are caused by visible debris like hair or soap scum.
- Water Test: Run water and see how quickly it drains. If it’s slower than usual, you’ve likely got a blockage.
- Listen for Sounds: Blocked drains often make gurgling sounds. These noises are caused by air trapped in the pipes and can indicate a blockage.
- Check for Bad Odours: Foul smells emanating from your drain can be a sign of accumulated food, grease or other organic matter that’s starting to decompose.
- Toilet Flush Test: If the water rises to an unusually high level or drains slowly, there’s likely a blockage.
Using Household Items For Clearing Minor Blockages
Here’s how you can use household items to clear minor drain clogs:
- Hot Water: This is perhaps the simplest method. Hot water can dissolve soap scum and grease that’s clogging your kitchen sink. Just pour it down the drain in two or three stages.
- Plunger: For sinks, use a cup plunger. For toilets, a flange plunger is more effective. Make sure to create a tight seal around the drain and use vigorous up-and-down motions to dislodge the clog.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain to keep the reaction below the surface, enhancing its effectiveness. Wait an hour or so, then flush with hot water.
- Wire Hanger: A straightened wire hanger with a small hook bent at one end can reach deeper clogs that are beyond the reach of plungers. Carefully feed it down the drain until you feel resistance, then twist and pull to remove the clog. Be gentle to avoid damaging your pipes.
While it’s tempting to reach for chemical cleaners, they’re not always the best solution. They can damage your pipes and harm the environment.
Tackling Tough Blockages: When To Call A Professional
While household items can be helpful for minor blockages, they might not work for more severe clogs. In such cases, it’s best to consult a professional plumber to avoid damaging your plumbing system:
- Recurring Clogs: If the same drain keeps clogging, it might be time for a professional assessment.
- Multiple Blocked Drains: This could indicate a problem with your main line.
- Water Backing Up: If water starts appearing in strange places, call a plumber immediately.
Why Do Drains Get Blocked And How Can You Prevent It?
Understanding why drains get blocked is key to preventing future issues. Here are common causes and prevention tips:
- Hair Accumulation: Hair, especially in showers and bathroom sinks, is a common cause of blockages. Use a drain guard to catch hair and clean it regularly.
- Soap Scum: Soap can combine with minerals in water to form a hard residue known as soap scum, which can clog pipes. Regular cleaning can help prevent this build-up.
- Foreign Objects: Small objects or non-biodegradable items like wipes and sanitary products can easily block drains. Be mindful of what you flush or wash down the drain.
- Grease and Oil Build-up: Grease, oil and fat from cooking can solidify in pipes, causing blockages. Avoid pouring grease down the drain.
- Food Waste: Even small food particles can accumulate over time. Use a sink strainer to catch food debris and dispose of it properly.
Need Help With A Tricky Blockage?
If you’re facing a stubborn blockage, it’s time to call in the professionals. At O’Brien Plumbing Maroochydore, we have the expertise and equipment to quickly and safely resolve the issue. Our plumbers are equipped to handle drain blockages, ensuring your home’s plumbing system runs smoothly. Get in touch with us today!
