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What Causes Blocked Drains?

Fats, oils, and grease that solidify and accumulate are primary culprits in kitchen drain blockages. Food particles can also get lodged and accumulate. Likely one of the most common causes for blockages, hair soap buildup from bathrooms can accumulate in pipes.

Persistent tree roots are amongst the most concerning culprits causing blocked drains, interfering with essential water flow. Root systems spread underground in search of moisture, frequently infiltrating and blocking sewer lines. Invading roots can block your sewer drain, potentially leading to complete blockage. Tree roots are a major factor in the high percentage of outdoor drain blockages.

Other blockage sources, such as cotton wool or baby wipes, cause drain issues in the drain system when flushed down the toilet as materials fail to disintegrate. It’s common for what can do further harm, like toys and foreign objects accidentally dropped into your drains, to cause a blocked drain. Silt, dirt, and grit can also accumulate in drains, gradually restricting water flow.

These stubborn materials can get stuck inside pipes, making drains congested and cause water flow issues.

Identifying the causes of a blocked drain, understanding how unblock them, is crucial for finding targeted solutions. Knowing the range of potential causes leads to more effective drain maintenance.

Fats, oils, and grease that solidify and accumulate are primary culprits in kitchen drain blockages.

Strands of hair can entangle with debris, forming masses that obstruct water flow and cause blockages.

Warning Signs of a Drain Blockage

Grasping how to ensure unwanted materials don’t make their way into pipes is vital to stave off a plumbing problem becoming escalated. Discovering how to tackle blocked drains begins with being vigilant for signs your drain may be obstructed through a reliable plumbing service:

Slow Draining

Noticing slow drainage in your showers drain could imply a build-up of oils and grease, suggesting it’s inspection time. When drains empty slower than usual, it often indicates a developing clog that may require clearing.

Gurgling Noises

Loud gurgling noises from your kitchen sink as water recedes are abnormal and may indicate potential pipe blockage. It signifies that water is struggling to get through a partial blockage in pipes cause the sound and can potentially affect your walls.

Sewage Odours

Strong sewage-like odours usually indicate a need to clear blockages caused by washed-down substances. Gas becomes trapped behind a drain blocked, which could have been avoided by not having items washed down the drain, eventually emerging as signs blocked drains are most known for, such as a foul odour.

Overflowing Water

If the water level rises in your drain pipes, with hot water coming out in sinks or tubs during draining, it clearly indicates a total blockage. Water cannot exit down the pipes at all.

Visible Water Puddling

Excess water coming your way and pooling around your property’s outside drain can get your attention as it indicates a blockage caused by debris causing obstructions. Water backs up because it has nowhere else to go, signalling a blocked drain.

Being attuned to these warning signs allows you to recognise the signs blocked drain and address the issue early. Swift action can resolve your plumbing issues, and we recommend professional services to prevent further contamination. Please don’t hesitate to call us to deal blocked drains should you come across any related issues.

DIY Methods To Unblock A Drain

Exploring simple DIY methods on how fix a drain can be the first step before seeking professional assistance. Here are some practical methods utilising everyday household products:

Baking Soda and Vinegar

A mix of baking soda and vinegar effectively breaks down grease, fat deposits, and other clogs. The chemical reaction creates pressure to clear obstructions and restore water flow.

Pour a combination of soda vinegar down the drain, starting with 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup heated white vinegar. After letting the mixture sit, pour boiling water down to flush away the dislodged debris.

Plunger

Evaluate how much force to use with a sturdy sink plunger over the plug hole to effectively clear the blockage. This action can dislodge any obstructions a blocked drain can present. With a steady rhythm, one can contend with a blocked drain and effectively push blockages further down.

Wire Coat Hanger

Straighten out the coat hanger and bend one end to create a hook. Push this down into the drain and twist to catch debris. Slowly pull out the wire hook along with any hair or objects caught on it.

Drain Snake

A manually operated drain snake is an effective tool for promptly resolving clogged drains. Feed the metal coil down the pipes and crank the handle once hitting resistance. The spiralling end grabs and pulls up the stubborn clogs.

Always exercise caution when using any implements in drains to avoid scratching fixtures. And be cautious about what cleaners you use, refraining from harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes and lead to complications. For more persistent or stubborn issues, consulting professional plumbing services for an accurate solution is advisable.

When To Call A Professional Plumber

Although home remedies may work for minor drain blockages, more complex issues may require a professional plumber’s expertise.

Recurrent Blockages

If you discover your drains get clogged repeatedly, a deeper issue likely exists. Recurring blockages could be indicative of deteriorating pipes, extensive root invasion, or inherent design flaws.

Complete Drain Failure

No water passing through at all, or the presence of overflowing drains or sewage backup, signals a complete blockage. Professionals, employing tools like a cctv drain camera, possess the high-powered gear required to eliminate severe blockages.

Unusual Odours

Powerful sewage odours coming from drains could be a sign you should know your sewer system has been compromised by gas leaks. This is hazardous and requires immediate professional help.

Multiple Affected Drains

Should every fixture begin to exhibit slow clearing, it may point to a main drain issue needing immediate attention. Only experts can address issues on this scale.

Rodents

Signs of rodent infestation around drains may indicate they have entered through gaps caused by extensive corrosion or damage. This necessitates repair by qualified personnel.

Plumbing Vent Issues

Improperly ventilated plumbing vents can produce gurgling sounds as a result of siphoning. Professionals can identify and rectify venting problems.

We have the advanced tools and expertise to accurately diagnose the cause of persistent or serious drain blockages. Please contact Marrickville Plumbing via email or 1300 349 338 to schedule an appointment with our professional plumbers if you experience any of the above issues.

How To Prevent Blocked Drains

Preventing blocked drains involves establishing good household habits and regularly maintaining your drainage system. Here are strategies to address the common causes blocked drains face:

Use Drain Strainers

Fit drain strainers to kitchen sinks, as well as shower drains, to catch food waste, hair, and other debris can otherwise lead to blockages. Clean strainers regularly.

Avoid Grease Buildup

To avoid clogs, let fats, oils, and grease solidify before disposal and wipe off any residue before rinsing pans and plates. Wipe pans and plates thoroughly to remove fats and oils before rinsing with hot water to prevent solidification in the sink. Particularly avoid pouring cooking fat or oil directly down sink, as these substances can quickly solidify and pave a path to plumbing troubles.

Only Flush Toilet Paper

Flushing anything other than toilet paper, such as wipes and feminine hygiene products, can lead to clogs in your plumbing system. Use a trash can instead.

Use Liquid Soap

Opting for liquid dish soap, which soap can prevent clogs, rather than solid bars, avoids messy residues in drains. Liquid hand soap rinses away cleanly into drains, avoiding any residue.

Snake Your Drains

Regular monthly use of a drain snake can prevent build-up from hair and other debris. Taking preventive action keeps drains clear.

Managing these household habits and regular maintenance can do prevent costly blockages. Contact us if you need any professional drain servicing.

News & Information

Plunger Unblock Drain?
Can A Plunger Unblock A Drain?

A simple household plunger uses water pressure to unclog pipes and drains. It’s ideal to try a plunger first on blocked sinks, showers and toilets before calling a plumber. Quickly and easily unblock your drain before problems worsen.

Fix Hot Water Pressure
Fix Low Hot Water Pressure

Is your hot water pressure too low? There are various causes including blocked pipes, faulty valves and regulators, scale build-up and more. Our licensed Marrickville plumbers offer fast, affordable solutions to diagnose and boost hot water pressure throughout your home.

Hot Water System Work?
How Does A Hot Water System Work?

Hot water systems work by heating cold water in a tank or on demand as it flows through. Electric, gas and solar systems heat the water differently but all supply hot water when you need it. For professional installation, repairs or advice call our expert team on 1300 000 000.

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