Most people will experience drain blockages at some point. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent them from happening again in the future.
The best way to deal with a blocked drain is to stop it from forming in the first place. Thankfully, this is easy with household items such as a plunger and white vinegar solutions.
Causes
There are a wide range of reasons for blocked drains. Whether it’s because your toilet isn’t flushing like it should, or the kitchen sink isn’t draining as it should, there could be a few different issues at play.
Grease or fat build-up is a major contributor to blocked drains and pipes. When washed down the kitchen sink, this fatty substance sticks to the inside of the pipes and builds up until liquids can’t pass through it.
Toiletries are also a big culprit. From tampons to wet wipes, these items absorb water and enlarge, blocking access to the drain pipe.
Poor workmanship or installation of the pipes may also contribute to blockages. This includes drains that are too small for the job, or not fitted with adequate falls. Heavy rains can also overwhelm drains that are outside the house. These drains are not designed to handle large amounts of water and this can cause flooding and other damage.
Symptoms
One of the most common reasons that people call a plumber in Adelaide is due to drainage problems. Whether it’s a sink, toilet or bathtub that isn’t draining properly, it can lead to significant damage to your pipes and sewer system if left untreated.
Some of the most obvious symptoms of a blocked drain include a foul smell, slow water flow and a raised toilet water level. The latter can indicate that the clog is nearing the sewer line and it’s best to call a plumber to prevent it from getting worse.
It’s also a good idea to choose a plumber with great customer reviews. These can give you a real insight into how the company performs. Ask for contact details of the clients that they’ve served, so you can verify their claims. A reputable plumber will always be willing to provide this information. They’ll also have the latest equipment and tools to handle any plumbing problem.
Treatment
Whether it’s a slow-draining kitchen sink or a bath that takes forever to empty, a blocked drain can cause havoc and disrupt your day to day routine. But clogs don’t have to be an emergency, and they can usually be treated with some basic DIY methods.
Often, a simple blockage can be cleared using the classic baking soda and vinegar trick. Mix equal parts of the two ingredients, pour down the clogged drain, let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then flush the pipe with hot water.
Foreign objects like baby wipes, cotton pads, sanitary items and electronic waste can block toilets and drains when they’re flushed down the drain. Ensure these materials are disposed of correctly, rather than washed away into the sewer.
Grease that’s washed down kitchen drains can become solidified in the pipes, preventing liquids from passing through. Avoid this by washing up fatty foods in glass jars that can be discarded with your rubbish.
Prevention
The drains and pipes that make up your home’s plumbing system are designed to only handle human waste and water. They’re not equipped to deal with other materials, and that’s when problems start to occur.
Foreign objects flushed down toilets are one of the most common causes of blocked drains. From baby wipes to cotton pads and sanitary items, these items don’t break down like toilet paper does and they collect in drains, causing blockages.
Fatty grease can also cause problems by solidifying on the inside of the pipe walls. To prevent this, try to avoid washing fatty ingredients down the sink and pour leftover cooking oil or fat into small glass jars to throw away with your garbage. You can also use caustic soda (also known as Sodium Hydroxide) to clean your drains and pipes. Always wear rubber gloves and eye protection when handling caustic soda, and follow the instructions on the label carefully.
