A blocked drain can be a major problem for any homeowner. It is important to act quickly before the problem gets out of hand. Blocked drains can very quickly become a serious plumbing issue. If you do not know what to do and the issue has escalated quickly, call us right away. If not, there are a few things you can try yourself. Blocked drains can be caused by a number of different things. Over time, leaving a blocked drain to sit can cause a nasty odor that nobody wants to deal with.
The build-up of gunk and residue within the drain is the culprit for the stinky smell. That’s why it’s so important to solve your blocked drain issue sooner rather than later. Luckily, there are some simple tricks and checks you can do to clear the block and prevent it from happening again. Read on to find out more.
How to Clear Blocked Drain
1) The Hot Water Method
Pour boiling water into the sink drain to help remove fat and waste. Boiling water may also aid in the removal of blockages by relaxing and melting gunk. This technique won’t work for serious blockages, even though it isn’t always successful. Keep in mind that when you use hot water, it may push the obstruction deeper into your pipes, making cleaning more difficult.
2) Use a Drain Rod
Once you’ve tried using both baking soda and vinegar as well as pouring hot boiling water down your drain if all fails; it’s time to bring out the big guns! First purchase a little basket or basket-like device called a wire coil (they call them wire coils because they once were made entirely out of metal) at any major hardware store. Next, go into your kitchen sink cabinet and pull out your trusty drain rod. Once you grab the drain rod, attach it to the wire coil so they can work together.
3) The Plunger Method
A plunger’s purpose is to unblock clogged systems so you can get rid of the water trapped inside. The tried-and-true methods may yet be the most effective. That is why every house should have a plunger in its bathrooms. Plungers work by pushing air downward or sucking it up, perhaps dislodging the blockage and improving pipe flow.
4) Chemical Solutions
The most popular drain cleaners include sodium hydroxide, acid solution, and draino. Chemical drain cleaners can unclog even the most tenacious blockages. They come in a variety of forms, including powder, liquid, and gel, so choose one that is appropriate for your requirements. They work by dissolving the blockage and producing clean, clear pipes as a result. These chemicals have the potential to be harmful if not handled correctly. You may either have your local plumber do it for you or try this technique yourself.
5) Baking Soda and Vinegar
The vinegar and baking soda combination is a simple at-home treatment that’s both successful and environmentally friendly. Simply lay one cup baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) down the clogged drain, then one cup vinegar, leave it for about 10-15 minutes to work, then clean the drain with hot water once it’s finished. The pressure generated by the expanding mixtures forces the blockage downward as they travel along. The solution also helps to remove soap scum from drains because it aids in its removal.
Sinks
6) Never put food waste down the drain
The best prevention for a blocked kitchen drain is to safely dispose of food waste. Dispose of oil and grease in containers that can be thrown in the bin. Always put food waste in the bin or compost.
7) Catch hair with a wire coat hanger
Always do your best to catch long hair before it runs down the drain. But if there is a likely build-up, a coat hanger can help! Using an old-school wire coat hanger, bend it into shape so you can wriggle the hooked end down the drain. Twirl the wire around and it will latch onto any hair within reach. You can also purchase a small, handheld plastic drain snake for the same job!
Toilets
8) Prevention and plunging
The easiest approach to unclog a toilet is not to flush disposables, hard objects, or anything but toilet paper and human waste. Clogs do exist, however. If they do, a toilet plunger or bellows plunger is the best method to determine whether you can easily remove an obstructing item.
Floor Drains
9) Your floor drains are just as susceptible to blockages.
They’re a component of your entire plumbing system, and if hair or toilet paper builds up in one location, they’ll be affected. You may at the very least consider it as an easy access point!
Storm Water Pipes
10) Keep your stormwater drains clear with regular garden maintenance.
Rake the leaves on a regular basis, tidy up grass clippings, and collect any loose debris after pruning or rain. When the next storm strikes, future flood risk will be reduced thanks to this. If you’re dealing with a blocked stormwater pipe, call us immediately as this is a sign of a serious plumbing issue.
Confused? Contact Us Today.
The sooner you call us when faced with a blocked drain, the faster we can fix it. It is important to be proactive in preventing drain blockages, as they can cause serious problems and disrupt your daily routine. As mentioned above, no one wants to deal with a smelly drain, that’s why it’s so important to clear any blockages going on within your pipes so that you don’t have a disaster on your hands later on. The 10 tips we’ve outlined should help you keep your drains clear and running smoothly.
If you do experience a blocked drain, try one of the methods listed above and don’t hesitate to call us if the problem persists. We’re here to help you with any of your plumbing needs. If you follow all of the instructions, there shouldn’t be any reason for a plumbing emergency. If by chance something goes wrong and you find yourself struggling even after all the tips we’ve provided, give us a call so we can help you out.