If you have a clogged drain, don’t panic! There are many ways to unblock stormwater pipes. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 easy ways to unblock your drain and get your water flowing again. You’ll be able to find most of the tools required at your local hardware store. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent drain blockages from happening in the first place.
In some cases where the blockage is too difficult to repair on your own, it would be best to call your local plumber. That’s what we at Emergency Plumbers are here for, located in Sydney with more than 30 years of experience in the field, we’re here to help you with all your plumbing needs.
First of all, how do you identify if your stormwater drain pipe is blocked? The obvious signs are easy to catch, such as water pooling up by your drain. But there are a few other signs you be overlooking.
Telltale signs that your stormwater drain is not functioning as it should be:
- Overflowing roof gutters. The gutters around your roof are designed to catch rainwater and help it flow into the gutter. But if your roof gutters are overflowing, this would mean that your downpipes or underground pipework could be blocked.
- Water pooling or bogged up areas in your backyard. If some areas in your backyard are muddy, if there’s water that’s pooling up, then this is a classic sign that water isn’t escaping into the drainage system, and that there could be a blockage.
- Finally, the obvious sign that is easy to catch is if there’s water overflowing from the base of your downpipes. This is a strong indication that there’s a blockage in the stormwater system that needs to be attended to.
Stormwater drains and pipes frequently overflow when they are clogged. This is due to the fact that stormwater drains typically carry a significant volume of water. Leaving a blocked drain/stormwater pipe untreated can lead to other serious issues around the house. One simple issue can quickly turn into multiple issues if left unattended for too long.
Other issues that a blocked stormwater pipe will lead to:
- A blocked gutter can cause water to flow into your house leading to potential floods around your property.
- Damage to your property and surroundings. The water flow from a blocked pipe or drain can pass under doors and damage your floors.
- When water cannot enter your stormwater drainage system, it might back up onto your roof, causing leaks in your house.
- Rainwater that sits around may attract more mosquito breeding resulting in an overgrowth of mosquitoes around your property.
- Moist conditions are the perfect environment for algae growth to be produced. An overgrowth of algae can result in a slip hazard.
- There are also potential health risks that can occur as a result of mould growth. Moisture and dampness are the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria to harvest, thus leading to the growth of mould. The presence of mould around your home can pose risks to asthmatics, people with chronic illness, and anyone with an immunodeficiency disorder.
Common causes of blocked drains
Debris
Debris is the most prevalent reason of clogged drains. Whether this debris is natural materials such as leaves, branches, or other natural items that have been naturally relocated or alien materials introduced by human activity like soaps, toilet tissue, and sanitary towels, and waste food, they all have the ability to stop water from flowing between drains and pipes.
Heavy rainfall
Higher-than-average rainfall disrupts drainage systems, causing blockages and flooding due to excessive water run-off. The accumulation of leaves, mud, dirt, and other material finds its way into drainage systems as a result of higher than average rainfall, creating clogs. Storm drains aside, the majority of drains aren’t built to handle massive amounts
Water flow problems
Gravity is the force that keeps water flowing downhill. Water will not flow uphill, so pipe installations must be properly installed and include enough falls to ensure continuous water flow and that debris particles do not begin to accumulate. Slow draining water, gurgling noises from flushed toilets, and unpleasant odours emanating from sinks and drains are all early indications of poor water flow.
Broken pipes
When pipes become cracked and break, water cannot flow freely and the pipe may collapse, causing the drain to clog. Broken pipes can be caused by natural ageing or poor installation; alternatively, the roots of trees may damage pipes, causing a lot of damage before the problem is detected.
Incorrect connection
If your stormwater pipes are not appropriately connected, expect to have water drains clogged on a regular basis. If you find out that your home’s stormwater pipe is improperly linked, you should contact us at Emergency Plumbers immediately.
Preventing blocked stormwater pipes
Implementing effective prevention plans can help avoid a blocked draining pipe tremendously. the best way to do this is to set up routine cleaning schedules at least once a year. This method will ensure that you save your money and effort later on.
Another way you can implement prevention plans is to recognise the warning signs of a blocked pipe and gutter. Learning about the various ways of how a blocked pipe appear, such as the ones we have listed above, will give you the confidence about when to call us at Emergency Plumbers to help you with your needs.
You can also install guards and grates to assist in avoiding blockages. They are there to keep debris and leaves out of the drain when you install them. If you clean the guards and gratings on a regular basis, there will be no debris escaping into the pipes.
5 easy ways to unblock stormwater pipes:
The hot water method
Pouring hot water might help remove fat and garbage from the sink drain. Of course, boiling water can assist in the removal of obstructions by relaxing and melting gunk. Although it isn’t always successful, this approach won’t work for more serious blockages. When pouring hot water, keep in mind that it may push the obstruction deeper into your pipes, making it harder to clean.
Plunger
The tried-and-true methods may still be the finest. That’s why every home should have a plunger. Plungers function by pushing air down or sucking it up, hopefully dislodging the blockage and helping to increase the flow within the blocked pipe.
Bicarb and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar – a simple home cure that is both effective and environmentally friendly. Simply lay one cup baking soda (bicarb soda) down the clogged drain, then one cup vinegar, leave it for about 10-15 minutes to operate, then clean the drain with hot water once it’s done. The pressure created by the expanding mixtures pushes the obstruction down as they move along. The solution also aids in removing soap scum which can also build up within drains.
Drain snake
A plumber’s snake is a bit like a colonoscopy for your drains. This contraption will dislodge or break up fibres, snag lightweight materials, and scrape clean the pipe walls. Drain snakes have the potential to worsen the clog if you have no experience with using them. So, if you are inexperienced in clearing clogs from drains, it would be best to leave the drain snake to the professionals.
Drano and chemicals
Drano, hydrochloric acid, or caustic soda are the most frequently used chemicals to unclog sinks. Chemical drain cleaners can remove 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 needs. They can work by disintegrating the blockage, therefore resulting in clean, clear pipes. These chemicals can be dangerous to work with, so, use precaution. Alternatively, you can have your local plumber do this method for you.
It is not always advisable to try to unclog your blocked stormwater drains by yourself. This is because, unlike other drainage systems, stormwater drains connect pipes from the roof to channels which then discharge water into the kerb in the street. if your property is struggling with a blocked stormwater pipe, don’t hesitate to call us. We’re here for all your plumbing needs.