Blocked Drains

One of the most common causes for a blocked drain would be tree roots which can aggressively target your water pipes and cause them to block up. The next main cause is fats and food which produce ‘fatbergs’ when they solidify due to a drop in temperature and they easily pool together around other items such as paper wipes to create large scale fat mass. Ensuring you dispose of oils used when cooking as opposed to allowing these to run into the sink will minimize the risk of blockages. Other small objects such as little toys, body hair and soap scum are also known to contribute to blockages so keeping your wet areas tidy is the way to go.

Even if you are vigilant and do your best to look after your drains there is still a chance that a blockages in your pipes and plumbing could occur. The tell tale signs that you could be suffering from a blocked drain include:

1. Unpleasant smells
2. Water draining away slowly
3. Gurgling sounds

If the water level in your toilet is lower than it should be this could also indicate that you have a potential blockage. Water draining away from your sink or shower much slower than usual is also an indicator.

For mild blockages there are some simple tricks that may help you DIY it yourself to clear a blocked drain:

1. Pour hot water into the drain. This is the best first attempt method as no chemicals are being used and it is simple to undertake.
2. Plunge the drain using a good quality plunger to ensure you get plenty of suction power. The plunger needs to cover the entire area of the drain opening.
3. Baking soda and vinegar is a trialed and proven remedy using natural ingredients to clear a blocked drain. Start with hot water then add 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar.
4. Wire hanger can be useful to clear physical blockages like paper wipes or small objects.
5. Lastly if you feel confident check the U bend of the pipe plumbing to identify whether any blockages are present that can be easily cleared.

If all else fails don’t hesitate in giving Phil a call and we would be glad to clear major blockages using our plumbing experience and the latest technologies such as hi pressure water jet systems.