Signs, Reasons, And Some Remedies For Blocked Drains

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Signs, Reasons, And Some Remedies For Blocked
Drains
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Introduction

• Smelly, blocked drains can cause significant
  damage and be a major inconvenience to live with.
  As a recurring problem for many homeowners in
  Sydney, you must learn to correctly identify a
  blockage, locate potential issues, and rectify
  them with the help of professional plumbers if
  need be. To this end, Crucial Plumbings expert
  technicians have prepared this post to help with
  clogged or blocked drains.

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Signs Indicating a Blocked Drain

• 1. Smell
• If your sink or drain hole has a bad odour, it
  could be due to the clogging of the drainpipe by
  household waste matter such as hair, paper, or
  fat. They fester and block the flow of water,
  causing a stinking smell.
• 2. Overflow
• Overflowing sinks can cause extensive damage to
  your home. Another menace is overflowing toilets.
  To prevent such unpleasant cases, you can gauge
  manholes and outdoor drains for signs of
  overflowing, of course from a safe distance, and
  report to your local plumbers.

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• 3. Gurgling Noises
• Gurgling and other odd sounds from drains, pipes,
  and sinks indicate water flowing around a
  blockage and trapped air.
• 4. Slow Drainage
• In case the water in toilet bowls, sinks,
  showers, and baths is slow to empty, forms
  backwash or bubbles or pools, then it is probably
  due to blocked drains. The water flow is
  obstructed that slows down drainage. If multiple
  fixtures are affected simultaneously, then the
  blockage can be located further down the main
  sewer drain.
• These general indicators need to be looked at
  professionally so that the right fix can be
  applied. But what gets drains blocked in the
  first place?

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Reasons for Blocked Drains

• 1. Tree roots
• If you are fond of gardening and have one at
  home, then be careful so that roots do not break
  into pipes through hairline cracks, especially if
  the pipes are old. Old clay pipes are more
  vulnerable so get regular checking done by
  professional plumbers.
• 2. Toiletries
• You will be amazed to know how high the
  statistics are for toiletries causing blocked
  drains. As per reports by Sydney Water, 75
  of sewer blockages were caused by flushed wet
  pipes! Other objects such as sanitary napkins,
  tissue papers, and loo paper lead to severe
  blockages. So, remember to properly dispose of
  these items.

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• 3. Oil
• Cooking oil, grease, and fat can form coatings on
  pipes and fatbergs, causing obstructions and
  blocked drains.
• 4. Hair
• These are one of the major causes of clogged
  drains in showers and bathtubs.
• 5. Mineral deposits
• Mineral build-ups can constrict pipes and lead to
  blocked drains. Regular descaling or installing
  water softeners in hard water areas can prevent
  such build-ups and protect the pipes.
• 6. Natural Debris
• Heavy rains, storms, or seasonal leaf drops cause
  gutters and garden grills to fill up with soil,
  leaves, and other natural objects. If not
  cleared, this pile of debris blocks pipes and
  drains.

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Some solutions to clear Blocked Drains

• 1. Boiling Water
• In a simple and straight way, it breaks down
  grease, soap, and other items that make lumps,
  loosening blockages. Mixing with detergent makes
  it doubly effective against greasy materials.
• Pro tip For PVC pipes, choose hot water instead
  of boiling water.
•  2. Cup Plungers
• A natural, non-chemical way of de-clogging pipes
  and drains, this helps create an air-based force
  that moves obstructions. However, it is not very
  effective against mineral build-ups and grease.

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• 3. Caustic Cleaners
• Not very environment-friendly but is quite
  helpful against tougher objects such as grease
  and hair. But remember to flush out chemical
  residues with cold water afterward. It is also
  not recommended for old pipes or PVC pipes.
• 4. Hydro Jets
• High-pressure water jets are very useful as they
  can move even the strongest of blockages like the
  ones caused by tree roots. But the high force
  requires professional handling so plumbers should
  operate them.
• 5. Plumbers Drain Snake
• Also known as Eel, this helps to remove
  blockages found near the drains opening.
  Possessing a longer range than a handheld drain,
  this is a professional tool that yields the best
  results when handled by an expert.

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• 6. Excavation
• Major damage will require the plumber to dig the
  area around the damage, followed by repairing the
  damage and replacement of the pipe and backfill.
• 7. Pipe Relining
• In some cases, a professional plumber will reline
  the existing old pipes at economic rates. This is
  increasingly becoming popular among people who
  have gardens and do not wish to damage them.

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Conclusion

• For advice on how to fix blocked drains, it is
  best to work with professional plumbers.
  Call Crucial Plumbing for help with blockages and
  a range of commercial and residential plumbing
  services including gas repairs, tap
  installations, and roof leaks.

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Contact Us

• Phone
• 02 8041 4999
• Email
• info_at_crucialplumbing.com.au
• Website
• www.crucialplumbing.com.au