Causes of Blocked Drains in Your Home
Blocked drains are a common issue that can occur in any part of the home. Understanding what causes clogs in different areas can help prevent them from happening in the first place.
The kitchen is a major source of drain blockages.
Pouring fats, oils and grease down the sink allows them to accumulate and solidify in pipes. Pouring fats, oils and grease down the sink allows them to accumulate and solidify in pipes. Using drain strainers and disposing of fats and oils properly is key to avoiding kitchen drain issues.
Bathroom sinks and showers are prone to clogs from hair, soap scum and particles from personal grooming products. As they collect in pipes, hair and soap buildup grabs onto additional debris, eventually forming a mass that blocks water flow. Using drain catchers and regularly removing hair from sinks and showers helps reduce this problem.
Toilets account for the majority of drain issues.
Despite some being marketed as flushable, wipes do not break down and can wrap around pipes and valves, causing costly clogs. Toilet paper is designed to dissolve in water, but wipes contain plastics and fibres that stick to pipe walls. Properly disposing of wipes and using a plunger at the first sign of a clog can prevent major toilet backups.
No matter how careful your household is, drains can still become blocked over time from gradual buildup. Contact a professional plumber if you encounter persistent or severe clogging issues.
Quick Fixes to Attempt Before Calling a Plumber
When facing a minor household drain blockage, there are a few quick fixes you can try before calling a professional plumber:
- Use a plunger - Place the plunger over the drain opening and plunge up and down rapidly to dislodge clogs. Cover overflow holes first.
- Baking soda and vinegar - Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup vinegar. Cover and let sit 15 minutes before rinsing with hot water.
- Boiling water - Pour a pot of boiling water slowly down the drain to help dissolve buildup.
- Wire hanger or zip-it tool - For sink drains, straighten a wire hanger and use the end to fish out hair and debris. Zip-it plastic tools work similarly.
Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes and cause injuries if spilled or inhaled. Attempting extensive drain repairs without proper knowledge can make problems worse.
If simple solutions don’t resolve the issue, call a professional plumber for assistance. They have the expertise and tools to diagnose and fix drain blockages properly.
When to Call for Emergency Plumbing Services
There are certain plumbing emergencies that require immediate assistance from a professional to prevent severe damage or harm.
If you are experiencing any of the following, call an emergency plumber right away:
- Major flooding from burst pipes, ruptured hot water tanks, or overflowing fixtures
- Sewage backup causing toilets, tubs, showers, and drains to overflow
- Complete blockage of your main sewer drain line
- All drains in your home are completely clogged and no water is draining
- Serious leaks from pipes, especially gas lines
- No hot water throughout your home
Take prompt action if DIY attempts to clear a clog have failed or if the drain keeps backing up repeatedly. Leaving some emergencies unchecked allows the problem to worsen over time and causes extensive damage.
Calling a professional emergency plumber as soon as serious issues arise helps contain the problem. They have the tools and expertise to tackle the issue and prevent major destruction to your home and belongings.
What a Professional Plumber Can Do to Unblock Drains
When faced with a severe blocked drain, calling a professional plumber is the best solution. Plumbers have industry-leading equipment and expertise to clear even the toughest clogs.
One of the most effective tools plumbers use is a high-powered, truck-mounted water jet. Connecting this machine to blocked drains generates up to 4,000 PSI of water pressure strong enough to blast away almost any obstruction. It can scour pipe interiors and flush out accumulated grease, soap scum, tree roots and other debris.
Plumbers also utilise drain augers or “snake” cables with rotating blades on the end to break up blockages mechanically. The rotating blades latch onto debris like hair and shred it as the cable spins. This method works especially well for clearing soap buildup in blocked bathroom sinks and shower drains.
In cases of major sewer clogs, plumbers can insert cameras into lines to pinpoint the location and cause of the blockage. This allows them to determine the best method of clearing it and check for pipe damage needing repair.
Professional drain cleaning services provide lasting solutions. Plumbers can advise on installing screens over drains to catch hair and debris before it enters pipes. They may also recommend regular maintenance like preventative drain flushing to keep pipes clear.
Rather than struggle with makeshift DIY drain fixes, rely on a plumber. They have the specialised equipment and know-how to diagnose issues and unblock drains properly.
Preventative Maintenance to Avoid Future Blockages
Taking steps to properly maintain drains is one of the best ways to prevent frustrating and costly blockages from occurring.
For typical homes, having drains professionally inspected and cleaned once per year is recommended. However, households with more occupants, older plumbing systems or a history of drain issues may require maintenance every 6 months.
At home, avoid pouring fats or harsh chemicals down drains. Dispose of food scraps in the trash, not the sink. Install sink strainers to catch particles, and regularly remove hair and soap scum from drains.
Other preventative measures include flushing pipes monthly by sending a mixture of hot water, baking soda and vinegar through. Consider planting trees away from underground sewer lines to avoid invasive root growth.
Though it requires some diligence, preventative drain maintenance saves money over continually dealing with blockages. Fewer emergency calls to a plumber also reduces service fees and property damage from sewage backups or flooding.
For the most thorough drain cleaning and ongoing maintenance, rely on a professional plumber. They have the specialised equipment and expertise to keep drains clear and flowing properly.
Finding a Reputable and Trusted Plumber in Your Area
When it comes to plumbing emergencies, having a reputable, local plumber you can rely on is crucial. Here are some tips for finding a trusted plumbing company in your area of Marsfield, Sydney:
Look for licenced, insured plumbers
Make sure any plumber you consider hiring is fully licenced and insured. This protects you in case of any damages. Ask to see their licence and certificate of insurance.
Choose a plumber located nearby
Opt for a plumbing company based in Marsfield or nearby suburbs. Local plumbers are familiar with local building codes and have quicker response times for emergencies.
Verify necessary qualifications and experience
Look for plumbers experienced in all the services you may need, such as drain cleaning, hot water systems, gas fitting and leak repair. Ensure they are qualified to provide the specific plumbing solutions required.
Read online reviews
Do some research by reading reviews on Google, Facebook or independent sites. This helps gauge plumbers’ responsiveness, timeliness, work quality and customer service.
Confirm they offer emergency services
Choose a plumbing company that provides 24/7 emergency services for urgent issues like drain blockages or burst pipes that require immediate attention.
Get referrals from family and neighbours
Personal recommendations from people you trust are one of the best ways to find a reputable local plumber.
Contact Marsfield Plumbing for reliable service
With over 25 years of experience, Marsfield Plumbing is familiar with plumbing systems in local homes. Our licenced, expert plumbers provide prompt, quality solutions for any plumbing emergency. Email us or call 1300 349 338 to schedule an appointment.
