Being one of the most common plumbing problems, blockages in the drains are prevalent not only in Australia but in many countries around the globe. It is one of the potential issues that can worsen over time if not treated at the earliest. Whether it’s hiring professional help for blocked drains or finding a simple solution, here are some tips that can help out in case such an issue arrives:
- Preparation Is The First Choice: The best way to deal with drain blockage is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Look out for the obvious signs that indicate the presence of pipes being clogged. Some of them are:
- Sinks take a longer time than usual to drain.
- Water pooling around the sinkhole in the bathroom.
- Presence of odours emanating from the drains or pipelines.
If treated at the earliest, homeowners can prevent a rather nasty situation and save a bundle of money that would otherwise be spent on expensive repairs down the road. As an added measure, prevent flushing down diapers, wipes or other sanitary and hygiene products down the drain. Avoid pouring grease and oil in the sink in the kitchen too, as they also cause buildup over time. Do a maintenance check regularly and replace older pipes with new and stronger materials.
- Seeking Professional Help: For those who have no idea about the layout of the pipes or what to do in the case of blocked drains, call for professionals. Individuals who work on them without prior knowledge or experience can make the whole situation worse if they don’t know what they’re doing. Another issue might be that the blockage cannot be resolved by simple methods alone, in which case equipment and tools are required for the pipes to be opened or replaced. With a large number of companies providing plumbing services in the country, customers won’t have a problem finding the right one.
- Pouring Boiling Water Down The Drain: Simple and worth a try, boiling water can help dissolve any unnecessary residues that might get clogged in the pipes. It’s an easy fix if the homeowner doesn’t want to try any drastic measures to unclog the drain. Boiling water can also help loosen the blockage but take care not to use it on PVC pipes. Only use boiling water if the pipe is made of ceramic or metal, any other material, as the high temperatures will surely loosen the joint, leading to a leak.
- Using A Wire Hanger: Another simple and effective solution for clogged drains; wire hangers can be straightened out and twisted at the end to create a hook. Then, you need to insert the hanger into the drain and start pulling out any hunk or clogged hair that might be potentially blocking the water flow. Take care not to push it further into the drain, so be careful.
- Using A Plunger: Not a nice way to clear the blockage, but it still gets the job done. However, homeowners must take care to cover or seal the opening properly. Lack of proper sealing may not get the pressure or force required to clear the clogged pipes. A drawback to plunging is that it doesn’t work well on pipes laden with grease and mineral deposits. Plunging works well for solid blockages and if the house doesn’t have a plunger, try using a vacuum with a liquid setting for suction.
- High-pressure Water Jets: If the grease buildup is what’s causing the problem, try introducing a high-pressure water jet into the drain. Although this task is suited more for the professionals, if the clogged part is closer to the opening, homeowners can try it out themselves. There are no repercussions involved and, if done right, can clear the blockage, forcing it through the pipes.
Vinegar, caustic soda, baking soda, and cleaning agents like detergents have been speculated to do the trick. Don’t use any strong chemicals as this might risk getting the material corroded.
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