Suffering from a clogged drain is a huge problem regardless of where it happens. The functionality of the household is disrupted, not to mention the potential for a major issue within the piping system. As a homeowner, you can feel frustrated and helpless, not knowing what to do.
It’s a matter of learning the causes and taking preventive measures. Here are some reasons for blocked drains to be aware of.
Food
Some food wastes washed into the drain won’t decompose, ultimately building up in the piping system where it becomes lodged. Cooking oil is a significant problem and a common substance found inside the piping system. It becomes a barrier once it cools in the pipes.
Foreign objects
Many items not meant for the system can fall into the toilet and accidentally get flushed, a large wad of toilet tissue, or children sending their toys on a sea voyage. Unfortunately, objects bigger than the size of the piping won’t move through the system and will block the flow of water.
Hair/soap
Hair and soap are a common build-up in the shower drain, significantly blocking the system. Shampoo, in particular, is an oily, greasy substance that doesn’t disintegrate readily.
Tree roots
Once tree roots begin to grow into the piping system, their strength can create weakening and eventual breaks in the pipes.
After becoming familiar with what leads to blocks, you can make some adjustments, be more cautious, and take preventive steps to avoid further problems.
Dealing With Blocked Drains: QLD Plumbers On Repair and Prevention Strategies
The first instinct when there’s a blocked drain is to reach out to a trained blocked drain plumber, and in many instances, that would be the safest, most cost-efficient, and most effective approach.
However, before contacting your service professional, here are troubleshooting techniques to try according to the experts for a quick fix.
Boiling water
An affordable, simple fix for a blocked sink is boiling water, making it a first try with the following steps:
- Scoop out as much standing water as possible from the basin
- Use an entire kettle of boiling water poured into the drain
- If the water stands in the basin, remove it again after cooling and pour salt into the drain, followed by more boiling water. Let this sit before flushing, and then repeat until the block breaks.
A plunger
A mini plunger can take some practice, but it’s another affordable method for clearing a drain.
- Cover the side that does not have an issue with a double basin since the plunging pressure can result in a spray coming up from that drain.
- Pour a few inches of hot water into the blocked side to create a seal.
- When you have a tight seal, start to pump for only a few seconds and then repeat until the sink drains.
Baking soda/vinegar
Drain cleaners often remedy a basin blockage, but these chemicals can be harsh. You can use a natural choice like baking soda and vinegar instead.
- Hot water and dish soap should be added first after scooping out any standing water.
- Use 1 cup of baking soda poured into the drain, then add a cup of white vinegar. Let this sit before flushing with 2 cups of hot water. Repeat if needed.
When you learn the causes of blocks, the key to curing blocked drains is prevention, although you have a newfound troubleshooting prowess and learned DIY fixes. It’s better not to have the issue at all.
Grease/oil
Avoiding putting grease and oil into the basin is essential. Find alternative disposal methods to save the pipes.
Leftovers/coffee grounds
While some food scraps might accidentally make their way into the drain, keeping food wastes out of the basin along with coffee grounds is essential. When added to water, these will create a clump and build up over time, blocking the system.
Drain covers
Use a strainer or drain cover whenever possible with the drains, especially in the bathroom, to avoid hair entering the gutter. Clean around the drain opening often to eliminate debris.
Clean drains
The drains should be regularly cleaned, which can involve adding a couple of cups of hot water directly into the system once each week to avoid blocks. Deep clean the basins and drains each fall and spring.
When blocked drains are repaired or preventive efforts are implemented, overall water consumption can be reduced, and utility costs lowered.
Water Leak Detection and Repair
A minor leak has the potential to be expensive since water is wasted, potential water damage is developing, and it can wreak havoc on other structural components, including the flooring. It’s crucial to find the source and have it fixed straight away. Go here for thorough details on leaks in the home.
Here are methods to detect that you have a leak and need to reach out to a plumber for an immediate repair.
- The sounds of running, dripping, or trickles of water in the ceiling or walls
- The cupboard laminate is bubbling or has noticeable soft areas, a sign of water damage
- Utility costs have increased while usage remains the same
- Water pressure is reduced
- Toilet running or leaking – add some food colouring to the tank; if after 10 minutes, colour shows in the basin, the tank is leaking into the drain
- A musty or foul odour, possibly mould perhaps, in the wall
- Wet areas are noticeable on carpets, moisture on the ceiling, flooring, and walls
A plumbing water leak detection specialist will be required to inspect to find the exact source of the leak, and a credentialed plumber will also make the necessary repairs.
As the homeowner, you will be responsible for the repairs unless the leaks are related to the water meter or the piping coming from the water meter connecting to the water main. These are the utility’s responsibility.
You do have the opportunity to apply with the council (if applicable) for “water relief.” The local council may provide this benefit if the leak was concealed or undetected and a licensed plumber made the corrections.
