Clogged drains can be a huge annoyance, but thankfully there are some simple steps you can take to unblock them. In this article we’ll discuss the most effective ways of tackling blocked drains so that you can get your sink and bath flowing again. Ready? So click here for your guide to clearing up your clogged pipes!
Common Causes of Blocked Drains
One of the first things you should do when trying to unblock a drain is to identify what is actually causing the blockage in the first place. The most common culprits are hair, soap build-up and other debris. Grease from food preparation and cooking can also solidify over time, leading to a buildup on the walls of your drainpipe that restricts water flow.
How to Clear Blocked Drains
The first step in unblocking a drain is to simply try plunging it with a plunger – this can often dislodge the blockage and get things flowing again. If that doesn’t work, then you may have to resort to chemicals such as drain unblockers or enzymatic cleaners.
If these fail, it could be that the blockage is further down the pipe and so you’ll need to use rods or snakes to get to the root of the problem. Professional plumbers tend to have specialised tools such as rotary electric eels which they use to break up tougher blockages.
Preventing Blocked Drains
To avoid having to go through the process of dealing with a blocked drain, it’s important to take steps to prevent it happening in the first place. This means not disposing of large pieces of food or other materials down the sink and avoiding pouring oil or grease down the plughole as this can solidify inside the pipes.
It’s also useful to fit mesh screens over the plugholes, as this will trap any hairs and debris that might otherwise lead to a blockage. It’s wise to check the strainers regularly and clear out any accumulating debris.
What Can You Do In an Emergency?
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of dealing with a blocked drain emergency, then there are a few tips that can help you avoid wasting time trying to fix it yourself. Firstly, if the problem is severe, contact a professional plumber as soon as possible. If the blockage is more minor, then you can try using a combination of a plunger and chemical agents to try and clear it out yourself. Just remember to take safety precautions, wear protective gear and avoid using boiling water or harsh acidic solutions as these can corrode the piping.
DIY Blocked Drain Solutions
If you want to save yourself money and try and clear the blockage yourself, then there are a few DIY techniques you can use. Using a plunger and a hot soapy mixture can often help to loosen the blockage and get your drains flowing again. If that doesn’t work, then you could try using a wire coat hanger to fish out any debris that’s blocking the pipes. This can be quite time consuming however, and might take several attempts before you succeed.
Alternatively, you can buy products specifically designed to unclog drains. These usually contain potent chemicals that should dissolve the blockage quickly, however be sure to read the instructions carefully and wear protective gear before attempting to use them.
Armed with these tips, you should now be in a much better position to tackle blocked drains when they occur. And by taking the necessary preventative steps, you should hopefully be able to keep your sinks and baths free flowing for many years to come!