Your plumbing system is one of the most important features of any home. Most of us just take it for granted, as it performs its daily functions in the background. That is until something goes wrong and then we have no choice but to sit up and take notice, as plumbing affects our lives in many big ways.
Blocked drains, for some properties, can be a frequent occurrence, especially in homes when people are not very careful about what they put into the system via the toilets or sinks. There are lots of different reasons why your drainage system could become blocked and several solutions to the problem as well.
In the first instance, before you can attempt to tackle the blocked drain, you will first need to consider what may be the cause of the blockage. This is not always easy to do, especially if it is a large household where many different people may be responsible for putting things down the pipes into the drain. These are some common causes of blocked drains.
- Buildup of hair
- Non-degradable materials
- Particles or grease buildup
If you have an idea of the cause of the blockage then you will be in a better position to tackle the problem. There are various ways to unclog a blocked drain including using a plunger, using a multi-purpose cleaner or even simply powering hot water down the drain. The method used is dependant upon the cause of the blockage.
- A plunger – is useful for forcing foreign particles through the system and into the sewers which will clear the blockage.
- Multi-purpose cleaner – Food particles and hair buildup can usually be cleared by using a good quality multi-purpose cleaner. Be careful not to use any chemicals that are too harsh because this could potentially damage the inside of the pipes, and cause leakages – and be harmful to the environment.
- Hot Water – Simply pouring some boiling hot water into the pipes can effectively clear blockages caused by the buildup of grease and fat.
If you cannot identify the cause of the blockage, or you have exhausted all the DIY solutions then you should call a professional plumber. Local plumbing companies such as JEDI Plumbing will have qualified plumbers who are used to dealing with blocked drains. They will also have the right tools and chemical solutions to unblock the drain quickly and effectively.
Although blocked drains are something that happens quite frequently in households around the country it doesn’t make it any easier to bear when it happens to you. The important thing to remember is that there are lots of solutions if this does happen. It is also a good idea to take precautions and get regular maintenance work carried out on your drains to ensure that the problem does not reoccur.