If you do experience a blocked drain, it’s important to act quickly to prevent any further damage. There are several DIY solutions that you can try, such as using a plunger or drain snake. However, if the blockage is severe or if you are unable to resolve the issue, it’s best to call a professional plumber for help.
Blocked drains can be a major inconvenience and cause significant damage if left unattended. To understand how to prevent and solve this issue, it’s important to know the most common causes of blocked drains. Here are some of the key reasons why drains may become blocked:
· Hair
One of the most common causes of blocked drains is hair, especially in bathrooms. Hair can easily get tangled up in drain pipes and over time, this accumulation of hair can create a blockage. To prevent this, make sure to install drain strainers in your bathroom sinks, shower and bathtub drains to catch hair before it goes down the drain.
· Food and Grease
Kitchen drains are often blocked by food particles and grease that are washed down the sink. Over time, these substances can clog up the pipes and cause a blockage. To prevent blocked drains in hornsby, it’s best to avoid washing food particles and grease down the drain. Instead, dispose of these substances in the trash or compost. If you do need to wash grease down the drain, run hot water for several minutes to help flush it down the pipes.
· Soap and Shampoo
Another common cause of bathroom drain blockages is soap and shampoo. Over time, these substances can accumulate in pipes and cause a blockage. To prevent this, avoid pouring large amounts of soap and shampoo down the drain and make sure to rinse the drain thoroughly after using the shower or bathtub.
· Flushable Wipes
Flushable wipes are marketed as being safe to flush down the toilet, however, they can still cause blockages in pipes. This is because the wipes do not break down as quickly as toilet paper and can accumulate in pipes, causing blockages. To prevent this, avoid flushing wipes and any other non-biodegradable materials down the toilet.
· Foreign Objects
Foreign objects such as toys, sanitary products and small items of trash can easily get stuck in pipes and cause blockages. To prevent this, be mindful of what you flush down the toilet and make sure to dispose of foreign objects in the trash.
· Tree Roots
Tree roots can grow into pipes and cause blockages. This is especially common in older pipes that are more susceptible to damage. To prevent this, make sure to regularly inspect your pipes and repair any damage to prevent tree roots from entering.
· Scale Build-up
Scale build-up can occur when mineral deposits accumulate in pipes over time. This can cause blockages and reduce the flow of water through pipes. To prevent this, make sure to regularly flush pipes with a cleaning solution to remove any mineral deposits.
· Corrosion
Corrosion can cause pipes to weaken and become blocked. This is especially common in older pipes that are made of metal. To prevent this, make sure to inspect your pipes regularly and replace any that show signs of corrosion.
These are some of the most common causes of blocked drains. To prevent blockages, it’s important to be mindful of what you flush down the toilet and wash down the drain. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning pipes and inspecting for damage, can also help prevent blockages.
DIY Solutions for blocked drains
Blocked drains can be a major inconvenience and even lead to health hazards if not addressed promptly. There are various reasons why drains can get blocked, such as buildup of hair, soap scum, grease, food waste, and other debris. In this blog, we will discuss various solutions for blocked drains that you can do if at home.
- Plunger: The first line of defense for blocked drains is the plunger. This simple yet effective tool creates suction that helps to loosen and remove blockages from the pipes. To use a plunger, fill the sink or basin with enough water to cover the plunger’s cup.
- Baking soda and vinegar: Another simple solution for blocked drains is the combination of baking soda and vinegar. The chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar will help to break down the blockage. Wait for 10-15 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water.
- Salt and boiling water: The salt will help to break down the blockage and the boiling water will help to flush it out of the pipes. Repeat the process a few times if necessary.
- Chemical drain cleaners: Chemical drain cleaners are a quick and easy solution for blocked drains, but they should be used with caution. These cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to pipes and be harmful to the environment. It is best to use these cleaners as a last resort, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Final thoughts
The blocked drains can be a major inconvenience, but there are various solutions to resolve the issue. From using a plunger or a combination of baking soda and vinegar, to using a snake or professional plumbing services, there is a solution for every type of blockage. It is important to address the issue promptly, as neglecting a blocked drain can lead to bigger and more expensive problems in the future.
