A blocked drain can happen to anyone. When it does, it can be embarrassing and especially if you have guests and dirty water is backing on your tub or sink. A clogged drain appears like an easy thing to solve. For sure, it is possible to solve the issue at times, but if you have a recurring stubborn clog, you should start thinking of looking for a professional blocked drain plumber. If you ignore a blocked drain, you will risk structural issues, water damage, and health issues for your loved ones because blocked drains create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive in pipes. A clogged drain can cause health issues like mold, pest, and toxic gas. Obstruction in your pipe also causes pressure build-up, which eventually results in compromised joints, bursts, or cracked pipes. Such a drain can also lead to backflow issues and flooding. Here is everything you need to know about clogged drains.
Causes of a Blocked Drain
Various things can block your drains, fat, grease and some bits of food being some of the common causes of blockages in your kitchen, while soap scum and hair are the causes of blockages in your bathroom. Although these blockages can occur near the drain hole, they can travel further into the pipe and lodge in hard-to-access areas. The other common cause of blockage is roots, which seek out the accumulated waste in the pipes that are rich in nutrients. As the roots grow, they cause more damage. It is good to leave deep roots and other stubborn drains to professionals like Melbourne 24 Hour Plumbing.
Ways of clearing blocked drains
There are various ways through which you can clear your blocked drain by yourself. However, we are just a call away if the DIY methods fail.
- Hot water and dish soap
Hot water and dish soap are some of the things you can use to clear a blocked drain. All you need to do is boil 2 liters of water and mix it with a few tablespoons of liquid soap. You can pour this liquid repeatedly into your sink until the blockage clears. This method works wonders on grease clogs because the hot mixture heats the grease back to a liquid and makes it flow down the drain without causing a blockage.
- Wire Coat Hanger
To use this method successfully, you need to straighten the hanger out but allow the hook to remain intact. Ensure you have a grocery bag or something to put whatever is causing the blockage in. Fish in the drain using the end of the hanger that has the hook and pull up any build-up that has resulted in blocking the pipe. Once you remove everything that gets into the hook, you can pour hot water down your sink.
- Vinegar and Baking soda
Clear the area around the blocked sink and put a half cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a half cup of vinegar. Then, plug your drain and allow it to sit for one hour. After one hour, unplug the drain and pour boiling water down the drain. Repeat this procedure until the drain is clear.
- Vinegar salt and borax
This is another method of clearing your blocked drain. Start by putting a quarter cup of salt followed by a quarter cup of borax and then a half cup of vinegar. You should then add a pot of boiling water and allow it to sit until it clears. An hour is usually enough. You should then use hot water to rinse and remove all the substances down the drain.
- Salt and Baking Soda
You should start with a mixture of baking soda and salt by combining a half cup of each and pouring it down the drain. You can allow it to remain there for half an hour or even overnight. You should then clear the substance with boiling water. Note that the tougher the blockage, the longer the mixture should sit.
- Plunger
A plunger is ideal for the kitchen sink. Food normally sticks at the drain’s curve under the sink, where it is inaccessible with a hook. When using a plunger, you must empty the sink and fill it halfway with warm water. You should then plunge away. At Sharpline Drain Clearing & Plumbing Solutions, we recommend using a rubber plunger.
Signs that you need to work with a professional blocked drain plumber
- Consistently slow draining
- Frequently blocked drains
- Gurgling sounds in the pipes when water is draining
- Smelly backed up water
When you notice these signs or if you have tried the ways mentioned above without success, it’s high time to contact us. We are experts in unblocking clogged drains and handling other plumbing tasks. You can rest assured of high-quality services by choosing to work with us. We shall come with tested, effective, proven safe and reliable materials. We are also licensed and insured. We also have the skills and experience needed to handle all plumbing issues effectively.
When we come to your property, we shall start by inspecting the drain to know exactly where the obstruction is and the best method to remove it. We can use different ways to clear your drain depending on your pipes’ condition and the blockage’s severity. We can choose to use a plumber’s snake or hydro-jetting for severe cases. Hydro-jetting leaves your pipes almost new because it cleans everything out.
Melbourne 24 Hour Plumbing is just a call away for your blocked drain and other plumbing issues. You can reach us through our email address – https://melbourne24hourplumbing.com.au/blocked-drain-melbourne/, or phone number 1300 931 384.