How to get rid of a drain blockage
Blocked drains aren’t just inconvenient; they can cause serious damage when ignored. If you identify that your drains are draining slowly or not, take action immediately before it becomes a bigger problem. Here are some methods to use for minor blockages. An experienced plumber will be needed to fix any blocked drain that cannot be fixed with these methods.
Boiling Water
Pouring boiling water into the drain is a good way to eliminate minor blockages. Hot water helps break down soap residue, grease, cooking oil and other things that can clog up your pipes. The heat from the water is a safe and effective method for unclogging small clogs.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Mix vinegar and baking soda from your kitchen and pour them down the blocked drain. The chemical reaction can break down materials and remove minor blockages. Irrespective of whether it eliminates the blockage or not, it may loosen it so the plunger or drain snake can finish the job.
Drain Cleaner
Chemical drain cleaners can be effective in unclogging drains, but they should only be used according to the instructions. These cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be dangerous to your skin and harm the environment. If using a chemical cleaner, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and wear protective gear.
Plunger
A plunger can work wonders on blockages in sinks, bathtubs, or showers if they’re near the surface. Make sure the plunger’s cup tightly seals over the drain. This will create the necessary force to remove the clog. Always wear safety glasses and gloves for safety.
Drain Snake
If a plunger doesn’t work, a drain snake might. You can purchase these tools from your closest hardware store. Insert the snake into the drain until you feel resistance, then twist, push, and pull it.
If none of these methods work, you might be dealing with a more severe blockage, and it may be time to call a plumber who can use CCTV cameras and hydro waterjetting at high pressures to eliminate blockages without harming your pipes. If your drains are overflowing, you need an emergency plumber immediately.
What will the plumber do?
When home remedies fail, a professional plumber brings out the big guns—like CCTV cameras and high-pressure jetting machines.
CCTV Camera
A plumber can use a CCTV camera to identify the blockage without digging up your floor or garden. This device, attached to a flexible cable, provides a clear view inside the pipes, pinpointing clogs, tree roots, corrosion or other issues.
High-Pressure Water-Jetting Machines
Once the blockage is identified, a high-pressure water jetting machine can be used to clear it. This machine fires a powerful stream of water that dislodges and flushes away debris, grease, scale, and other obstructions.
Pipe-Relining
If you have a damaged sewer pipe, it doesn’t matter how many times you clear it; tree roots and other matter will eventually make their way back in and cause a blockage in the future. Once a pipe has been examined using a drain camera and then cleaned a pipe relining tool can insert a flexible liner into the damaged pipe and repair it from the inside.
Pipe-Replacement
In the event of severe damage to your drain pipes, pipe replacement is usually the only option. For above-ground pipes, this is straightforward, however for below-ground pipes, the area needs to be dug up, and then new pipes installed and connected to the waste water system.
Why do drains get blocked?
Your home’s drainage system is designed to efficiently whisk away everyday wastewater. Whether you’re washing your hands, flushing the toilet, or doing the dishes, all that water travels through a network of pipes into the sewage mains—out of sight, out of mind. But sometimes, an unexpected clog can stop the flow entirely. When that happens, water may start backing up through your showers, sinks, bathtubs, and toilets, potentially causing significant damage to your home.
So, why does a drain get blocked? There are several causes. These materials can build up in your pipes and cause a blockage.
Grease, fat and oil
Pouring grease and leftover oils down the kitchen sink can be tempting, but it’s a recipe for disaster. These substances can form a solid layer inside your pipes, eventually hindering water flow.
Wipes
Despite what the labels say, “flushable” wipes don’t disintegrate like toilet paper. They can stick to pipe walls, causing a slow but sure blockage.
Fatbergs
From January to April 2024, Sydney Water crews attended over 3,699 jobs to deal with fatbergs at an average cost of $917 per job. Fatbergs, made up of wipes, oils, fats and other debris, have become a significant problem across Sydney with 29 jobs just in Castle Hill.
Hair
We all lose hair daily, but when multiple household members shed their locks in the drain, it can lead to severe blockages, slow drainage and even foul odours.
Cotton
Cotton products, like pads and swabs, can bunch together and form a blockage when combined with other debris in your pipes. Dispose of these in a bin rather than flushing them in the toilet.
Tree roots
We see this commonly in the Hills District, where so many trees, bushes, and shrubs grow close to residential pipelines. Tree roots need nutrients and water to grow, which is why they get into pipes through joints or cracks and continue to grow and cause serious blockages.
Food
Food scraps can easily clog drains over time. Using drain guards and running hot water in the drain can help prevent food particles from building up.
How to prevent future blockages
Prevention is always better than cure! Regular maintenance can prevent future clogs. High-pressure water jetting isn’t just for clearing blockages; it’s also an excellent way to keep your pipes clean.
Other simple steps include regularly removing hair from drains and using a drain catcher to catch debris. You should also avoid pouring grease and oils down your kitchen sink.
Be mindful of what you flush. Only toilet paper and bodily waste should be flushed. Everything else, including sanitary pads and baby wipes, goes into your rubbish bins.
Why you shouldn’t ignore a blocked drain
Blocked drains can cause water to back up and overflow from sinks, toilets, or other plumbing fixtures, creating unsanitary conditions. They can also put extra pressure on pipes, leading to cracks, leaks, or even bursts – resulting in expensive fixes.
Trapped debris and stagnant water can emit foul odours, making any area around the blocked drain unpleasant. Overflowing water can damage walls, floors, and belongings, while stagnant water from blocked gutters can attract pests and rodents.
Time to call a blocked drains specialist
Blocked drains can cause chaos if not addressed promptly. Start with the DIY methods above, and if those fail, call your local Hills District blocked drain repairs specialist, Small & Co. Plumbing. We have been doing this for years and know exactly what to look for to quickly and efficiently address your problem.
Give us a shout and check out our work to see what we can do for you.
