A Guide to Unblocking Your Drains
If you are suffering from blocked drains, you need a quick solution. Blocked pipes can stop used water draining away, which can be messy and smelly, so you’ll need to get it sorted.
At Steve Hastings Drainage, we offer specialist blocked drain services across Blackpool, Preston and Chorley. This month’s blog is a guide to unblocking your drains. Call us today on 07970 883333.
How can I stop sewer blockages?
A major cause of sewer blockages is flushing the wrong things down the toilet. Items such as cotton wool, baby wipes and cotton buds can clump together, causing blockages, sewer flooding and major expense.
Pouring fats and oils down the kitchen sink can also lead to blockages, as these materials can solidify in the pipes.
If you have a large quantity of used oil and fats contact your local Council for advice.
What happens if my drains are connected incorrectly?
Properties built after 1920 may have two drainage pipes: one for foul water and one for surface water. Water from your surface water drain goes straight to local rivers and streams, whereas the contents of your foul water drainage pipe go to one of our sewer treatments works.
If these two drains are connected incorrectly, it can mean that the foul water from your toilet and appliances goes straight into rivers and streams, contributing to pollution.
What Are the Warning Signs of a Blocked Drain?
When it comes to blocked drains, time will only make the problem worse, and the drain may suffer serious damage or even begin to overflow as a result. So, it makes sense to act quickly and take the necessary steps to fix the problem before it gets any worse.
But what are the warning signs you should look out for?
1. Unpleasant smells
It stands to reason that, if your drain is blocked, it’s not going to be at its fragrant best. A bad smell is a tell-tale sign of a blocked drain. Bits of food and other organic matter will be lodged in the pipes and starting to decompose. Running the water will often make the smell worse as it aggravates the bacteria.
2. Water drains away slowly
Another sign of a problem is when the water in your shower, sink and toilet starts to drain away more slowly. If the drainage is that bad, the water may not drain away at all, and if it drains slowly from all these fixtures, then you have a blocked drain. If it’s just the toilet or sinks that are affected, then it’s more likely to be an issue with the fixture itself.
3. A gurgling sound
The first sign of a problem you’re likely to experience is a gurgling sound when running the tap or flushing the toilet. This is produced by the air that has been trapped in the pipes before being pushed up through the system. This could well be an indication of a blockage, particularly when combined with one of the other warning signs.
What should you do?
There are several remedies you can use to try and fix the problem before resorting to professional help.
Get plunging
If just one fixture in the house is blocked, then it may be easily fixed. Showers can be blocked with hair and sinks can become blocked with food and other items. If you think that may be the case, fill the plunger with water and press and pull rapidly for about 30 seconds.
If the water starts draining slowly, then more plunging is required, but if the water drains quickly, then you’ve fixed the blockage. If nothing happens then you could try pouring a small amount of baking soda down the plughole, followed by a cup of white vinegar.
Tackling the outside drains
If all the fixtures in your house show signs of being blocked, then you have a problem with the outside drain. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, then we suggest you don the appropriate protective clothing and reach for your drain rods.
Step 1:
The first step is to remove the drain cover, which you can do with a screwdriver or a handle if there is one. If it still doesn’t budge, tie some rope around the handle and give it a pull to give you the leverage you need.
Step 2:
Now look inside the drain. If the drain chamber is full of water, then it means the blockage comes after the chamber. If the chamber is empty, then it means the blockage has occurred somewhere before. You then need to work your way along until you find a chamber one that’s neither full nor completely empty.
Step 3:
Wearing your protective gloves, it’s now time to grab the drain rods and try to dislodge the blockage. Once you feel the blockage, continue to push the rod through while rotating them in a clockwise direction. This should break up the blockage and remove any grease or grime.
Step 4:
You should then run some fresh water through the blockage to see if it’s completely gone.
Find Out More
Unfortunately, in many cases, blockages are not so easy to shift, and professional drain clearance is the only solution. When you do require professional assistance, we offer a drain clearance service in Blackpool, Preston and Chorley.
For more information, call us on 07970 883333. Alternatively, you can fill out our online contact form.
