As plumbers, blocked drains are one of the most common problems we come across. Often times, the blockage could have been avoided with some consistent drain TLC. It’s vital to maintain the health of the drainage in your home to keep the water flowing, minimise odours, maximise hygiene and to prevent untimely and costly damage.
3 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR DRAINS CLEAR
Toilets
Only flush the 3 P’s. Pee, Poo and (toilet) Paper, everything else has the potential to cause a blockage, including ‘flushable’ wipes which are most certainly not drain friendly. The biggest blockage culprits: dental floss, sanitary products, baby wipes, wet ones and paper towel. DIY: Look for a bellows style plunger when attempting to clear a blocked loo. They have 5 X the displacement of the old cup style plungers!
Kitchen Sinks
Avoid rinsing fats, grease and oils down the drain. As they travel down your pipes with cool water, they solidify and can form hard, smelly blockages. DIY: Try filling the sink up with hot water and detergent. Remove plug once full and let the sink empty completely, the volume of soapy water can help to clear greasy residue.
Showers and Basins
Hair and a buildup of soap and grime can lead to blockages in your bathroom sinks and drains. DIY: Empty a bucket full or basin full of hot water down the drain to fully flush any residue, the heat can help to break up blockages. You can try using a wire coat hanger or plastic drain snake to keep your drains hair-free every month or so too!
TRY THIS FIRST!
Chemical drain clearers can be toxic, cause damage to your pipes, porcelains and glues and can even make a blockage worse if used incorrectly. Try a simple combo of bicarb soda and white vinegar instead! It can help to clear soapy, greasy buildups in your pipes alleviate smelly drains and minimise drain flies too! Sprinkle bicarb soda into your basin/sink or drain, pour in some white vinegar and let the magic happen. When it’s stopped fizzing, rinse with hot water. Be sure to keep your eyes and skin away from the fizz and the heat.
REMEMBER! IF THE BLOCKAGE WON’T BUDGE, GIVE YOUR PLUMBER A NUDGE!
SIGNS YOU HAVE A BLOCKED DRAIN
WATER DRAINING SLOWLY
Is the water in your sink, bathroom or toilet draining slower than usual? This can be caused by a blockage preventing the water from flowing through your pipes freely.
BAD SMELL COMING FROM DRAINS
Is there a bad smell coming from your drains? Blockages can disrupt the flow of air in your drains and sewers and redirect bad smells into your home.
GURGLING NOISE FROM DRAIN
Is there a gurgling noise coming from any of the sinks, drains or toilets in your home? This can occur when air is trapped in your pipes as a result of a blockage. You may hear the gurgle from multiple sinks, drains or toilets.
RISING TOILET WATER LEVEL
Is the water level in your toilet rising after each flush? This can be a sign there is a blockage further down in the pipe.
OVERFLOWING DRAINS
Is there water or sewerage overflowing at any of your indoor or outdoor drains? This can indicate a stormwater or sewer blockage.
