blocked drains canterbury is an issue many households face, particularly during winter when fallen leaves and other debris clog up the drains. The problem can range from minor to severe – from small blockages that cause toilets to overflow or to bigger problems such as heavy flooding that affects a whole street. Dealing with blocked drains can be an unpleasant experience, but it doesn’t have to be unbearable if you know the right way to tackle it.
What Causes Blocked Drains?
The most common causes of blocked drains include hair, food scraps, sanitary items and oil. In some cases, tree roots can also invade your pipes, creating blockages. With weather extremes becoming more and more frequent, it isn’t uncommon to hear people reporting their drains getting blocked due to heavy rainfalls.
The Symptoms Of A Blocked Drain
Most of the time, diagnosing blocked drains can be easy. You may notice strange odours coming from your sink, slow draining water after doing the dishes, gurgling noises in the pipe work, overflowing toilets, and regular backups in the shower. If any of these signs are present, then it could be a sign of needing professional help.
DIY Solutions For Blocked Drains
Once you’ve identified that you have a blocked drain, the next step is trying to unblock it yourself. Doing this will save you time and money. One of the best DIY solutions is using a plunger. This tool can be used for basic drain problems and can work very quickly and effectively. It’s best to use a suitable type of plunger – a regular one is often too shallow and won’t be effective.
Another option is the ‘snake’. This is a long, flexible piece of equipment with a cutting head on the end. The snake needs to be pushed down the drainage pipe as far as it will go and then be twisted around to break up any objects that are blocking the flow of the water. Careful though – if the obstruction is solid, you’ll end up pushing it further down the drain!
When To Call In The Professionals
If your DIY attempts fail, then it’s time to call in the professionals. They will assess the situation and then provide you with a range of options that work for you. Professional plumbing services will usually offer high pressure jetting, CCTV surveys and chemical rootcutting, all of which are designed to clear blocked drains quickly.
This route generally works out cheaper than calling in a plumber in the long run – and they will ensure that the job is done properly and be able to identify any underlying problems that may have caused the blockage in the first place.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Preventing blocked drains is far easier than trying to solve them, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions. Regularly cleaning the drainage system is essential. Utilising basic practices such as avoiding putting food waste down the sink, investing in a drain strainer, and avoiding disposing of things like cotton buds, wipes and baby nappies are all simple ways of maintaining clean drains.
Regular maintenance of your drainage system should be carried out, as this will reduce the chances of having to call out a professional. Being mindful of what you put down your drains is always a good start, and should go along way to preventing blocked drains in your property.