blocked drains gravesend is a common issue faced by property owners, both residential and commercial. When a drain becomes blocked, it can cause a wide range of problems for anyone who depends on the wastewater system of their property. From smells and odors making your home or business uncomfortable, to flooding of your property; it’s essential to know how to quickly and efficiently deal with any blocked drains.
Signs You’re Dealing With a Blocked Drain
The most obvious sign of a blocked drain is when water takes longer than usual to go down after you’ve flushed the toilet or poured liquid down the sink. Another indication of a problem is if you start to notice strange odors coming from your taps, sinks, showers and toilets. If this is the case, you may be dealing with a blocked drain.
What Causes a Blocked Drain?
There are several things that can contribute to a blocked drain, but the most common culprits include hair, soap buildup, grease, and food particles. All of these materials can collect around the pipes, creating an obstruction that traps water and block it from flowing away.
DIY Methods for Unblocking Your Drain
You might be able to unblock a drain yourself, without having to call out a plumber. One way to do this is with a plunger, which can be used to force any obstructions out of the pipe. This usually requires a few rounds of plunging, pushing and pulling up the plunger before the blockage breaks free. Alternatively, you can use a wire clothing hanger or a coat hanger to fish out the objects blocking the pipes.
If neither of these approaches work, you may need to resort to chemical products to clear the blockage. These come in liquid form, and contain strong chemicals that can break down and dissolve grease and other debris. You should always follow the instructions carefully when using these products – particularly if they contain lye or caustic soda – as these can be dangerous if not handled correctly.
When Should I Call Out a Professional Plumber?
If your DIY attempts at unclogging the drain have been unsuccessful, then it’s time to call out a professional plumber. While there are plenty of tutorials available online about how to unblock drains, you can’t always guarantee results with these methods. Furthermore, trying to tackle a blocked drain without the right tools and equipment can often make the problem worse.
A professional plumber will be able to quickly identify the source of the blockage and unblock it using specialist tools such as augers and electric eels. They’ll also be able to tell if the problem is bigger than a simple blockage, such as tree roots or collapsed pipes, and will be able to suggest the best course of action for resolving the issue.
Prevent Future Blockages
The best way to prevent future blockages is to take steps to reduce the risk of it occurring again. This means being vigilant with what goes down your drains, such as never pouring cooking fats, oils and greases down the sink. It’s also important to avoid flushing things like nappies or sanitary products down the toilet, and to never attempt to flush anything larger than a golf ball down the drain.
If you do notice any slow drainage or unpleasant odors coming from your drains, it’s best to get the problem looked at by a professionals as soon as possible. The longer you leave it, the more damage could be caused and the more expensive the repair bill may be!