This article will help you understand what a blocked drain is and how you can unblock it.
What is a Blocked Drain?
This article will help you understand what a blocked drain is and how you can unblock it.
A blocked drain is when the water in your sink, bathtub or toilet gets stuck because the pipe that takes the water away from your home is too narrow. This can be caused by things like food, hair and other household items that have been flushed down the toilet or washed down the sink.
There are some signs of a blocked drain which include:
- A slow draining sink or bathtub
- A slow draining toilet
- Standing water in a sink, bathtub or toilet bowl
- Drains that produce gurgling sounds
- A build up of scum on the inside of a sink, bathtub or toilet
How to Identify the Cause for Your Blockage
A blocked drain is a common issue in the household. It can lead to a lot of issues like flooding, water seepage, bad odor, etc.
Signs of a blocked drain include slow draining water, gurgling noise when the water is draining, and an unpleasant smell coming from the sink or shower. A blocked drain can also cause your drain to overflow.
If you see any water pooling around your drain, then it is likely that your problem is hair or soap scum buildup. The most common cause of a blocked drain is hair. Hair is often found in sinks and baths, but it can also get stuck in the trap of a shower or washing machine. If there is no water pooling around your drain but you notice a foul smell coming from it, then it could be grease buildup or food particles causing the problem.
Sometimes food particles will get caught in the pipes and cause a blockage, or grease from the kitchen might have leaked into the pipes too. . The other cause of a blocked drain is the pieces that come off shower curtains. These often find their way down the plughole and will cause a blockage when they are caught on one of the jets in the sink.
How to Unblock Your Drain Without Calling Professionals
Trying to unblock a drain without professional help can be difficult and time-consuming. If you are in doubt we always suggest calling a Plumber to assist to make sure the blockage is not only cleared, but prevention measures are put in place.
Everyone will need to know how to unclog a drain at some point. And naturally, a drain will usually get blocked up at the most inconvenient of times… Think Christmas Day, a milestone birthday celebration or a Monday morning. So you’ll want to clear the blockage fast and with minimal mess. While instinct will lead you to get out the plunger, sometimes it won’t work and sometimes you won’t actually own one. Thankfully there are ways to unclog your drain without a plunger, calling on dish washing liquid, hot water, even baking soda and vinegar for quick, effective results that don’t require a plumber.
It’s not the nicest job, but still an essential part of keeping your drain clean and your home happy. Keep reading to tend to your drain and to get clued up on how to avoid a repeat blockage in the future.
