Of all the reasons you can contact an experienced plumber, one of the most common is a blocked drain among the more frequent. From unpleasant odors to water that isn’t flowing through the sink, clogged drains cause every kind of minor issue. When the problems allow worsening, however, it can be very gloomy.
If you suspect that you’ve got an obstruction in your drain, The excellent news is that you can remove it yourself. If you follow our tips and guidance, things will flow effortlessly within minutes.
Signs of a Drain That Is Blocked
Drains that are blocked can cause damage to property and health issues for both pets and humans. The most obvious signs of the presence of a blockage are:
The Smell of Foul
The first thing you might observe is an odd smell. It usually smells like sewage, and you could walk through your bathroom and wonder if anyone didn’t flush the toilet. Other indicators of a blocked drain are:
Overflowing
You’ve likely gotten familiar with everything that flows through your pipes. When your drainage is bursting, you’re experiencing an obstruction. Therefore, it’s very alarming to see water spill back.
Sounds of Gurgling
A gurgling sound indicates that water is accumulating as it pushes against pipes. If you notice this, it’s typically the case that there’s a blockage that is the cause of the issue.
Slow Draining
If you empty your sink after a shower, you could find that your water is sitting longer than expected. The problem usually worsens instead of improving, which implies it is getting bigger.
The Reasons for a Blocked Drain
Although most people safely use their drains, it’s still possible to slip up. Sometimes, everyday use results in blocked drains, too. The most common causes are:
Roots of Trees
Tree roots will not be the source of drainage issues in your area; however, they could disrupt the central sewage system. The root grows until it gets into the pipe and creates an obstruction.
Toiletries
Although toiletries are essential, some can lead to drain blockages. For instance, you shouldn’t flush things like baby wipes, diapers, and hygiene supplies down the toilet.
Foreign Objects
If you have kids, There’s always a chance they’ll flush something odd in the toilet. The toys and other items are entangled within the u-bend, resulting in the block.
Cooking Oil
Dumping cooking oil into the sink is not recommended as it is too dense to move freely. Instead, it accumulates and becomes clumpy along with food debris, causing an obstruction.
Food Scraps
Like cooking oil and food waste, kitchen scraps shouldn’t be in your drainage system. That is particularly true for coffee grounds.
Mineral Buildup
If calcium-rich minerals build into your pipes, it causes constriction. Although this won’t create a blockage on its own, it can make it much easier for different blockages to develop.
Soap
Although liquid soap does not cause blockages in drains, soapy bars may be trapped in pipes and eventually fall apart. Utilizing the wire guard mesh to cover plug holes is one technique to stop it.
Hair
Long hair can be an opportunity and a curse. If you wash your hair in the shower or bath, you’ll notice that some of it fall out. When it does, it is mixed in with other chemicals and can become the leading cause of an obstruction in the drain.
Natural Debris
Natural debris may fall into your outdoor drains, particularly when you don’t have gutter guards. It is usually leaves and twigs, but it could contain dirt and grit, too.
Cat litter
If cat litter gets exposed to water, it becomes clumpy and expands. That means every cat’s litter that goes into your drain will cause obstruction.
How to Unblock a Blocked Drain
There are many options for home remedies. The way you remove the drain that is blocked will depend on the reason for the obstruction in the first place. You may have to test the various options before calling an expert plumber.
Boiling Water
Boiling water can help clear blocked drains caused by conditioners, grease as well as other varieties of products for toiletries. That is because these products have a lower melting temperature, while extreme temperature helps break them down. Make a pot of boiling water and pour it down the drain to break up the block.
Natural Cleaners
Using natural cleaners to produce a bubbling effect in tears can drain blockages into pieces. Pour hot water down the drain. Follow it with hot water after letting it set for 10 minutes. Then you can follow it up with a cup of sodium bicarbonate and a glass of vinegar. The combination of warm water and the organic cleanser can help break up blockages.
Caustic Cleaners
Some stores sell caustic cleaners which take more decisive action against blockages in drains. It dislodges fat, grease, and oils, making it suitable for blockages that are more difficult to clear. Follow the package directions and ensure to ventilate the area before starting.
Plungers
As an essential but efficient tool, plungers can remove local obstructions. They create an airtight seal around the plug hole, followed by the vacuum effect, which removes the block.
DIY Drain Snake
You can create a DIY drain snake from any thin wire, for example, an old coat hanger. You can leave a hook at one end and put it in the hole in the plug. Use it to pull out blockages that are localized and composed of hair. This method is the most efficient in showers.
Plumbers Drain Snake
Drain snakes for plumbers are sophisticated equipment that only a skilled technician is required to use. They go deeper into your pipes to eliminate blockages deep in the system. They are usually reserved for clogs that conventional techniques can’t handle.
CCTV
If snakes aren’t doing the job, we can use CCTV to find out the source of the blockage and how large it is. That typically involves putting a camera in using a device like a drain snake. Then we evaluate the extent of the blockage and formulate a strategy to clear it.
Hydro Jet
Hydro jets utilize powerful, sharp blasts of water for clearing particles and other materials from pipes. Sometimes, we must follow this procedure using different techniques to remove blockages in drains. However, it’s a safe method to eliminate most of the issues.
Excavation
If there are severe drain obstructions, excavation is required. That involves digging up the drain to ensure we can fix or replace the pipework. While this method may not be necessary, it could save the remainder of your pipes from severe damage.
Relining Pipes
If your pipes get damaged due to a lengthy blockage, pipe relining can be an effective and cost-effective alternative to completely replacing your pipe.
Drains that are blocked can occur for a variety of reasons. While specific reasons are apparent, others get even thought. Suppose you spot warning indications such as a gurgling sound, slow draining, and unpleasant smells. In that case, you can try some of the solutions we’ve provided. If none of them perform, it’s time to contact a professional plumber.
Ottawa Plumbing Services are the experts on blocked drains in Ottawa. We know that dealing with blocked drains can make your life miserable. It’s good to see that you don’t have to be alone. Call us at (613) 317-1682 or email us at info@ottawaplumbingservice.com to unblock your drain today.
