Blocked Drain Emergencies Dos & Don'ts

Understanding Blocked Drains: Signs of Trouble

Blocked drains or burst pipes are often caused by an accumulation of debris, grease, or other materials inside pipes, which restricts water flow. Recognising signs of a blocked drain early is crucial as it can prevent larger problems.

The most common indicators of a blocked drain include:

• Slow flow of water drainage or complete stoppage
• Gurgling sounds from pipes
• Foul sewage odours
• Pools of stagnant water around drains
• Leaking water around pipes
• Visible roots or residue near drains

Water backing up into sinks, tubs, or toilets is a red flag that a drain may be severely obstructed. Inspect your drainage systems monthly to prevent issues such as blocked toilets from escalating. Acting swiftly at the first signs preserves your plumbing system’s integrity and prevents health hazards.

Preventing Blocked Drains: Regular Maintenance

A diligent drain maintenance routine is essential to avoid costly blockages. The following practices are recommended:

• Install mesh drain filters in sinks and tubs to catch hair, food scraps, and other debris before entering pipes
• Frequently clear bathroom and kitchen sink drains of accumulated hair and grime using plungers or metal drain snakes
• For routine cleaning, pour 1 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar down the drain monthly.
• Dispose of food waste in the garbage or compost bins rather than the sink to avoid clogs.
• Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down drains to prevent residue buildup and blockages.
• Schedule annual professional drain inspections and cleaning to remove any hidden obstructions.

Adopting these simple habits is key to maintaining free-flowing water and preventing clogged drains. Contact a professional plumber if you suspect more serious issues with your plumbing.

Clearing Minor Blockages: Safe DIY Methods

To address a minor drain blockage, consider these safe DIY methods before seeking professional help:

Using a Plunger

A time-tested option is the humble plunger. Use steady force when plunging, but be cautious not to apply excessive pressure that could damage pipes. Be patient and repeat as needed.

Ensure a tight seal over the drain opening, then plunge up and down rhythmically 10-15 times to dislodge clogs.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

For a clogged drain, combine 1 cup baking soda with 1 cup white vinegar and pour it down. The chemical reaction dissolves organic matter like hair and food scraps. Let sit 30 minutes, then flush the mixture with water down drain to cleanse effectively.

Manual Snake

A no hesitation approach using a flexible metal snake can hook debris when fed down the drain carefully.

Carefully crank the handle clockwise with light pressure to remove debris. Ideal for hair, grease blockages.

Eschew chemical drain cleaners and other harsh substances that can corrode pipes and damage plumbing fixtures. Seek professional help if DIY methods fail after several attempts. Using the correct technique with persistence can often clear minor clogs without causing damage.

Handling Drain Emergencies

In a blocked drain emergency, take immediate action to mitigate health risks and property damage. If sinks or toilets overflow with sewage, Follow these steps to safeguard your home:

1. Immediately turn off the main water valve and the gas hot water system to contain any overflow. The valve is typically located near the water metre.
2. Clear everyone from the affected area to avoid contact with contaminated water which can spread bacteria.
3. Open taps to move any still water, relieve pressure in pipes, and redirect flow if possible.
4. Use buckets and towels to contain water overflow as best as possible.
5. Call an emergency plumber soon for assistance with clearing blockages and restoring proper drainage.

In an emergency, call professionals to clear major blockages without delay, as attempting DIY repairs could exacerbate the situation. Ensuring everyone’s safety is the number one priority during any plumbing emergency.

Calling a Professional Plumber

In certain scenarios, calling a professional plumber is the safest and most efficient route for resolving drain blockages and other plumbing emergencies. Though many minor clogs can be cleared using DIY methods, it’s important to acknowledge when the situation is beyond your capabilities.

A qualified plumber is equipped with the expertise and tools to manage challenging blockages and reinstate proper drainage. They can help determine if issues like tree root invasion or broken sewer lines are the root cause, and remedy them appropriately.

For assistance with a blocked sewer or drain, contact a reputable plumbing service if you experience:

• Storm water and sewage overflowing severely from multiple drains
• Major flooding or water damage from the blockage
• Failed attempts with several DIY drain clearing methods
• Backed up outdoor main sewer line issues
• Significant leaks, cracks or a blocked sink and other pipe damage
• Strong sewage odours persisting for days

Reputable plumbing services are available 24/7 to handle emergencies, often dispatching a technician within an hour for urgent issues. Safety measures are prioritised to effectively resolve plumbing issues like blockages, while preventing contamination and property damage.

With extensive local experience and advanced equipment like camera pipe inspection and hydro-jet drain cleaning, we can troubleshoot virtually any challenge quickly and completely. Skilled plumbers work diligently to restore full drainage and provide preventative solutions to future blockages.

After the Flood: Cleaning Up and Preventing Future Blockages

In the aftermath of a blocked drain, it’s crucial to properly sanitise affected areas and review what factors caused the issue. This measure is vital to maintain regular flow water and prevent repeat blockages.

Cleaning Flooded Areas

Standing water from an overflow can expose surfaces to contaminants and encourage mould growth. It’s critical to avoid direct contact, particularly if a gas leak is suspected, and to wear protective gear during cleanup.

1. Remove excess water by mopping and using a wet/dry vacuum to protect your house.
2. Use diluted bleach solutions to disinfect hard surfaces like floors and walls. Combine 1 cup of bleach with 9 litres of water for effective sanitisation.
3. Discard water-logged materials like drywall, insulation, carpets and upholstered furniture if sewage overflowed. These tend to harbour mould.
4. Allow areas to dry completely before rebuilding or replacing flooring and walls.
5. Address signs of lingering mould immediately before it spreads. Wear PPE when cleaning.

Evaluating Causes

Investigating blocked pipes helps pinpoint the substances causing obstructions. Key questions include:

• What drain(s) clogged - kitchen, bathroom, laundry, main line?
• Did backups coincide with activity like laundry, dish washing, bathing?
• Were vent pipes clear and functioning?
• Did roots, grease, hair or debris trigger the blockage?

Identifying root causes is crucial for appropriate remediation and preventing recurrence of problems. We can assess your drains and recommend solutions if the source is unclear.

Prevention Checklist

Adapt the following preventative measures to match identified causes:

• Install hair catchers and mesh screens over drains
• Limit oil/grease pouring especially after cooking
• Review proper disposal procedures for bulky debris
• Upgrade old piping infrastructure if necessary
• Clear tree roots professionally without damaging pipes
• Adhere to routine drain maintenance practises

Staying vigilant with preventive measures can prevent substantial complications in the future.