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WHAT HAS CAUSED MY BLOCKED DRAIN?

Wednesday, June 24, 2020 2:02 PM plumbing tips, blocked drain

Blocked drains can be frustrating, but when they happen to you, you can rely on Nudge’s Plumbing to help. We are a licensed and insured plumbing service that has well trained and experienced plumbers to assist you with any and all of your plumbing needs, including blocked drains in Dubbo.

Not only can we figure out what’s causing the blockage, but we can also fix it and help repair any damage caused by the problem. Here’s why your drain may be blocked. 

Food Waste

If your blocked drain is in the kitchen, chances are that a build-up of food waste is causing the problem. In fact, we don’t recommend putting food down the kitchen sink, even if you have a waste disposal unit. This is because some food, like coffee grounds and tea bags, won’t break down.

Grease that goes down the drain tends to solidify when it’s in the pipes, leading to a blockage. It’s better to put food waste in the garbage can or compost pile. 

Hair

In showers and tubs, the most common cause of a drain blockage is hair. In the drain, it can get caught up with other substances that are in your plumbing system, including grease and hair care products.

To prevent this problem, use drain traps to keep hair from going down the drain in the first place. These devices are easy to use and don’t cost a lot but can save you the headache of a huge plumbing bill down the road. 

Build Up 

There are many items that can cause a build-up in your drains and pipes and can lead to blockages. Soap is one of them, especially bar soaps since some form of fat is used to create the soap cake.

Over time soap scum can lead to build up in your drains. The same goes for toilet tissue, which causes a blockage when too much is used and it can’t be efficiently moved through your pipes. 

Tree Roots

If you have any small cracks in your underground pipes, the roots of nearby trees can get into them, causing blockages. This is something to take care of right away because, in addition to a block, those roots can also damage your pipes and they can be pricey to repair or replace. Let us help you take care of this problem. 

Do not put up with blocked drains. Call the experts at Nudge’s Plumbing. We’re always happy to provide a free quote.

For more blockage information, read our previous blog on 3 tips to clearing a blocked drain!

Foreign Objects

Foreign objects are also a major cause of blocked drains in Australia. This can mean anything from bits of hair and food to soap, tissue paper, and even toys and other plastics. It's always important to follow public guidance and only put materials down toilets, sinks and shower drains that your plumbing system can handle.
 
Even if you're very careful about what you put down the drain yourself, if you live in a house with pets and children you can never know for certain what's ended up down there. Make sure that small children are never left in the bathroom alone, and don't allow your children to play with soap and tissues in the bathtub.

Poor Workmanship

Poor workmanship is another major cause of blocked drains. This includes failing to seal joins properly and failing to use the correct materials or tools. When pipes in your house haven't been installed correctly, they may come apart or crack over time and cause issues that lead to blocked drains.
 
If you suspect that your pipes were installed incorrectly, you can contact a professional plumber to have a look at your plumbing system and assess the issue. Experienced plumbers can spot poor plumbing quickly and recommend the most effective way to resolve the problem.

Using The Wrong Products

If you've been suffering from blocked drains for a long time, you could actually be making your blockages worse by using the wrong products to try and unblock them. While there are many different types of chemicals that can be used to unblock a drain, it's important to use only approved products.
 
If you don't know what type of chemical cleaner you should use, ask a professional plumber or contact your local council for advice.

Heavy Rain

Rainwater can overwhelm drains even when they're built to withstand storms and floods. Heavy rain is most likely to affect drains on the roof and in the sewer, especially if they're older or in need of repairs. Storms and torrential rains can block drains simply because the water can't drain away fast enough. This leads to water backups and flooding, which can cause significant damage to your property.
 
Inspect stormwater drains before the rainy season to prevent severe flooding from heavy rain. If you do experience water backups, keep away from the water as it could contain germs and bacteria.

How To Deal With A Blocked Drain

Blocked drains can be very difficult to repair. If you've tried the usual methods - including bicarbonate of soda and vinegar and commercial unblocking solutions - you may have to call out professionals to help. For very tough blockages, which can occur because of any of the causes listed above, drain augers or snakes may be necessary to clear the blockage.
 
A professional can identify exactly where the blockage is and use a special type of rod to clear it. This is a fast and cost-effective way to clear blockages from your pipes and drains and minimise the risk of flooding and water damage to your property.