All You Need To Know About Blocked Drains
One of the most pertinent plumbing problems is a blocked drain. Clogs are common in any shower, sink or drain in your house. These blocked drains can range from stoppages that result in slow drainage to thick obstructions that need professional attention. The simplest way to unclog a drain is by using a sink plunger. However, for serious blockages, you need to hire a plumber to resolve the issue.
Signs and Causes of a Blocked Drain
Some of the signs of a blocked drain include slow drainage of baths, toilets, showers and sinks. When there is no drainage of water, you should also be alarmed. Another sign of a clogged drain is a sewage that stinks. A gurgling noise similar to the sound of a coffee percolator and wastewater coming back up into showers and baths are also common signs of blocked drains.
The drainage system in your house is designed to drive wastewater out and cannot handle any other materials. However, when other materials flow in drainage pipes, the system may be unable to drive them out. A buildup of these foreign materials will eventually lead to a blocked drain. Some of the elements that block your pipes include fats and oils, sanitary products, condoms, tree roots and other debris.
Professional Ways of Clearing Blocked Drains
Plumbers often use drain augers to clear blocked drains. Drain augers are an advanced version of manual drain snakes that are available at hardware stores. The drain auger has a long coil that slithers through your drain until it encounters the obstruction. A motor rotates the coil, and this movement allows it to drill down into the clog and disseminate it.
Plumbers may also use a hydro jetter, which breaks through clogs and thoroughly scours your drainpipe. The hydro jetter has a hose that goes deep into the drain. High-pressure water comes out of the nozzle of the hose to clean out the entire pipe. The pressure facilitates the washing away of debris that clings to the walls of the drainpipe.
Summing It Up
One of the best ways to prevent a blocked drain is by limiting the amount of foreign material that passes through your drainage system. If pipes are left clogged, you will have poor drainage in your house. Clogged drains also lead to a foul smell, attract rats and other pests and can even cause structural damage to your home. If you are caught in a situation where you have a clogged drain, you can begin by using a sink plunger to unclog it. If this fails to work, you need to call in a plumber to help rectify the problem.