Essential Insight for Homeowners When Dealing With Blocked Drains
Clogged and overflowing drains can ruin a good day, especially if it happens for the first time. However, before a drainpipe clogs, you get some tell-tale signs that enable you to respond promptly to avoid an escalation of the problem. DIYers can fix minor drain issues, but you might want to contact a professional plumber for complex issues, such as burst pipes that lead to overflows. Here are key facts that homeowners need to know when dealing with blocked drains.
Causes of Blocked Drains
There are several reasons why residential drains get clogged over time. Disposal of items that are not supposed to be disposed of in drains is one of the leading causes of clogging. Such items include condoms, sanitary products, fats and oils and wipes. Such items are tough to break down and, thus, jam up your drains. Always dispose of such items properly, especially in skip bins. Besides, debris such as stones and leaves can enter the system and cause a blockage in external drains. Also, tree roots can damage drains, leading to blockage and overflows.
Beware of Foul Smell
When you get a whiff of a bad smell coming from your sewers, then the problem might be a blockage. Experts agree that foul smells from sewer lines are a dead giveaway for clogged pipes. The reason is that wastewater starts to accumulate in the drains instead of flowing. Eventually, a chemical reaction will occur as the waste is broken down into different elements, which produces a foul odour.
Fixing Clogged Drains
The nature of clogging of your drains determines the type of tools to use. A wire hanger is probably the simplest and effective tool for simple clogs in bathrooms and kitchen skinks. By pushing a wire deep into a drain, you can fish all kinds of gunk. Always pull dirt as opposed to pushing to avoid worsening a blockage. A plunger is another tool that can force small clogs down the drainpipes. Notably, a plunger is used to unclog sinks and toilets. A plunger works by breaking down debris into small pieces that can flow down the pipes. However, when you want to clean an entire drain, you need a drain snake. Since a drain snake is flexible, it is effective in removing clogs buried deep in drain pipes, leaving a drainage system clean. A drain snake is a go-to tool for most plumbers working on residential drains.