It is not uncommon for the drains of the home to get blocked. There are many things we handle on a daily basis that contribute to this problem. These range from the food wastes to the kitchen debris and the dirt from the cutlery we place in kitchens.

If the drain blocks are not handled or mitigated in a timely way, they may pose serious water damages to the plumbing mechanisms of the home. There are two main ways you can handle the problem. One, you may choose to do it on your own. Then, you may also hire an expert plumber for the job.

Causes of a blocked drain

Below are the major causes of  blocked drains:

Food waste

Food wastes are by far the single most contributing factor to this menace. The small droplets of food from the plates we wash do buildup with time. In the process, they create a barrier that prevents the water from flowing smoothly through to the municipal drainage.

Tree roots

If the roots of trees grow and develop luxuriously under the soil, the same may penetrate the underground drainage. This in turn may block the drain and prevent the wastewater from flowing smoothly to the final destination. Moreover, they can also cause the pipes to burst.

Grease and dirt buildup

The kitchen drainage is perhaps the worst victim of the grease and dirt buildup. Grease does harden and stick when it gets cold. If the trend goes on unabated for quite some time, this may lead to permanent blockage of the drainage mechanisms. This problem intensifies if lots of oil is used for cooking.

Smaller objects

A host of smaller objects like pebbles, grit, bones, and toilet paper may also accumulate and settle in the drains. Yet again, if they settle in huge quantities, they may clog the drain and prevent the water from flowing smoothly from the sinks to the final sewages.

Minerals

Hard water contains plenty of dissolved minerals. These minerals, much like the grease we have talked of above, may also dry, harden and accumulate in the drains. If and when this happens, they may cause the drains to block in such a way as to impede the smooth flow of water.

DIY Tips to a Fix a Blocked Drain

Here below are some of the tips that may help you to fix a blocked drain:

Inspect the garbage disposal every now and then. You should inspect the garbage disposal every now and then. That way, it will be possible for you to anticipate any impending blockage and act in time to eliminate the same. The end result of this arrangement is that you will not have to sustain the block in the first place.

Pour boiling water and salt after each washing

After each dishwashing session, you should pour boiling water and salt. The hot water breaks down the hardened grease and fat molecules that are chiefly responsible for clogging. They, in doing that, ensure smoother disposal of the wastewater by eliminating any impediments.

Introduce vinegar and baking soda always

Other than boiling water and salt, vinegar and baking soda are also two of the most commonly used items. Pour them in the drains probably once a week. They emulsify the fat and the grease molecules that may have hardened in the drains to allow for the smooth and easy passage of wastewater.

Dismantle the drain and clear out the debris

From time to time, you may have to dismantle the drain and clear out the debris manually. This is recommended at least once a month. That is because, no matter how cautious you may be, some hardened debris will no doubt accumulate in the drains and interrupt the flow of the wastewater.

Minimize the use of grease and oil for cooking

Perhaps as a long-lasting intervention, you may have to minimize the use of grease and oil for your cooking. These two are the principal causes of the menace of blocked drains. Try and limit their use or better still, switch to oil-less cooking interventions altogether.

Importance of hiring a licensed plumber for the job

Even though it is possible for you to unblock your drains single handedly, you are better off hiring a professional plumber to do the job for you. Below are some of the salient benefits of bringing in a professional plumber to handle the task:

Possession of the necessary licenses

Most jurisdictions require that those who engage in these tasks be duly licensed. Even though you may obtain the licenses as an individual, the processes involved are long, winding, and exhausting. Thankfully, these professional plumbers already have the necessary licenses for the job.

Professional expertise

Other than the licenses, professional plumbers have the professional work experience and expertise necessary to handle the job well. They hire only highly qualified and well-trained professionals to tackle the task. You hence stand a better chance of accruing quality services with them than going it all alone.

Licensed plumbers will have the Necessary equipment

These firms have the necessary equipment for the job. If you choose to do it on your own, you may have to spend a lot of money to acquire these items. Professional plumbers have whatever it may take to do a thorough and satisfactory job. 

Insurance 

Professional plumbers insure their work for all the dangers and the damages that may arise in the course of unblocking your drains. This is good because there is always the possibility of some of your items or building structures sustaining damages when being worked on. The insurance comes in handy to compensate you for such losses.

Reduces time wastage

By delegating the task to a professional plumber, you do not have to waste time trying to do a job that you don’t know much about. That leaves you with the liberty to tackle other chores you may have in the meantime.

If you live in the Geelong area and would like to have your drains unblocked, contact our company, Geelong 24 Hour Plumbing. We have the experience, knowledge, and the latest equipment to fix your blocked drain. For more information, please call 1300 368 866.