Blocked Drain
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Sydney Blocked Drain Services
Here at Optimised Plumbing Services, we have a friendly, reliable and qualified blocked drain team that have all the experience and knowledge ever needed in fixing blocked drain issues. Our blocked drain services start from $77* and we proudly service every Sydney suburb.
We use nothing but the latest technology for locating and eliminating blockages. Our plumbers are fully licensed as per NSW’s Fair Trade and carry out all blocked drain work under The Plumbing Code of Australia. Our plumbers always provide expert advice in order to fix your blocked drains and will prevent this issue from happening in the future.
Solving Drain Blockages For Over 20 Years!
Blocked Drain difficulties are one of our specialties here at Optimised Plumbing Services. Working for all of Sydney’s population, we have over 20 years of experience to deal with all of your plumbing problems. Our blocked drain process involves our team identifying the cause using the latest technology and then implementing strategic methods in order to correctly unblock drains and pipes. The knowledge combined with specific techniques allows us to deal with any dilemma and to perfectly remove blockages. Additionally, we also provide tricks and tips on how to prevent your drains from being blocked in the future. Our work is for the benefit of our clients and we enjoy seeing people with these plumbing stresses being free of the additional worry they bring. Likewise, our prices are affordable and reasonable for the work we do.
10 Tips for Clearing a Blocked Drain
1. Pouring Boiling Water
Pouring hot kettle water down metal and ceramic drains is typically the first step we recommend in unblocking a drain. This remedy is a relatively quick, inexpensive and minimises environmental contamination. However, pouring boiling hot water should only ever be poured down metal and ceramic drains and you should only use hot tap water for PVC pipes. This method can be extremely effective for small drain blockages such as grease and soap build-up, however it will do little to remove solid blockages.
2. Plungers
A trusted plunger always comes in handy when seeking to unclog a blocked bathroom, laundry or kitchen sink and even toilets! Plunges work by creating a seal around the plug hole, followed by applying suction and pressure to dislodge solid blockages. 10 strokes of a repetitive up and down movement is typically all that is needed to clear the drain. However, It is important to differentiate between the different plunges. For example
- The standard sink plunger should only really works well on flat surfaces.
- Whereas a toilet plunger, which is noticeably distinguishable by having a soft rubber flap that folds out from inside the cup, and an accordion plunger are more suited for toilet blockages.
3. Natural Cleaners – Baking Soda & Vinegar
Mixing natural cleaners has been a popular DIY method in unblocking drains for many years. The most effective method in our opinion is applying a mixture of baking soda, vinegar and boiling water. To use this method:
- Clear the area around your sink and pour ½ a cup of bicarb (baking) soda down the drain followed by ½ cup of white vinegar.
- Then plug your drain and let the natural cleaners sit for approximately 1 hour.
- The last step is to unplug your drain and pour a cup of boiling hot water down the drain.
You may have to repeat this process, however after several attempts this is a sure sign of a solid blockage require professional plumbing assistance
4. Caustic Cleaners
Caustic (corrosive) cleaners, can be found in shops such as Woolworths and Coles. These products are high in alkaline and corrosive caustic chemicals and if used regularly can be damaging to the environment. The chemicals in these products are great at dissolving minor drain blockages such as soaps, toiletries, food and hair. However they will not work in larger blockages such as tree roots. Although we recommend other methods are used, if you are use these products please use PPE such as wearing gloves and wearing a mask. You should also ensure your room is amply ventilated by opening all windows. Work safe explains more about the safety of using caustic cleaners.
5. Bent Coat Hanger
Bending a coat hanger while leaving a simple hook at the end of the rod can be an effective way in removing hair blockages and soap build-ups. Simply go to the blocked drain’s entry and carefully and tightly thread the coat hanger through the drain to see if you can dislodge or hook any blockages. This method is typically used for shower blockages and will not work for solid blockages.
6. Checking The U Bend Pipes
This method is only suitable for sink blockages and we advise that it is carefully carried out. It involves you located the u-shaped pipe under your sink as this may be where the blockage has occurred. To check your plumbing’s U Pipes:
- Firstly place a bucket under the sink to capture dripping water
- Carefully unscrew the two piping connections
- Clear any drain blockages
7. CCTV
For more serious blockages we always use CCTV to identify the clog’s location. We insert a special cable attacked with a CCTV camera in your drain and carefully thread through the line until we discover your blockages. We then will apply one of the following methods to remove the blockage depending on the extent of the clog.
8. Electric Plumbing Snake Tool
A plumbing snake is an electrical tool that is used for more serous blockages. It works by the cable’s rotating coil spinning to gradually chip away at the blockage. However this tool has relatively limited range, not always making it easily accessible for all blockage.
9. High Pressure Hydro Jet Blasting
For more serious clogs, we use the method of high pressure jet blasting. This method uses high pressure water to push substances clogging the drain further down your pipe. Hydro blasting is safer than most of the above mentioned remedies , however it is not always effective on serious blockages such as tree root damage.
10. Excavation
Plumbing excavation is carried out only in the most extreme of drain blockages and will surely resolve any clog. This process will involve a plumber digging out the dirt around the pipes underground and repairing and replacing the damaged pipes. It is important to note that excavation can only be restricted to certain areas of piping, so it can save the rest of your property’s pipework from further damage.
Blocked Drain Causes
Having a blocked kitchen sink or blocked bathroom drain have common origins. From our professional experiences, the common reasons as to why drains become blocked are from:
The excess dirt from clothes and yourself accumulate in the drain. This results in bockages and more issues. It is important that you shake yourself and your clothes outside of the shower, washing machine and sink before. This allows the dirt to not be washed completely into the drain.
When minerals dissolve in hard water it can lead to your drains being blocked as they mass produce and connect. They are difficult to remove, therefore, having a qualified plumber to get rid of the contents is really the only option. Otherwise, installing a water softener is another method if hard water is an occurrence in your vicinity.
Traditional soap bars are made from fats and grease. This means that when the soap enters your drains there is a chance that the substances can build up. This will clog your pipes and drains. However, they are more common in taps and showers.
Sometimes drainage pipes will have small cracks which will give way for tree roots to grow. Complicated and advanced plumbing work will be needed to resolve the occurrence. Make certain that you check up on your tree roots structure so that they are not close to your drainage systems.
Sydney 24hr Blocked Drain Plumbers
Here at Optimised Plumbing Services, we are a professional blocked drain specialist highly knowledgeable in the trade. We provide instant work with the blocked drains through our emergency plumber service. We arrive as soon as possible and work to quickly fix your property’s clogged drains. We have all the necessary licenses and qualification to work in all types of environments and buildings including subsoil drains. Call our domestic plumbers and commercial plumbers when your drain becomes blocked as you will be in professional hands. Our 20+ years of experience within the field and our passionate staff will remove any issues in the most safe, affordable and quickest way. See why many others have chosen Optimised Plumbing Services as their local Sydney plumbers and contact us on 0411 217 174 or contact@optimisedplumbingservices.com.au for a $0 call out today!
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Frequently asked blocked drain questions!
A blocked drain is when there is a large build-up of heavy objects that are flushed down the drain and eventually cause a blockage that prevents water flow. These objects can be anything from sanitary products, hair, food waste. They can also be cause by other factors such as poor pipe installation, broken pipes and heavy rains.
This is largely dependent on what type of drain blockage it is. Some are minor and can be resolved easily, whereas other blocked drain will require the services of a professional plumbing. Some tips for minor blocked drain include: boiling water, toilet plungers, corrosive cleaners and bent close hangers. If you need a plumber to have a look, contact Optimised Plumbing Services today! We have also recently released an article on 8 tips for clearing a blocked drain!
The costs of unblocking drains can vary from job to job as all drains and blockages are different. Our blocked drain services start from $77 and to help identify your problem quicker, we offer a $0 call out fee during business hours only.
If there is a consistent bad smell in your drains then this is due to a blocked drain. This occurs when the debris (e.g soap, hand wipes, hair, food waste) starts to rot due because of bacteria. If it is only one drain that smells then this is usually a local blockage. However, if all the drains within your property smell then this is a sign of the main sewer line being blocked and an emergency plumber needs to be called!
If your toilet has a minor blockage then a standard flange toilet plunger for your toilet may be sufficient. It is important to specifically purchase a flange plunger and not a cup plunger that is for sinks. To block the toilet, remove as much water as possible, cover the toilet drain with the plunger and then push up and down. If you need a plumber for any toilet installation or repair, contact us today!
Drains will gurgle if there is a partial blockage inside your drain pipes and the gurgling sound creates bubbles as water trying to escape the blockage. If you hear repeated gurgling noises then you should contact your local plumber to have these issues resolved before they turn into major blockages and cost you more money.
If your toilet drains are blocked then this is usually a sign of the blockage being located there. This is the same for your kitchen. However, if all your drains are blocked then an emergency plumber should be immediately called as the blockage may be occurring within your sewer line.
Your drain is blocked as there has been a gradual build-up of debris over time that is preventing water flow. If left unattended, a blocked drain will damage your entire property's plumbing system and will start to smell due to the debris rotting. It is always recommended to seek immediate plumbing help to reduce the possibility of escalation.
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