What is a Blocked Drain?

What Are The Signs of a Clogged Drain?

Signs of clogging can vary depending on your drain type. However, there are clogged drains which share several signs of blockages. Due to damaging consequences associated with clogged drains, it is essential to know these signs so you can determine  where clogging is happening. The following are common indicators of a clogged drain:

• Gurgling sounds – This sound is an indication that water is pooling and pushing against the pipes. A gurgling blocked sound is a common sign of blockage down the drain pipes.
• Overflowing – When water spills back from the drains, most people think that it is a natural occurrence for drains. However, it is a clear sign of clogging. Overflowing pretty much tells that there’s a blocked drain somewhere on the property. 
• Foul odours – When the sewer system gets clogged, a bad smell is among the earliest signs. The sewer is in charge of draining human waste and wastewater. When there’s a blockage, this wastewater gets stuck in pipes and causes these odours. The foul smell is not only strong in the bathroom but also in other drains on the property.
• Slow draining – Clogging could also cause slow draining in sinks, shower drains and toilets. When these drains take time to drain and have caused a pool of water, there is a serious clogging happening within the sink, toilet and shower drain.

Common Causes of Blocked Drains

Different factors normally cause blocked drains. When it is hard to tell which is causing the clogging, it is best to work with a qualified blocked drain specialist who has the essential tools. These professionals have the experience and knowledge to detect which pipe network or drain is affected by clogging. The following are usual suspects for clogged drains:

• Hair – The accumulation of fallen hair commonly causes clogging in the shower drain. While a single strand of hair is not enough to block the drains, chunks of hair strands (especially from brushes ladies) that end up down the drain can interfere with draining water in the shower. 
• Toilet paper – Our Blocked drain plumbers recommend flushing toilet paper down the toilet. However, we advise you to be cautious about which type of toilet paper goes down the drain. It is a big no for two-ply toilet paper, nappies and other sanitary products going down the toilet. Furthemore, over spooling can also lead to blockages so try to be mindful 
• Mineral buildup – Limestone and mineral deposits are also responsible for clogging, especially in showerheads. When mineral buildup happens in pipes, it constricts the passage of water and causes blockage. 
• Cooking oil – Grease is not the most well-known cause of clogging, especially in the kitchen drain. Cooking oil can easily coat the pipe walls and cause blockage. When grease gets combined with food scraps, it could be more effective in causing blockage down the drain pipes.
• Food scraps – Food scraps are one of most known causes for blocked kitchen drains. Coffee grounds and other food waste are sure to restrict draining water down the drain. 
• Soap – Solid bar soaps can get lodged within the pipes. While they will soon break down, it could interfere with how it functions while still stuck down the drain pipes.
• Tree roots – The sewer system is the main target of tree blocked roots. Interference coming from these roots can breach the pipe and cause clogging.
• Natural debris – Leaves and twigs are usual debris found in gutters and other drains. It could cause clogging, especially in properties without gutter guards. At times, dirt and grit can also cause clogging in these places.
• Cat litter – Cat litter can expand when exposed to water. When flushed down the sink or toilet, the expanded cat litter can cause clogging.
• Foreign objects – Toys and other small objects can easily go down the drain. Clogging due to foreign objects usually happens in homes with children.

How To Clear a Blocked Drain?

There are several do-it-yourself fixes available for homeowners dealing with clogged drains. These solutions use materials commonly found in homes and commercial spaces. These following fixes work best for clogged drains:

• Boiling water – Grease, conditioner and some toiletries get resolved using boiling water. These objects have higher melting points. Using extreme heat can easily dissolve them. A kettle full of boiling water is enough to remove clogging due to the aforementioned things.
• Plungers – Most homes and commercial spaces have plungers. By sealing the plug hole, plungers, due to vacuum, can remove the object causing the blockage. Plungers are best for removing clogs in sinks and toilets.
• Natural cleaners – Baking soda and vinegar are always available in homes. When these two materials are combined, it creates a powerful solution for blocked drains. Pouring 1/2 cup of baking soda, ½ cup of vinegar followed by pouring hot water down the drain and waiting 60 minutes will help clear minor blockages. 
• Caustic cleaners – Commercially-available chemical products contain powerful chemicals that break down grease, fats, scum and other tougher blockages.

For more stubborn blockages, we highly recommend that you contact an emergency plumber. They will then be able to assist you by doing the following.

• CCTV – A CCTV drain inspection helps identify and locate where the clogging is happening. A small camera is inserted into the drain as it is attached to a tool similar to a snake tool. 
• Hydro jetting – Jet blasting helps remove debris and other substances lodged deeper down the drain. This method uses intense and sharp bursts of water to get rid of whatever is causing the blockage.
• Excavation – Excavation is only done for seriously clogged drains. This approach sees blocked drain plumbers digging the drain for repair or replacement.
• Pipe relining – This solution is best when the pipe network has been clogged for days. Or when it frequently suffers from blockage. This method uses flexible tools and a resin to create a new layer after removing the clogging.

Contact the Best Blocked Drain Plumber in Sydney Today!

At Optimised Plumbing Services, we have years of experience and training to deal with all clogged drain types. All have met the requirements set by NSW Fair Trading to receive our NSW plumbing licence. This licence allows us to legally work on plumbing appliances and systems. Our team specialises in a wide range of plumbing services, including hot water system repairs, leak detection and gas fitting. Contact Optimised Plumbing Services now to have Sydney’s most trusted blocked drain plumber fix your blocked drain issues today!