Drainage problems can be a serious issue for both residential and commercial properties. Whether it’s slow draining sinks or a smelly stench emanating from your drains, blocked drains can quickly turn from minor inconveniences to significant plumbing problems. Blocked drains not only cause water backflows but can also result in lasting damage to pipes and the overall drainage system of your property. Hence, for the residents of Southhampton, knowing how to combat blocked drains is essential.
Common Causes of Blocked Drains
Everyday activity from washing dishes to flushing toilets adds to the build-up in the drainage system. Items such as fats, oils, grease, food chunks, hair, soap, nappies, and sanitary products improperly disposed of down the drain can all contribute to a blocked drain. These blocked drains southampton gradually accumulate on the walls of the pipes that later solidify forming a troublesome blockage.
When to take action?
Typical symptoms of a blocked drain include slow drainage, gurgling sounds, unpleasant odour, raised water level in your toilet, and even damp or mould on walls or ceilings. If you encounter any of these signs, it’s time to take action before the situation gets worse, leading to costly repairs.
How to Combat Blocked Drains?
A number of do-it-yourself remedies can help unclog minor blockages. Boiling water is a common household remedy for minor drain blocks caused by fats, oils or soaps that solidified in the pipe. It is, however, worth noting that this method should not be used on PVC pipes as it can damage them. Plunging is another widely used DIY method to unclog blocked drains.
Use of natural enzymes is an eco-friendly method to try and alleviate the blockage. These can be in the form of a powdered or liquid enzyme drain cleaners, or simply a homemade concoction of baking soda and vinegar both of which are commonly found in most Southampton households.
Preventing Blocked Drains
Prevention is better than cure. One of the simplest ways to prevent blockages is by being mindful of what you put down your drain. Use strainers to capture food debris, regularly clean the stoppers in your baths and sinks to capture accumulated hair and soap scum. Regularly flushing your drains with boiling water or a homemade enzyme solution can also help in preventing build-ups.
Professional Help in Southampton
If the blockage seems persistent or the problem is severe, it’s time to call in the professionals. Expert drain clearance services in Southampton are fully equipped to handle any blocked drain problem. They use techniques such as high-pressure water jetting to effectively remove stubborn blockages. Some services even employ drain CCTV survey technology that can diagnose complex issues that are not otherwise visible.
In conclusion, the best approach for Southampton residents is to be proactive and avoid common behaviours that lead to blocked drains. However, in the event of an unforeseen blockage, this guide should arm you with basic solutions to try. If the problem persists, do not hesitate to call a professional. Ignoring blocked drains can lead to bigger problems over time, including structural damage and health risks due to bacteria buildup. It’s always best to address these issues as soon as they arise for the health and safety of your household or business. As the popular saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine!