It’s simple, all that should be going down a drain is water. If other items are going down your drains, it may potentially lead to a blocked drain which is a problem that is best avoided. We have acquired this knowledge over the past 10 years, servicing homes and businesses in the Merimbula area, as well as the surrounding communities.
It’s important to note that a blockage within the pipeline can lead to a back up of water. If this happens, the water in a pipe will start to clog up which can lead to higher water pressure and the formation of small leaks. Ultimately, this may cause the pipe to completely rupture.
From this point onwards, you might experience foul smells starting to form, your shower and toilet will start draining at a slower rate and water will begin rising up from your drains and sewers. If any of these issues arise, call us – your local blocked drain plumbers on (02) 6430 7104.
It’s important to understand what causes a blocked drain so with that in mind, let’s take a look at what can lead to a drain blockage forming.
How to prevent a blocked drain from occurring
There are many ways a clogged drain can come to be, whether the situation has stemmed as a result of someone’s actions or due to external circumstances. Either way, it’s our job as your resident plumbers to identify the cause of the issue and fix the issue before serious problems arise. In light of this, let’s uncover how you can minimise the potential of causing a blocked drain.
What not to flush down a toilet or wash down a kitchen/bathroom sink:
Toiletries
More often than not, a bathroom will have a small bin to dispose of toiletries, like bandages and dental floss. Such items should never be flushed down the toilet or any drain for that matter. If this were to consistently happen, you’ll most likely end up with a blocked drain.
Strands of Hair
When you brush your hair or shave your beard, make sure that the loose hairs that end up on the floor and sink are placed in the bin. If strands of hair are sent through the pipeline, it could potentially lead to a blocked drain which can create an array of problems.
Other Foreign Objects
During our years of working on all types of plumbing projects, we have come across some objects in the pipeline that you wouldn’t believe. Items like kids’ toys, toothbrushes and hand towels to name a few. Ensure that all measures are taken to avoid having these kinds of objects in your drainage system.
Fat & Grease
When it comes to cleaning up after cooking a beautiful meal, make sure that the leftover fats and grease are correctly disposed of; place the fat or grease in a container which can be thrown away and wait for it to cool down and solidify. Once solid, proceed to throw it in the bin… Don’t dump it in the sink! This can lead to having your kitchen sink clogged which will cause a number of problems in and around your home.
External forces that can result in a blocked drain:
Torrential Rain
When it rains heavily, there’s a possibility that rainwater can overwhelm drain pipes which could lead to a blocked drain. Once the drain is blocked, water can start backing up and potentially cause flooding in and around your home. So as soon as you notice any problems, reach out to your local blocked drain plumbers.
Fallen Debris
Debris, like leaves and twigs, that have fallen from the roof gutters could potentially lead to a stormwater drain blockage. Once they fall into the drainage system, the leaves and twigs will start to decompose into organic matter. To prevent this from happening, request a booking and a blocked drain plumber will come to install a gutter guard.
Broken Pipes
If you’re living in an older home, there’s a good chance that a new and improved plumbing system has yet to be installed. An older piping system has a higher chance of causing broken pipes. The process of a broken pipe will unfold overtime with the eventuality of having a blocked drain. Get in touch with us and we can inspect the quality and durability of your pipework.
Tree Roots
Old tree root infiltration is by far one of the most common causes of blocked drains. As tree roots continue to grow overtime, they can grow under the soil and lead to the underlying pipes being ruptured. Make sure that your drain pipes are regularly serviced to prevent this issue from occurring.
All in all, it’s important to focus on what you can control. Only flush or wash items down a drain that are safe to do so. Have your pipes regularly inspected and serviced, especially in the event of extreme weather conditions. Keep on the lookout for the signs of a blocked pipe, which include:
- Unpleasant odours coming from drains
- Water draining slower than usual
- Gurgling noises in the pipes
- Lower water level in the toilet bowl
From what can be controlled, to external factors that are harder to deal with, this is where the experience of a blocked drain plumber comes in handy. From conditions like extreme weather, to branches and tree roots creating a blockage, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with Merimbula’s go-to blocked drain and home plumbing experts if you have a blocked drain, or any other plumbing problem at your home or workplace. Additionally, in the case of an emergency our plumbers are on-call 24/7 to deal with all emergency plumbing situations in Merimbula, Bega Valley and the surrounding areas.
