Blocked drains can be quite a nuisance and if left untreated will only get worse. They can be caused by many different factors such as an excessive amount of hair within your shower drain or sanitary items and cleaning wipes being flushed down the toilet. Other causes include damaged surfaces within the pipe that catch wastewater solids and tree roots.
There are a number of ways that your local North Shore plumber can help you to clear blocked drains. Firstly, they will use CCTV drain cameras to identify the source of the problem and then clear the blockage using either a rotary drain cleaning device or a high-pressure water jetter. They will also ensure that the damaged area of the pipe is repaired to prevent future blockages.
If the blockage is not too severe then your blocked drain services north shore may recommend that you try to fix it yourself using a plunger. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to clear a small drain blockage. You can purchase a plunger at most home improvement or hardware stores for around $10 and simply place it over the clogged drain. Press down firmly and then pull straight up, repeating this process several times. Adding water to the sink or tub before you start can help to create more suction and make it easier to remove the blockage.
Another option is to use drain chemicals to clean out your pipes. However, these are usually only suitable for drains that are partially clogged and can be harsh on the pipe lining. The other method that your North Shore plumber may suggest is to use a plumbers’ eel, which is essentially a flexible length of metal that is pushed down the pipe and then worked back and forth through the blockage to break it up and clear it away.
For more serious blocked drains, your local North Shore drain plumber will often use a high-pressure water jetter to clear the obstruction. These devices inject hot water at high pressure into your pipes to flush out any fatty substances that have formed and disperse them into the stormwater system. This is an effective way to clear stubborn blockages and can be especially useful if the cause of the blockage is not known.
There are a few things that you can do to minimise the risk of blockages in your drains, including regularly clearing out any unwanted debris from your outdoor drains and ensuring that your children do not dispose of toys or other objects down the toilet. You should also have your sewer and stormwater drains checked by a professional at least once a year to reduce the likelihood of a blockage occurring. This will also help to keep your plumbing in good condition and prolong its life.