When your drain is blocked, you need help straight away!  Although the problem may have been brewing for a while, there’s no way of knowing until you start experiencing issues.

 Signs of a Blocked Drain

The main tell-tale signs of a blocked drain are –

• water takes a long time to drain down a plughole
• the water level in your toilet bowl is rising
• the water level in your outdoor gully trap is rising or overflowing (gully traps are designed as an overflow point for when the drain blocks)

What Happens if a Blocked Drain is Left Too Long

It’s important to get a blocked drain cleared early. If a blockage is left for too long, issues begin to appear.

They can be inconvenient, such as reduced water pressure and foul smells. But they can also create health risks such as bacteria growing in the drain and sewage backing up.

Leaks and flooding can cause damage to the house and property.

The longer a blockage is left, the higher the risks and the more expensive the repair is likely to be.

Causes of Blocked Drains

The most common causes of a blocked drain are –

• a buildup of debris, such as toilet paper, soap and cooking oils
• tree roots growing through joins and/or cracks in the drain pipes, preventing water and debris from flowing past them

How Will My Blocked Drain be Cleared?

Our plumber would initially try to clear the block with manual tools. Using manual tools is sufficient to clear a less serious blockage and is also the most cost-effective method.  If the blockage is stubborn, specialist equipment is required.

Plumb has access to equipment for both diagnosing and clearing blocked drains.  We use cameras to see what’s going on inside the pipe and what’s causing the problems. High-pressure water sprays are used to clear roots and other debris away.  There’s also a locating tool that accurately measures the position and depth of the drain so that it’s quick to find the right place if we need to dig down to the pipe.

We can then carry out any necessary work, based on what the camera and locating tools show us.  Once your blockage has been cleared and your drain repaired, we spray the drain and surrounding area with disinfectant to keep everything hygienic.

 

It’s best to get your drains cleared when you first notice the early signs of a blockage to prevent them from becoming a larger problem. If you have a blockage or a drain you are suspicious of, contact us now. We’d be glad to help.