It can be really frustrating coming home from a long day out and about in Gravesend to find your drains blocked. Unfortunately, this problem is quite common due to the fact that the tough weather conditions of the area are constantly pushing dust and dirt into the drainage systems. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help tackle the issue of blocked drains gravesend and have your sinks and pipes running smoothly again.
Check the Plunger
The most simple solution is often the best one! Grab your plunger and try clearing the blockage by plunging the affected top or bottom opening. Make sure you use a good seal so that the plunging action will create enough pressure to shift any obstructions present in the pipework. This is a great and affordable method, however it may not always work for larger and more serious blockages.
Unclog Manually
In more serious cases, a manual intervention may be necessary. Start off by taking away the U-bend of the pipe and checking if addressable objects are blocking thereby preventing water from flowing. If so, carefully remove them and then check again to see if the water can now freely flow through. Another option would be to use a steel drain snake to try and hook onto potential blockages to pull them out before thoroughly cleaning the pipe.
Invest in Drain Cleaners
Getting hold of some commercial drain cleaners may be a better solution to harsh chemicals such as caustic soda. These are specially designed to dissolve grease and soap build-up, however they can be costly. It’s also worth noting that these products should only be used as a last resort as their effectiveness is debatable, and they can be damaging to existing plumbing.
Call Professional Help
If all the above fails, you might need to call in professional services to sort out the blocked drain. It may seem expensive and tedious, but calling in a plumber is the best way to get your drains unblocked quickly and without any further damage caused.
Preventative Measures
Once all the blockage problems are sorted, it is important to take preventative measures to avoid future blockages. To do this, it’s important to get into the habit of regularly cleaning your drains and shower heads with hot water and vinegar so that any trapped grease and bacteria can be removed. You can also install filter screens at the entrance of each of your plumbing fixtures in order to keep large debris out of the system. Finally, when you wash dishes, make sure any food residues go in the trash rather than down the drain.
Blocked drains are an inevitable part of every homeowner’s life. With the right maintenance, tools and a pro on hand if needed, you should be able to tackle any clogged up drain in Gravesend with ease.