Some of the most fundamental plumbing problems that property owners might face are drainage problems. What seems like no more than an annoyance might quickly escalate to pose more significant challenges if measures are not taken to rectify the issue. The best way to save yourself time and money in the end is to know the warning signs that might indicate there’s an issue with the drainage.
In this guide, you will be led step by step to diagnose the first signs that might indicate if there is an issue with the pipe obstruction problem and be offered DIY solutions to solve such problems. The need to call a plumber if further repairs are needed beyond DIY solutions will also be made clear.
Determining Early Symptoms of Blockage
A drainage system has different warning signals that indicate it is about to stop working. The most effective means to prevent a serious drainage problem is to be sensitive to these signals.
Slow Drainage
One of the most observable signs that there is about to be a blockage is the draining process taking longer. If you realise that the water is taking longer to drain from the sinks, showers, and baths after use, then it means that there is something that is partially obstructing the pipe. This can be caused by hair buildup, soap buildup, food particles, and grease.
Gurgling Sounds
The noises that come from the drains are another sign that one needs to be concerned about. If there are gurgles and bubbles that come with the pipes whenever you flush your toilets and then the drainage sinks, this means that there is air that gets trapped in the pipe due to an obstruction. The noises are produced by water that tries to move past the obstruction.
Unpleasant Odours
The smell that originates from your drainage shows that there is trash that has clogged the pipe. In most instances, these stinky smells are evident in the kitchen if there are food particles lodged in the pipe and from the bathtub if there is soap build-up. If these stinky smells are left unchecked, the problem tends to deteriorate over time.
DIY Solutions
In most instances involving mild clogs, you would be in a position to solve them with DIY means.
One of the simplest and most efficient starting solutions has to be pouring boiling water directly from a kettle straight down the blocked drain. This may be all that is required to loosen the grease or soap buildup that may be causing the problem with the drain.
For something slightly more heavy-duty, there is the possibility to mix baking soda and white vinegar. A half cup each must be poured down the blocked drain. This remedy must be allowed to work its magic for one full hour before rinsing with hot water. A plunger can also come in handy to produce the suction pressure to unblock sinks and toilets.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While homemade solutions are best employed to remedy current issues, there may be situations that are best dealt with by the expertise that licensed plumbers possess. If you are encountering frequent clogs that tend to come back after making attempts to resolve them yourself, it may be that there lies an issue with your plumbing that needs to be rectified by blocked drain services experts.
Keep Your Drains in Top Shape
Taking care of your drains does not necessarily mean that you are taking on such an intimidating task. If you are alert with regard to the signs that might indicate that there might be an obstruction within the pipe and that you look after them immediately if that is the case, then you might be spared the expenses that come with larger repairs.
