What To Do If You Think You Have A Blocked Drain

Funny smells coming from plugs or drains? Water taking ages to go drain away? These are all signs that you may be dealing with a blocked drain. 

Knowing the drain is blocked is one thing, but what do you do next? You might be able to fix it yourself with some at-home methods, or you might need to call a professional drainage company. This article will help you decide the best course of action.

Common Causes Of Blocked Drains

Outside Drains: 

Outside drains can become blocked with leaves or debris from outdoors, or by sanitary products or baby wipes being flushed down the toilet. If you notice a rotten smell or overflowing drain outside your home, act fast to prevent the situation from worsening. 

Inside Drains:

Common causes of blocked drains inside are fat or oil being poured down the drain, or coffee grounds being emptied into the sink. If it is a bath or shower drain then it is often clumps of hair or cleaning products that have caused the blockage, if this is the case you might be able to resolve this yourself.

DIY Drain Unblocking

Assuming the blockage isn’t too bad, you might be able to fix an outside blocked drain yourself. Here’s how…

1. Get the cover off by using a flathead screwdriver. They are heavy to be prepared to take the weight of the cover, ensuring it doesn’t fall down the drain.
2. With gloves, goggles and a mask on, try to remove as much of the blockage as possible. Empty the debris into a bin bag nearby, and use drain rods to clear the remainder.
3. Insert the drain rod and twist in a clockwise direction, applying pressure as you go. Keep plunging and twisting, when this starts to feel easier it is a sign that your blockage is clearing. 

If you are trying to unblock a blocked drain inside, the steps are slightly different…

1. Try pouring boiling water down the drain to flush out the blockage.
2. Add a cup of bicarbonate of soda
3. Add another cup of vinegar and watch the combination froth
4. Let the mixture work its magic for a few hours and hopefully this will have helped the issue

Calling the Experts

If you have any doubts about unblocking drains yourself, just quit whilst you're ahead and call the experts. This could save you time and money in the long run, plus you won’t have to deal with any of the dreaded smells yourselves. The team at Environ can help with blocked drains, just get in touch to find out more.

A drainage issue isn’t something you can necessarily handle yourself. To avoid future problems, a contractor must address the underlying condition. This isn’t always easy, but the right drain experts will work with you to fix any issues as effectively and efficiently as possible. When choosing a drainage firm in London, here’s what to look for:

• A good contractor will have good references. You want a company with expertise that knows what it’s doing. Positive references are a good indication that your contractor will resolve the problem in the most suitable way, is courteous and easy to deal with, and follows through on their promises.
• Your contractor should offer a significant guarantee. This is a sign that they’re confident in the quality of their work, so watch out for any contractor who won’t.
• For drainage contractors, price isn’t always the best indicator of quality. Rely more on references, guarantees, and their expertise in the field. The cheapest quote could lead to an ineffective solution.
• As a customer, you should be completely at ease with your contractor. Your contractor should explain the problem with your drains clearly and suggest practical solutions. If you’re uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to change firms altogether.
• A scale drawing should be available. A good sewerage company in London must have general knowledge of construction and the relevant building regulations. The contractor should give you a clear, scale drawing of the project and sit down with you and explain everything in detail. It’s a good opportunity to air any worries you may have.

While there are some home remedies you can try to resolve problems with blockages, you will often end up searching Google for a ‘drainage company near me’ for professional help. Listed below are a few of the most common causes of clogged drains and the prescribed fixes for each of them:

• Hair: Plunging the drain is sometimes successful. You may be tempted to try a commercially available drain cleaner, but this can damage pipes if used frequently. Try and use a baking soda and vinegar solution on a regular basis to keep pipes clear, but if obstructions build-up, you may need a drainage contractor.
• Soap: The ideal method to remove soap accumulated in pipes is pressure cleaning by experts.
• Dirt: Using drain rods may work, but if you’re inexperienced, you could damage your pipework. Call in the professionals.
• Oil, Grease, and Fat: Try mixing some detergent with hot water in the sink bowl, and flush it away with hot water. This usually dissolves any hardened fat. Plunge the sink, but if the problem doesn’t resolve, contact an expert.
• Food Waste: Avoid flushing food waste down your drain. Clear dishes into the bin before washing them. Food waste may still accumulate over time, so if water runs sluggishly away when you remove the sink plug, you may need expert help to flush through your system with high-powered water.