All supermoms know how much effort it takes to keep a home clean and tidy, but sometimes, no matter how much we try to avoid it, certain issues can arise that create the need to employ outside help. One such issue is the blockage of drains within your property, but you’ll be glad to know there are a few things you can do before opting to call a plumbing specialist like MM Drains. Just think, if you paid attention to this article and tried the method I’m about to mention, you could end up saving a lot of cash in call out charges. That’s money that could be better spent on providing for the kids, right?
With all this in mind, the techniques for unblocking your drains in this article are very simple, and so you should have no trouble completing them without any outside help. That said; if you really can’t unblock the drain yourself, don’t feel bad, as this probably isn’t a reflection on your abilities. It’s much more likely the blockage is just too substantial to fix without specialist tools.
Tip # 1 – Identify The Problem
Whether your sinks aren’t emptying properly, or the problem seems to stem from your toilet and bath, finding out exactly where the blockage is located should be your first move. You don’t need to be an expert, just follow the pipes.
Tip # 2 – Stop Using The Affected Drain
At the end of the day, even if water is still draining a little, when you keep on using it knowing it has a significant blockage, you’ll only make things worse. The second you notice a problem, poor any waste water away elsewhere.
Tip # 3 – Always Put Safety First
Before you attempt to remove the blockage, ensure you’re wearing protective clothing, especially on your hands. As anyone who’s ever taken pipes apart before will already know, the smell and gunk contained within can be particularly vile.
Tip # 4 – Remove The Cover / Pipes & Clear Obstruction
Most people will have a blockage within their pipes, usually just after the first bend away from the water drainage point. So, to unblock this, you’ll need a long flexible rod or a plunger. Just keep jabbing away until you manage to break through. This could take a number of minutes, so you’ll need to keep at it.
Tip # 5 – Flush Flush and Flush Again
When you’re confident you’ve dislodged the blockage, it’s important to flush the affected areas a few times to help remove any excess debris. Just make sure you’re 100% confident the blockage is removed, or the water you use during flushing could flood your home.
Tip # 6 – Buy Drain Cleaner
Presuming you’ve successfully made it this far, it’s vital that you begin to maintain your drains properly in the future, as this is the only way to avoid a repeat incident. So, head down to your local supermarket and buy the strongest home drain cleaner you can find. Follow the instructions on the back of the packaging and your drains should remain block free forevermore.
Tip # 7 – If All Else Fails, Call The Experts
If you’ve followed all that advice, but your drains are still blocked (don’t worry, it happens), then it’s time to call in the experts, and fast. The longer you leave a problem like this, the more chance there is of it progressing and getting worse.
So, now you know how to unblock your own drains, I expect the statistics for home flooding should drop a little this year. Just remember, if you know a drain is blocked, you never want to pour more water down there. Likewise, if the blockage is in your toilet, DO NOT FLUSH IT until you’ve removed the problem.
Good luck!
