5 Reasons Why Your Drains Are Blocked And How To Unclog Them

Our planet is mostly made out of water, and because there is so much of it, you hardly need to think about it. That is, until you must clear the drains and pipes in your house. These clogged waterways will begin as minor issues, and can swiftly intensify into major problems if they are not addressed immediately and properly.

If you will think like a plumber Bankstown, the best way to handle this situation is to understand what is causing the backup before acting on it. The following is a list of common causes of blocked drains, and how you can deal with them before calling in the professionals as a last resort.

What are the symptoms of a jammed drain?

If your bathtub, sink, or toilet drains slowly, or does not drain at all, it is a sign that you probably have a clogged drain. Here are a few things to keep in mind before working on your plumbing:

- If only one bathtub, shower, sink, or toilet in your house is congested, you might be able to resolve the issue with some basic methods and tools.

- If multiple fixtures in your living space are backing up, your main drainage system is most likely blocked or compromised. Call a plumber to fix this problem, as it will require special equipment and skills.

What objects could be frequently blocking your drains?

Tree roots

The slightest cracks or leaks in your underground plumbing can entice tree roots to develop. If the roots get in your tubes, they will grow at a fast rate, block water flow, and eventually cause damage to your pipes. Hire contractors who are skilled at pipe relining, excavations, pressure jet cleaning, or trenchless repair, as they will have the equipment needed to fix this issue. Avoid costly and extensive repairs by regularly monitoring the condition of your drains and examining the root structure of trees near your house.

Toilet paper

If toilet paper is used at the lavatory in small amounts, there should not be any problems. But if it is used in excess, your drain may choke at some point. Quilted lavatory paper is soft to the touch, but this luxurious roll of bathroom tissue causes more clogged drains because of how thick it is. If you flush the toilet and water level still goes down slowly, you can help the toilet paper dissolve and shift by using a plunger. But if the water level starts to overflow, let a plumber take care of this problem.

Minerals

If you live in an area of Bankstown with hard water, expect your drains to be congested by mineral buildup over time. You can remedy the issue by having a water softener installed, but if this option is not available, you must often descale and take out sediments from your plumbing. If minerals are allowed to settle in your tubes, they will be difficult to remove, and you have to call a plumber when the drains and pipes are not working.

Food waste

This type of drain blockage generally affects kitchen sinks. Some foods, like coffee grounds, tea leaves, grease, and oil do not break down even if the fixtures come with garbage disposal systems. Before washing the dishes, place all the food particles in a composting pile, wiping off the oil on a paper towel and adding it to the compost.

Dirt and hair

A person could lose as much as 100 strands of hair each day. When all these hairs land on the floor or ground, they can easily bind with dirt, grime, or other sticky substances and block drains. The easiest way to deal with dirt and hair clogging is to stop them from happening in the first place. Rinse or shake off excess dirt and hair off your body and clothes outside the house prior to washing them inside. Make sure that your drains have guards to catch hair and dirt and clear these often.

What other tips can help keep your drains working properly?

Any small object that can slip through your drains can block them. Do not let anything that is not supposed to go down the pipes go down the pipes. Avoid clearing your plumbing with hazardous chemicals or makeshift objects. And if you are unsure about how to unclog your jammed drains, do not hesitate to call a licensed contractor with the experience and the gear to fix your plumbing problems.