Unblocking drains is one of those household chores we hope never to face, but unfortunately, it’s an inevitable issue that arises in every home occasionally. Whether you’re dealing with a kitchen sink that refuses to clear or a shower drain that slowly turns into a pool, blocked drains are frustrating and can cause significant damage if not dealt properly. Here are expert tips from blocked drains wokingham Wokingham plumbers to guide you through the process of clearing blocked drains.
Restricted water flow is generally due to the build-up of hair, soap residue, food waste, or other solid particles. While some blockages are easy to clear, others necessitate expert intervention. However, before reaching out to a plumber, you can try several techniques and tips to clear the blockage.
1. DIY Drain Snake:
The first course of action against a stubborn blockage is a do-it-yourself drain snake. Using a wire coat hanger, straighten it out but leave the hook. Push it past the drain cover and start fishing. You’d be surprised what you can pull out of a blocked drain with this makeshift device.
2. Use Hot Water:
Hot water can often help break down the substances causing the clogs. Pouring a few buckets of hot water down the drain can dissolve greasy residues that could be contributing to the blockage. However, please note that you should only do this if you have metal pipes; plastic pipes may warp under the heat.
3. Use a Plunger:
A plunger can be handy for clearing blocked drains. If the blockage isn’t too severe, repeated plunging should succeed in unclogging the drain. However, ensure that you have the right type of plunger – a sink plunger for sink drains and a toilet plunger for toilets.
4. Utilise a Drain Cleaner:
For stubborn blockages, you might need a commercial drain cleaner. These solutions contain chemicals which breakdown and dissolve the blockage. Be sure to follow safety guidelines, as these chemicals can be harmful if not handled correctly.
5. Prevention is Better Than Cure:
The best way to avoid blocked drains is by preventing them in the first place. Avoid dropping solid items down the drain, use drain guards to catch hair and other particles, and regularly run hot water through the sink to prevent build-up.
6. Call for professional help:
If everything else fails or if you are dealing with a persistent issue, then you may need expert assistance. A professional plumber has the knowledge, experience, tools and equipment to handle challenging drainage problems.
Wokingham plumbers suggest that while these tips can help treat simple blockages, not every plumbing problem can or should be solved by the homeowner. You could unintentionally cause more damage if a job is too complex. One must learn to identify when to resolve drain issues independently and when to call for professional assistance. It’s always better to get an expert to deal with extensive plumbing issues than to damage your pipes further by trying to fix them yourself.
Blocked drains are inconvenient and bothersome, but with these expert Wokingham tips, you can approach them with more confidence. Remember: when in doubt, always call in the professionals!