Homeowners are conversant with the issue of blocked drains because it’s a common challenge experienced at home. When it occurs, it causes a lot of inconvenience and could potentially damage the property if not resolved promptly.
To assist, this article will explore common signs of blocked drains in homes, inspection techniques for identifying blockages and some tools you’ll required for do-it-yourself (DIY) drain inspection.
The Steps to unclogging your drains at home and how to repair damaged pipes causing blockages will also be examined.
Common Signs of Blocked Drains in Homes
Let’s identify signs that indicate a drain is blocked.
Foul Odors
An unpleasant smell will be coming out from the sink, drains or toilets. This is as a result of trapped food debris, hair and other waste materials in the drains leading to foul smells from bacteria growths. You can read more on why your sink smells sometimes and what you can do to resolve it.
Slow Drainage
When water drains of slowly in the sinks, tubs or showers it’s indicative of blocked drains. This could be as a result of accumulated debris, grease or soap scum which can block the flow of water through the pipes.
Gurgling Sounds
Bubbling or gurgling sounds from toilets and sinks can signal a blockage in the system. These bubbling noises are caused by air pressure imbalances in the pipes.
Overflowing Toilets or Sinks
It is a clear sign that the drains are blocked if water overflows when you use the sink or flush the toilet. This could be caused by blockage or obstructions in the pipelines.
Inspection Techniques for Identifying Blockages
Here you’ll find various inspection techniques that can help you identify blockages in your home’s drainage system.
- Visual Inspection – Physically examine the pipes to identify any visible blockage signs.
- Water Flow Testing – test through the water flow in the sinks, toilet or showers to see if there is disrupted or slow drainage.
- CCTV Drain Inspection – this is using special cameras to thoroughly inspect the inside of the drains for any blockage.
- Smoke Testing – Letting harmless smoke into the pipeline. Smoke will escape in areas where there are leaks or blockages. Visit this website https://saleak.co.za/ to learn more about this unique and method of leak detection in pipes.
Tools Required for DIY Drain Inspection
We’ll list some do-it-yourself (DIY) tools you should have that will aid simple quick fixes at home in this section.
- Plunger: this is an effective tool for dislodging minor drain blockages.
- Drain Snake (or Auger): this is a flexible tool that can reach deep within the pipes to remove debris.
- Pipe Wrench: a tool used for loosening and tightening piping connections. It can be used for inspecting and replacing pipes if necessary.
- Plumbing Camera: allows for visual inspection of the inside of the pipes. It is an advanced but useful tool.
- Bucket and Towels: this is used to mop up any mess during the inspection process. They’re common home items.
- Chemical Drain Cleaner: used to breakdown minor buildup or clogs within the pipelines.
- Zip-It Tool: this tool is used to remove debris and hair from the drains and is cost-effective.
Steps to Unclogging Residential Drains
Now, let’s consider the simple steps you can take to effectively unclog your drains at home before needing to call an expert.
- Plunge the Drain – Plunge the drain by placing it in the drain and ensuring it’s tight. Then apply quick to and from motions to create suction to dislodge the clog.
- Use Baking Soda and Vinegar – pour a cup of baking soda into the drain with a cup of vinegar. After about 30 minutes flush with hot water. This should clear off the clogs.
- Employ a Drain Snake – insert the drain snake into the pipe and turn the handle to break up the debris. Pull out any dirt or debris that comes with it.
- Boiling Water – this is effective in dissolving grease and minor clogs. Heat up water to near boiling point and pour into the drain in stages. Give it time to work through the blockage.
Repairing Damaged Pipes Causing Blockages
As we come to the close of this piece, let’s highlight the core step required to identify and repair damaged pipes.
- Assess the Extent of Damage: do a visual inspection to determine the extent of the damage. Depending on the situation, consider inviting a professional plumber.
- Identify the Cause of Damage: Identify the cause of the damage; could it be corrosion, tree root intrusion, aging pipes, etc.?
- Choose the Right Repair Method: These methods include relining the pipe, pipe replacement, pipe bursting, etc. A plumber or resource from blocked drains Gold Coast or other platforms will provide you with more of the expert advice you need to determine the best approach.
- Execute the Repairs: This is the implantation stage; where you actually repair or fix the damaged pipes to get the system back to full functionality.
Conclusion
To prevent property damage and maintain a functional plumbing system, the ability to quickly identify and fix blocked drains is important. Common signs of blocked drains include slow drainage, overflowing sinks, and foul odours. Early intervention and periodic maintenance can reduce the occurrence of blockage and ensure the longevity of the plumbing infrastructure.