Unblocking your drain can be a frustrating task, especially if it’s causing a slow-draining sink, or bath. Quite often, blockages are completely avoidable and usually caused by human error. If your outside drains are causing problems, smelling strange or are completely out of order, you may be wondering how to solve this situation. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on prevention, cause, and remedy.
What Causes A Blocked Drain?
First of all, it’s important to understand what causes a blocked drain to begin with. There are a few different origins for a blockage, and these are the following:
- Debris
- Floods
- Below-freezing temperatures
- Poor installations
- Aging pipework
- Waste
Several of these issues can be unavoidable and are an unfortunate consequence of nature. However, there are a few drain blockage causes that are completely avoidable, and we’ll cover this in more detail further on in the article.
DIY Drain Unblocking Methods
Before you call a professional drain unblocking service, there are a few things you can carry out yourself. First of all, equip yourself with a few basic tools to get the job done:
- Gloves
- A drainage rod, or metal rod in general
- A bucket
- Hose
- Kettle
- A torch
Now that you’re prepared, open up your drain and take a look. The likelihood is, there’s just a blockage from bad weather or a build-up over the years. If this is the case, simply put on your gloves, and have a good rummage with the metal rod, or drainage rod. This may expose a blockage, so you can loosen it up, remove it and place it in the bucket to dispose of.
If it appears to be more stubborn, you can boil a kettle and see if a good dose of boiling water helps dissolve the problem. If you’re still experiencing a blocked drain, then it may be time to call in the professionals. We advise using a service rather than testing harsh chemicals, as these can often do more harm than good.
Professional Drain Unblocking Services
Sometimes unblocking a drain can be a bit more complicated than simply dislodging and dissolving with some DIY techniques. If this is the case, then it’s time for a professional drain unblocking service. Simply book a slot and wait for them to visit your property and diagnose the issue. A reliable company will be experts with rodding, jetting, surveying and repairs to ensure all your drainage is left running smoothly
What To Avoid Putting Down Your Drains
In order to avoid a blocked drain in the future, there are a few things to avoid putting down your drain. Certain materials, substances and products can be detrimental to your drain’s health, and cause damage and/or blockages. These are the following:
- Grease, fat and oils
- Eggshells
- Toiletries such as sanitary pads
- Harsh chemicals
- Pasta
- Flour
- Coffee grounds
Choose Siddel Environmental Services LTD For Professional Drain Unblocking
At Siddel Environmental Services, we offer the complete drain unblocking package. We’re fully equipped with surveying, rodding and jetting equipment to make short work of any blockages. What’s more, we don’t charge a call out fee and our team are fully trained so you can be confident in what we do. To find out more, get in touch today.