Blocked Drains

 

How to clear blocked drains

Blocked drains can strike at any time and when they do, they are extremely frustrating for homeowners. A plumber with the right tools is able to unblock a drain quickly and effectively. A drain camera should first be used to see what is causing the blockage then locate the blockage with a locator unit which tracks the camera head. Once the location and cause of the blockage along with the best access point is determined, the best nozzle for the job can be selected.

 

A high pressure water jetter can then be sent in to do the dirty work and clear the blockage. A drain camera should then be reinserted once more to be sure the blockage has been cleared. The plumber can also suggest a way to avoid this happening again as they will be able to tell you what caused the blockage and the exact location of the problem.

 

 

 

Before hiring an electric eel, consider the damage it can do to your pipes. Always call a plumber to assist with your drain pipe bloackage.

 

Causes of a blocked drain

Many household items may cause a blocked drain, these may include:

 

  • Grease, fat and food scraps
  • Foreign objects in the pipework which may include children’s toys, nappies or sanitary products
  • A buildup of hair, soap scum or dead skin which occurs over time
  • ‘Flushable’ wipes
  • Excess toilet paper

 

Other causes could be:

 

  • Tree roots
  • Broken pipe
  • Pipes laid without any fall (back fall)

 

Foreign objects can make their way into your pipes through the toilet and sink, however, most drain blockages are caused by tree roots.

 

Symptoms of a blocked sewer line

If you are experiencing any of the below issues, your sewer line is probably blocked:

 

  • Gurgling toilet
  • Toilet not flushing properly
  • Slow draining sinks or other fixtures
  • An odour coming from the drain
  • Sewage is coming out from the ORG (overflow relief gully), located outside your house
  • Waste water is spilling out from the shower or floor waste drain

 

Symptoms of a blocked storm water line

If you notice the below signs, your storm water pipes may need clearing:

 

  • The downpipe is overflowing during periods of rainfall
  • Water is flowing into the house through the roof
  • Water bubbles are coming up from the ground
  • Tree roots are visible in the pipe
  • Flooding occurs around the house area when it rains