Blocked drains are a common occurrence in most households. They can cause significant inconvenience, and if not properly managed, they can blocked drains redhill escalate into more serious plumbing issues. Fortunately, for residents of Redhill, the local experts have invaluable advice on how to deal with blocked drains efficiently and effectively.
The first sign of a blocked drain might be slower drainage speed, or a distinct and unpleasant odor. You may also notice your toilet water rising higher than usual after flushing. In more serious cases, you might encounter overflowing sinks or even flooding. However, the severity of the indications doesn’t always reflect the complexity of the solution. Local Redhill experts believe that most drain blockages can be handled with minimum fuss.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Experts tend to agree that the best way to handle blocked drains is not to have them in the first place. Easy actions such as throwing cooking oil and grease in a secured tin rather than down the sink, installing strainers to catch food particles, and regularly cleaning your drains with vinegar and hot water can significantly reduce the chance of clogs.
Methods to Clear Blocked Drains
When a blockage does occur, there are a few simple measures to try before calling for professional help.
1. Plunger: An oldie but a goldie, the humble plunger can dislodge most blockages. Simply cover the drain hole with the plunger and vigorously pump. The resulting pressure should help shift the clog.
2. Drain Snake or Rods: If the plunger method fails, you may need something physically stronger to shift the blockage. This is where a drain snake or drain rod comes in. Thread or push these tools into your pipe until you reach the blockage, then twist and push to try and clear it.
3. Chemical Products: There are a variety of chemical drain cleaners available in stores that can disintegrate the blockage. However, they should be used responsibly as they can potentially harm the environment and some types of pipes.
Call in the Experts
If the blockage persists after the above steps, it’s time to bring in a professional. Plumbing experts, like those in Redhill, have specialist tools and knowledge to diagnose and remediate blockages quickly and efficiently.
Not all blocked drains can be avoided or fixed by homeowners, some issues such as structural defects, root ingress from trees, or collapsed pipes will require professional intervention. Plumbers have the expertise and the equipment to locate blockages, even those that are hidden deep inside the pipe system, and successfully dislodge them without damaging the surrounding pipe work.
In conclusion, residents of Redhill and elsewhere can employ preventive measures to avoid and make attempts to clear minor drain blockages using a plunger, drain snake, or a chemical cleaner. In graver situations, there is no shame in seeking help from experts. Dealing with a blocked drain promptly and appropriately can save you the additional headache of dealing with tougher repair jobs down the line.
