Every homeowner in Croydon has experienced the frustration that blocked drains can cause at some point. Blocked drains can lead to a foul smell, flooding, or even an ugly pest invasion. They are disruptive, troublesome to your daily routine, and if not tended to promptly, can lead to significant damage. Fortunately, unblocking drains can be a simple process if done right.
This article offers easy steps to unblock drains in Croydon homes. However, keep in mind that some blockages may require professional attention.
Step 1: Identify the cause
The first step before proceeding to unblock any drains is to determine what has caused the blockade. The most common culprits are hair, cooking fat and grease, soap, and foreign objects. Doing this could aid in preventing a repeat of the issue.
Step 2: Natural remedies first
Before resorting to chemicals, it’s best to try unclogging drains with more environmentally friendly and less harsh materials. Often a boiling water pour down can do the trick. It’s an easy and cheap approach. However, this method is restricted to metal pipes, as the heat might dismantle PVC ones.
Another natural remedy includes a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Pour half a cup of baking soda into your drain, then follow it with an equal amount of vinegar. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes and then rinse with hot water.
Step 3: Use a plunger
If the blockage withstands the attempts of natural remedies, another standard household tool to use is a plunger. Ensure to cover all other outlets connected to the drain you’re trying to unblock, to increase pressure. Move the plunger up and down to create a suction that will break up the blockage.
Step 4: Employ a plumber’s snake
If using a plunger doesn’t get the job done, you may need to use a plumber’s snake, or drain snake. This flexible tool can reach deep into the drain to break up blockages or retrieve the objects causing the blockage.
Step 5: Cleaning up
After successfully unblocking the drain, make sure to thoroughly clean the area. Depending on how severe the blockage drain unblocking croydon was, there might be some residue or waste materials left. Ensure to clean and sterilize the area well.
Step 6: Prevention
Having unblocked your drain successfully, you will want to prevent a future recurrence. This means regular maintenance and being thoughtful around what goes down your drain. Remember, oil, grease and fatty substances can quickly solidify and cause blockages. Similarly, hair and other materials should not find their way down your drain.
In conclusion, these basic steps should be sufficient to resolve most minor drain blockages. However, should your attempts prove fruitless or if you face a recurring problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber in Croydon. Regular maintenance is key to preventing severe blockages that could lead to damaged pipes and costly repairs. Make your life a lot easier by keeping your drainage clean and blockage-free.