Blocked drains can cause any extent of trouble ranging from water logging to unhygienic living and working conditions. Unblocking a blocked drain depends primarily on why the drain is blocked, on what kind of drain it is, and the location and available means. While an extensive block is probably going to require the help of an expert plumber, simple blocked drains can also be cleaned off at home. This article will consider the various ways open to a typical home owner of unblocked drains around their house.
1. Examine the Block: What kind of a drain is it? Is it an open drain or a lidded one? Is it in the bathroom, kitchen, or outside the house? These things determine the cause of the block and the best way to unblock the drain. If the drain is located in the kitchen, chances are that there is packaging or other forms of plastic or artificial matter stuck in the drain that is preventing it from working, as food usually doesn’t remain blocked for long as it is degradable by water. The best course of action in such a situation is to use a plunger to take the blockage out. Alternately, if you can see the block there is also the option of removing the block by sticking a poker or something similar in a large enough opening of the drain.
2. For Blocks Outside the House: The major culprit for outside blocks is roadside garbage or leaks. Since the drains around your house that are situated outside are often larger, a plunger here is not a viable option of removal. Hence, the best idea for this situation is to open the lid of the drain and look inside. Usually, the cause of the block would be noticeable and can be removed without problems. In case it isn’t, it may be viable to use a drain cleaner.
3. For deep blocks: If the block in your drain goes so deep down the piping that plungers aren’t suitable for removing the material blocking your drain, it might be a good idea to invest in a strong drain cleaner. Be sure to not bring your skin in contact with the drain cleaner, especially not after it has come in contact with water as the chemicals in the mixture react violently with water to produce heat. Most of the time, this drain cleaner, when left to work on the block for a while and rinsed, will weaken or dissolve the block.
4. When nothing works: If even a strong drain cleaner fails to solve the problem, there is probably no other alternative than to call a plumbing service to take care of your blocked drains. A plumber will be able to solve the issue with relative ease because of the tools that they have available to them, which ensure high intensity suction. Usually, clearing a blocked drains does not cost a great deal of money.
