Blocked drains are plumbing issues that can affect your daily activities. Nobody wants to deal with a slow-draining sink, a blocked toilet or a clogged shower. Whenever you experience a blocked drain, calling a professional plumber is the next best step.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about the causes of blocked drains and how a blocked drain plumber can fix them. Continue reading to learn more:
Common Causes of Blocked Drains
Hair Buildup
The accumulation of hair is one of the most common causes of blocked drains. Over time, hair strands can accumulate in the pipes, sticking to soap and other debris. This causes a blockage that affects the flow of water.
Grease and Fat
Grease, fat and oil are other causes of blocked drains especially in the kitchen. When cooking fats are washed down the sink, they tend to solidify as they flow through the pipes and this can lead to blockage in the pipes. In most households, this issue often repeats itself in kitchen sinks and dishwashers.
Tree Roots
Tree roots are also a cause of blocked drains. Even though they are less obvious, roots can grow into underground pipes in search of water especially if there are cracks or leaks in the pipes. When they burst through a pipe, they create obstructions which lead to slow drainage, or complete blockage. Tree roots as a cause of blocked drains happen mostly in older homes with ageing plumbing systems.
How a Plumber Can Fix Blocked Drains
The use of drain snakes
A drain snake is a long flexible tool that plumbers use to fix blocked drains. This tool is inserted into the drain to break up or remove the blockage. For simple blockages like hair buildup, snaking is a good way to clear the drain quickly.
Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting is used to clear more stubborn clogs. This method involves using a high-pressure water jet to blast through blockages and clean the inside of the pipes. Hydro jetting is used to clear the build-up of grease, soap and tree roots. It clears the pipes of any debris and allows water to flow freely.
Camera Inspection
Some professional plumbers use a camera to inspect the pipes and discover the exact cause and location of the blockage. The plumber inserts a flexible cable with a camera attached into the drain; this provides a clear view of what’s going on inside the pipe. The plumber is then able to resolve the problem immediately.
Pipe Replacement
There are cases where the pipe is badly damaged probably due to tree root intrusion or the age of the pipe and removing the blockage isn’t enough to restore the pipe. The plumber may have to replace the area where the pipe is damaged.
Conclusion
Blocked drain is a common occurrence and can happen to anyone at any time. Whenever you experience a blocked drain, you should call a professional plumber to help resolve the issue.
Addressing a blocked drain early can help you save more on repair costs and prevent the issue from repeating itself in the future.