Blocked drains can be a real pain. Whether it’s your kitchen sink, bathroom drain, or toilet, when water stops flowing the way it should, it causes stress and mess. In Adelaide, blocked drains are a common problem, especially with older homes and tree-lined streets. But the good news is that many of these issues can be fixed with simple steps. This article will walk you through easy ways to fix blocked drains in Adelaide and help you keep them clear in the future.
What Causes Blocked Drains?
To fix the problem, we first need to know what’s causing it. Here are some common reasons drains get blocked in Adelaide homes:
- Hair: Hair often gets stuck in bathroom drains, especially in showers and sinks.
- Grease and food scraps: In the kitchen, pouring oil or food down the sink can cause clogs.
- Tree roots: In Adelaide, trees love to find their way into underground pipes, especially older ones.
- Foreign items: Things like baby wipes, tissues, or even small toys can block your toilet.
- Soap and scum: Soap can leave behind a build-up that narrows the pipes over time.
- Toilet paper overload: Even too much toilet paper can block pipes, especially in older plumbing systems.
When these things go down your drain, they can build up over time and stop the water from flowing freely.
Simple Fixes You Can Try at Home
Before you call a plumber, you can try a few things at home. These methods work best for small or early blockages. But if your drain is fully blocked or smells bad, it might be time to call in the experts.
1. Pour Boiling Water
Sometimes, the simplest fix is the best. Boil a kettle and carefully pour the hot water down the drain. This can help break down soap, grease, or other soft materials. If your pipes are plastic, make sure the water isn’t boiling, just very hot, so you don’t damage the pipes.
2. Use a Plunger
Plungers are great for loosening clogs. Make sure there’s a little water in the sink or toilet, then place the plunger over the drain and push and pull a few times. The pressure can help move the blockage and clear the pipe.
3. Try Baking Soda and Vinegar
This is a natural and safe cleaner that works well for small clogs. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain and wait 15–30 minutes. Then, pour hot water down to flush it. This mixture fizzes and helps clear away the gunk.
4. Use a Drain Snake or Wire Hanger
You can buy a drain snake at a hardware store or straighten a wire hanger at home. Gently push it down the drain and twist it to grab onto hair or other build-up. Be careful not to scratch your pipes.
5. Clean the Sink Trap
Under your sink, there’s a curved pipe called a trap. Place a bucket underneath, unscrew the trap, and clean it out. Food, grease, and other items often get stuck there. Once it’s clear, reattach it and check for leaks.
How to Prevent Blocked Drains
Once your drains are clear, keep them that way with a few easy habits:
- Use a strainer: A small mesh strainer in your sink or shower will catch hair and food scraps.
- Don’t pour oil down the sink: Let grease cool in a container, then throw it in the bin.
- Flush the right things: Only flush toilet paper. No wipes, tissues, or hygiene products.
- Run hot water often: After washing dishes, run hot water to keep grease from hardening.
- Regular cleaning: Pour baking soda and vinegar down your drains once a month to stay fresh.
By doing these small things, you can avoid big plumbing problems later.
When to Call a Professional
If none of these home methods work, or the problem keeps coming back, you need a plumber. Here are signs it’s time to call the experts:
- Water is backing up in your sinks or toilet.
- You hear gurgling sounds in the pipes.
- There is a bad smell coming from your drains.
- Your toilet won’t flush properly.
- You’ve tried fixing it, but it keeps getting blocked.
Final Thoughts
Blocked drains don’t have to be a big deal. With a few easy tricks like boiling water, plungers, and baking soda, you can fix many clogs yourself.
So, if you are dealing with blocked drains in Adelaide, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Call the local experts at Distinct Plumbing and get it sorted quickly and professionally. They are the local professionals who understand blocked drains and know how to fix them fast.
Say goodbye to blocked drains and hello to smooth-flowing pipes today!
