When you live in Sutton or its vicinity, encountering blocked drains is an occasional issue you have probably faced. Living in an older, urban area is an amazing experience, until you experience the not-so-pleasant aspects of outdated plumbing systems. However, there is no cause to worry, as there is always a solution for everything. Solving blocked drains is a preemptive process that starts by understanding and identifying the problem. This article presents a comprehensive guide on how to tackle blocked drains in Sutton, ensuring you can manage such issues effectively and efficiently.
The first step to resolving a blocked drain is to identify the cause. This can range from a build-up of fats and oils, to tree roots, leaves, food, and even foreign objects. Occasionally, the blockage could be due to damaged pipes. A visual inspection or using a drain camera can help identify the root cause.
An immediate solution to a minor blockage could be using a plunger. This is an effective tool and can often solve minor drain issues. To use a plunger effectively, you first have to ensure that the bell of the plunger is filled with water. This ensures that the plunger creates a vacuum once placed on the drain hole. Remember to cover up overflow spouts before you start plunging.
However, plungers are only effective for minor blockages. For serious issues, you may need to use a plumber’s snake or hand auger. To use a plumber’s snake, start by slowly feeding the snake down the drain. Once you feel resistance, turn the handle to break up the blockage.
Natural drain cleaners can also be a good solution. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar poured into the drain followed by hot water after around ten minutes can often clear softer blockages. These natural cleaners work best for small blockages close to the drain opening.
However, there are cases when DIY methods might not work or when the blockage could be too severe. In such cases, it is advisable to contact a professional plumber. This is especially important if you suspect the blockage is being caused by structural issues, such as tree root intrusion or broken pipes. Plumbers have access to professional tools and equipment, such as high-pressure water jets that can powerfully clear blockages if the problem is stubborn grease or tree roots. They also have the experience and expertise to solve such drain issues effectively and efficiently.
Prevention, of course, is the best cure. Regularly cleaning your drains with natural drain cleaners, being careful of what goes down your sinks and toilets, using a sink strainer, and disposing garden and kitchen waste correctly can help prevent drain blockages from occurring in the first place.
Investing in professional drain survey services is another effective way to prevent severe blockages. Drain survey companies in Sutton use advanced technology like CCTV cameras to get a full picture of your drainage system and identify potential issues before they turn into major problems. This can save you from the mess, blocked drains sutton other inconveniences, and hefty bills that come with badly blocked drains.
In conclusion, tackling blocked drains in Sutton requires you to identify the cause, try out DIY remedies, or when the problem persists, call in a professional. Remember, prevention and early identification is the key to keeping your drains clear. By following this comprehensive guide, you can handle drain issues proactively and keep your Sutton home running smoothly.