How to Clear a Blocked Drain?

[Homeowner’s Guide]

A blocked drain can cause havoc in your home, from odorous pongs to slow drainage and, worst of all, flooding. When you notice that water isn't going down the sink or tub as it should, it's time to roll up your sleeves and tackle the clog head-on.

This guide explains the process of identifying, assessing, and clearing the most common types of domestic drainage blockages, saving you both time and money.

What Causes a Blocked Drain?

Blockages can occur for a myriad of reasons. Some of the most common culprits include:

• Hair: A typical reason for bathroom sink and shower blockages.
• Grease and Fat: These tend to accumulate and solidify, leading to a blockage in kitchen sinks.
• Toiletries and Grime: Items like wet wipes and sanitary products are a major cause of toilet blockages.
• Foreign Objects: Children's toys, jewellery, and small items can fall into open drains.

Signs of a Blocked Drain

To determine if you have a blockage, look out for these signs:

To determine if you have a blockage, look out for these signs:

• Water failing to drain or taking longer to do so.
• Unpleasant smells coming from the drain.
• Gurgling sounds when water is drained - this can indicate an obstruction in the system.

How Do I Know If The Blockage Is In My Home?

Look for these red flags. These signs suggest a potential block in your plumbing system:

Drain cover inspection

Lift the cover on your drain to check if water pools around it. If there is, it suggests a blockage that needs attention.

Slow drainage

If water is draining slowly from your sink or bath or taking longer than usual to drain away, it could mean there's an obstruction somewhere in your home's drainage pipes. If left unaddressed, this can result in backups and various other problems.

Gurgling sounds

Unusual noises like gurgling when you flush the toilet or drain the bath are indicators of a potential problem in your drainage system. These sounds often occur when air gets trapped inside the pipes due to blockages or other issues, signalling that it's time to investigate further.

Unpleasant smells from the drain

Blocks can accumulate stagnant water in the pipes. Bacteria and other organic matter can decompose in this stagnant water, producing foul odours that may emanate from the drain. These smells can be unpleasant and may indicate the presence of a block.

These signs typically indicate a blockage somewhere in the plumbing system, and addressing them promptly can help prevent more significant issues like backups or damage to the pipes.

What Causes Blockages In Your Kitchen & Toilet?

Kitchen Sink

Food scraps and Fat oil

Food scraps and grease can accumulate in kitchen sinks due to everyday cooking and cleaning activities. When cooking, small food particles can easily accumulate in the sink, especially if dishes are not properly scraped before washing.

Additionally, grease and oils from cooking can be rinsed down the drain, where they eventually harden and stick to the inside walls of the pipes.

As these food scraps and grease accumulate, they can create a thick, sticky residue that coats the inside of the pipes. This residue acts as a magnet for other debris passing through the drain, such as soap scum, hair, and mineral deposits. Eventually, this buildup can restrict water flow through the pipes, leading to a blocked drain.

To prevent this issue, it's essential to dispose of food waste properly, avoid pouring fat or oil down the sink, and use a drain strainer to catch any solids before they enter the drain pipes. Regular maintenance and cleaning of your kitchen sink and drains can also help prevent blocks from occurring.

Bathroom Sink

Hair, soap scum, and foreign objects

Hair, soap scum, and foreign objects often contribute to blockages in bathroom sinks. When these substances go down the drain, they can accumulate over time, creating a clog. If left untreated, this clog can worsen and extend further into the pipes, eventually leading to a blocked drain in your home. It's essential to be mindful of what goes down your bathroom sink to prevent such blockages from occurring. You can reduce the likelihood of blocks and maintain the smooth operation of your drains by performing routine maintenance, such as cleaning the drain and using drain covers.

Toilet

Wet wipes, sanitary products

Toilet blockages often occur because people flush items that shouldn't be flushed down the toilet. Things like wet wipes, sanitary products, or excessive amounts of toilet paper can clog up the pipes. When these items are flushed, they can get stuck in the pipes, especially if they have any bends or narrow sections, creating a block. As more toilet paper builds up, it can restrict water flow through the pipes, eventually leading to a blockage.

Additionally, suppose the toilet paper combines with other debris like grease or hair. In that case, it can create a stubborn obstruction that prevents proper drainage and causes backups in the outside drain system. It's important to only flush toilet paper and waste down the toilet to prevent blockages from occurring.

It's best to contact a professional plumber to unblock the blocked toilet and sink.

What Are The Common Reasons For A Blocked Drain Outside?

Outside systems can be more prone to specific issues.

Seasonal Factors

• Variety of leaves in autumn
  

  During the fall season, leaves tend to fall from trees and can get washed into outdoor drains during rain. When they accumulate on top of the drain grid or get washed inside, they can form a barrier that prevents the free flow of water through the drain.

  Over time, as more leaves gather, they can form a blockage, causing water to pool or back up, leading to a blocked drain. Regular cleaning and maintenance of outdoor drains can help prevent this issue.

• Mud after heavy rainfall
  

  After heavy rainfall, the soil around your home can become saturated with water, turning into mud. This mud can wash into outdoor drains, along with leaves, debris, and other materials, and accumulate there. As the mud settles in the drain, it can harden and create a block, preventing water from flowing freely. Additionally, mud can mix with other substances like leaves or twigs, further exacerbating the blockage.

  Over time, this can lead to a fully blocked drain, causing water to back up and potentially flood your property. Therefore, mud from heavy rainfall can contribute to blocked drains outside your home.

• The growth of root plants
  

  Plant roots have the ability to penetrate drains and sewer lines by exploiting small cracks or joints in the pipes. As plants seek water sources, their roots grow toward any moisture they detect, including the moisture inside drains. Once inside the drain pipes, the roots continue to grow and expand, eventually causing blocks and obstructions. This will reduce the water flow, backups, and, ultimately, blocked drains outside your home.

Lack of Maintenance

Lack of maintenance can lead to blocked drains outside your home because, often, these drains are not something you think about regularly. When drains are not maintained, debris like leaves, food waste, or soil can accumulate over time, causing blockages. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, these blockages can worsen and eventually lead to a fully blocked drain. Therefore, it's essential to prioritise regular maintenance to prevent blockages and ensure proper drainage.

Increased Demand

Increased demand on your drainage system, such as parties or large gatherings, can lead to a blocked drain outside your home. When many people use toilets, sinks, and showers simultaneously, it can overwhelm the drainage system, causing it to become overloaded.

This sudden and unusual stress can result in blocks, as the system may struggle to cope with the excess volume of water and waste.

Collapsed Drain

When a drain collapses, it can create a gap or break in the pipe through which soil or sand can enter. This soil or sand then accumulates inside the drain, gradually building up over time. As more soil or sand enters the drain, it can eventually lead to a blockage, restricting the flow of water and causing water to back up.

These blockage problems can occur outside your home, particularly if the collapsed drain is part of the external drainage system.

Assessing the Blockage

The first step is to try and assess the extent and location of the block. You can do this by:

• Lifting the Drain Cover
  For outside drains, lift the cover and check if the water is pooling. This often means that the blockage is further down the system.
• Checking Other Drains
  If multiple drains are blocked, the problem might be in the main drain.
• Using a Plunger
  A high-quality plunger can often dislodge minor blocks by creating pressure.
• Pouring Water
  In sinks, pour water down the drain to see if it's draining slowly. This can help to pinpoint the location.

If you're confident that the blockage is minor and in the immediate U-bend, you may be able to fix it yourself. However, larger or more persisting plumbing problem will require professional assistance.

How To Get Rid Of a Blocked Drain In Your Kitchen?

To get rid of a blocked drain in your kitchen, you can try the following steps:

Boiling water

When you pour boiling water down a drain, its high temperature can effectively melt and break down grease or fat deposits that might be causing a blockage. Be careful when handling boiling water.

Plunger

Use a plunger to create suction and dislodge the blockage. Make sure there is enough water in the sink to cover the plunger, and firmly press it up and down over the drain.

Baking soda and vinegar

Pour one cup each of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then flush with hot water. This can help break down the blockage.

Plumbing snake

If the block is stubborn, you have the option of using a plumbing snake or auger to manually remove the obstruction. insert the snake into the blocked drain and twist it to dislodge or extract the blockage.

Chemical drain cleaner

As a final alternative, you can utilise a chemical drain cleaner to dissolve the blockage. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and exercise caution, as these cleaners can be harsh and have the potential to damage pipes.

If none of these methods works or if you're uncomfortable attempting to unclog the drain yourself, it's best to call a professional plumber for assistance.

How To Maintain Kitchen Waste Disposal?

Proper Disposal of Food Scraps

To prevent this, food scraps and grease should never be flushed down the kitchen sink. Instead, scrape plates and cookware into the trash before washing, and use a strainer or sink trap to catch any remaining debris.

Install a Insinkerator

An Insinkerator helps to dispose of kitchen food scraps by grinding them into tiny particles that can easily flow through the plumbing system. When you turn on the Insinkerator, it uses sharp blades to chop up the food waste, which then gets flushed away with water down the drain. This process helps to reduce the amount of food waste that goes into the trash, preventing unpleasant odours and reducing the risk of clogged pipes.

Additionally, using an Insinkerator can offer a more environmentally friendly approach than throwing food waste in the trash, as it enables treatment at wastewater treatment plants, converting it into biogas or fertiliser.

Serviceteam boasts a team of professionals specialising in Insinkerator installation services in London.

Regular Cleaning

Regularly cleaning the sink and pipes with hot water and a grease-fighting detergent can also help prevent plumbing buildup and maintain proper drainage.

Tools Required to Clear a Blocked Drain

Effective equipment for blocked drain clearing includes:

• Protective Gear: Gloves and, preferably, waterproof clothing are essential due to contamination risk.
• Plunger: For sink and toilet blocks, a plunger can be a simple and effective tool.
• Drain Snake: Also known as an auger, this is a flexible cable made of metal that can reach further down the drain to dislodge blocks.
• A Drain Unblocker Fluid: When rods aren't enough, a chemical unblocker can dissolve the obstructions. Sold at most hardware stores. However, they may be harmful to pipes and are recommended as a last resort. Do not forget to get support from a drain unblocker near you.

How to Clear a Drain Yourself (DIY)?

For minor blockages, such as those often found in the U-bend or P-trap, you can often clear the block yourself:

• Sink Blocks
  Use a plunger or pour a solution of one part vinegar to one part baking soda down the clogged drain. Follow with hot water to flush.
• Toilet Blockages
  Use a flange plunger for toilets and follow proper plunging techniques.

• Shower and Tub Blocks
  If your shower drain is clogged, remove the drain cover and use a wire snake to pull out clumps of hair and debris.

Cost to Professionally Unblock a Blocked Drain

If your blockage is too severe to handle on your own, you need to get professional support from a blocked drain plumber.

It can range from £80 to £125. This often includes call-out charges, labour, and any basic equipment used.

It is worth getting at least three quotes from different companies and asking them about their process and the steps they will take to unblock the drain. Make sure they have insurance and are certified in drainage services.

FAQs: Blocked Drain

We’re answering your pressing questions.

Why Does My Drain Smell So Bad?

A: Smells typically mean that there's stagnant water, which is a sign of a partial or complete blockage trapping water where it shouldn't be.

Can I Use a Pressure Washer To Clear The Drain?

A: Yes, but you need to be careful not to damage the pipes or push the obstruction further down.

What's The Environmental Impact Of Unblocking Drains Using Chemicals?

A: Many contain harsh ingredients that can damage the local ecosystem if not used and disposed of properly.

How Do You Clear A Fat-Blocked Outside Drain?

• Pour boiling water down the drain.
• Use caustic soda or drain cleaning chemicals if boiling water doesn't work.
• Follow safety precautions and manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Can a Blocked Drain Cause Health Problems?

A: Prolonged exposure to drain blocks can lead to stagnant water, which can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. It's important to clear blocks promptly.

How to Prevent Future Drain Blockages?

• Long-term solutions to save you hassle and money.
• Regular cleaning: Make it part of your seasonal home maintenance to check and clear your outside drains.
• Preventative measures: Use drain guards or grilles to minimise the chance of debris entering the system.
• Be mindful of what goes down the drain: Make sure to dispose of waste properly. Avoid flushing anything that could clog the drain.
• Clear Skies Ahead
• Unblocking a drain outside your home may seem daunting, but with this guide in hand, you're equipped to tackle the problem head-on. The key is to act as soon as you notice a problem and to prepare properly.

How Can You Prevent Drain Blockages in Future?

• Regular maintenance and proper usage can go a long way in preventing future drain blocks:
• Consider installing a filter or catcher in your shower and sink drains to trap hair and other debris.
• Use drain-safe cleaning products that won't harm your pipes.
• Grease, oil, and fat should not be poured down the drain. Instead, wipe down greasy pans with a paper towel and throw it in the trash.
• Be cautious and keep an eye on what goes down your toilets and sinks.

By taking these preventive measures and carrying out routine maintenance, you can reduce the likelihood of blocks reoccurring in the future.

Call Professionals

We understand the inconvenience of dealing with an overflowing toilet or a clogged drain system. If you are in London, you can search for a drain unblocking service near you. Our skilled professionals at serviceteam offer fast and reliable drainage services for fixing or replacing pipes in Greater London and nearby areas. Our team also fixes gutters, repairs Saniflo Macerators, and more.

A blocked drain is a common household nuisance, but it is one that can be effectively managed with a little know-how and possibly some elbow grease. Understanding the causes of blocks, assessing whether you can tackle the issue yourself, and knowing when to call for professional help can ensure that your home's drainage system is operating smoothly.

What Can You Expect To Get Expert Help With?

• Hourly rates: Depending on the professional and your location, the rate for a plumber can vary widely.
• Equipment hire: Some professionals might charge if they use the tools they need to rent for your job.
• Extent of the block: A more complex block will, of course, cost more to fix.

If you have a blocked sink or drain in London, call serviceteam for help.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so adopt good maintenance practices to keep your drains clear and blockage-free.

For professional plumbing services in London, contact serviceteam.