Blocked Drains Perth

Our Hydro Jetter can unblock drains in Perth homes without the need to dig. If you are experiencing a blocked drain in your Perth home and looking for an affordable, non-invasive solution, contact us today

What Causes Blocked Drains?

Here are some of the top reasons why blocked drains occur:

Toiletries

Baby wipes and nappies are two common toiletry products that get stuck in your drain when you flush them down the toilet. It is best if you throw these, and other toiletry items out with your garbage.

Poor Installation

Bad installation can cause drain and pipe blockages that will have an impact on your wallet. DIY methods can sort the problem out, but it is recommended that you rather get a qualified plumber to sort it out for you.

Storms and Heavy Rain

In the wet seasons, you will experience flooding from heavy rains and drains are not really built to deal with large quantities of water like that. Make sure that you keep your gutters free of leaves, which will just add to the problem.

Plants

Trees, leaves and shrubs are just some natural debris that cause your drains to become blocked. It is easy to prevent this from happening if you just keep the outside area free from leaves and other types of debris.

Hair

This is no surprise to anyone, but it is one of the most common reasons why blocked drains occur. To avoid a huge problem down the line, simply remove hair as soon as you see it in the drain. Use gloves when doing so to protect yourself against bacteria.

Grease

Just like hair, fat and grease does build up in the sink over time. It is not uncommon for the pipes to get so clogged, that not even water will pass through. Instead of washing fatty products down the drain, pour the fatty ingredients into a small container and throw it in the dustbin.

Foreign Objects

Foreign objects range from soap to toys, sanitary products to other items, but either way, things get stuck and end up causing blocked drains. Check that your kids do not flush anything down the toilet and throw food scraps away, rather than letting it go down the drain with your dish water.

Water Flow

If your water is coming out of the taps slowly, it might be an indication that there could be a sediment build-up. It is very common for parts in the taps to get clogged up, which leads to reduced water pressure. You should regularly check your shower head and taps and clean if necessary with a vinegar solution. If this does not work, you will need the help of a professional to solve the problem.

Broken Pipes

Tree roots are one of the things that can cause pipes to break. General wear and tear is another reason, but it is not always easy to tell, especially with pipes that are underground. If you think that there might be a broken or fractured pipe, you should always enlist the help of a professional. Trying to do it on your own will only lead to further problems unless you are a plumber.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you unblock a badly blocked drain?

   If your drain has become badly blocked, there are several solutions you can try to unblock it. Firstly, you can use a plunger to attempt to dislodge the obstruction. Place the plunger over the drain and create a seal. Then, pump the plunger up and down several times to try and dislodge the obstruction.

   If this doesn't work, you can try using a drain snake. This device is a metal rod with a corkscrew-like end that you can snake down the drain to try and break up the blockage.

   You can also use a mixture of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar to create a chemical reaction that can help break up the blockage. Pour the mixture of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar down the drain and let it sit for about 30 minutes before running hot water down the drain to see if the blockage has cleared.

   If none of these methods work, you may need to call a professional to assess the situation.

2. What do plumbers use to unblock drains?

   Plumbers use a wide variety of tools to unblock drains, depending on the type of blockage. Commonly, they will use a plunger or a drain snake, which is a long, flexible metal rod that is inserted into the pipe to remove any blockages. In more serious cases, a hydro-jetter may be used to blast water through the pipes to clear the blockage, or an electric eel, which is a mechanical auger with a cutting head.

3. Will a blocked drain unblock itself?

   No, unfortunately, a blocked drain will not unblock itself. You may be able to alleviate the problem temporarily by using a plunger or a chemical-based drain cleaner. However, these measures are often only successful in the short term, and the blockage can return soon after. If the problem persists, it is best to seek professional help from a qualified plumber.

4. Can baking soda and vinegar harm pipes?

   The short answer is yes; it is possible for baking soda and vinegar to cause harm to pipes. The reason for this is that the combination of baking soda and vinegar can cause a reaction that results in the production of carbon dioxide, which can build up inside pipes and cause damage. It is important to note that this is more common with older plumbing systems, as newer systems often have better protection from these types of reactions. If you are concerned about your pipes and are considering using baking soda and vinegar, it is best to contact a qualified plumber for advice first.

5. Does boiling water unblock drains?

   Boiling water is one of the oldest and most reliable methods for unblocking drains. It can be used on both sink and shower drains to help break down any built-up debris, so it is worth a try. Start by boiling a large pot of water, then slowly pour the water directly into the blocked drain. Leave it to sit for a few minutes before flushing the drain with cold water. This should help to dislodge any blockages and restore the flow of water.