Solving Your Blocked Drains: Tips & Strategies

Nobody likes dealing with a blocked drain, it’s one of those inconvenient household issues that can cause a big disruption to your day-to-day life. From smelly odors around the house and disrupted showering to potential floods and leaks, if you don’t address the blockage as soon as possible, it can lead to unseen long-term damage. Fortunately there are a number of steps you can take to prevent and clear out blocked drains in your home and even some DIY steps you can take in the meantime. click here to find out more about blocked drains and find the most suitable solution for your home.

Using Drain Cleaners And Chemicals

One of the first things people will turn to when they’ve identified a blocked drain is a store-bought chemical cleaner. However, while these can be effective in many cases, they should never be used with any form of plastic piping system. It’s also important to read the instructions carefully when using chemical cleaners – because they can be caustic and potentially very dangerous.

Removing Potential Blockages By Hand

If you can reach the point where the blockage has occurred, you may be able to try and remove the material by hand. This should only ever be done if the pipe is easily accessible and durable enough to withstand the pressure. While gloves should be worn during this process due to the potential nastiness, the best way to proceed is to use a plunger to remove the blockage so that you can avoid coming into contact with the mess.

Preventative Maintenance

One of the best ways to prevent blocked drains from occurring in the first place is to ensure regular maintenance and cleaning. This includes things such as ensuring that harsh or caustic chemicals such as oils or grease aren’t emptied down the drains, as this can quickly lead to blocked drains over time. It’s also crucial to make sure that all outside drains are checked regularly to prevent debris – both large and small – from collecting and blocking drainage systems.

Hydro-Jetting Services In Fort Worth

For those worst-case scenarios where you need professional assistance, hydro-jetting services are often used. This is a high-pressure water jetting system that’s designed to remove larger pieces of debris that are stuck in the pipes. It works by blasting away the obstruction with pressurized water and then washing it away quickly and efficiently. Hydro-jetting services can help you to avoid the need for extensive excavation and provide a much longer-lasting solution for clearing out blocked drains.

Drain Camera Inspections

In some instances, a blocked drain is caused by a problem further up in the piping system, which requires a more detailed approach to finding and solving the issue. This is where a drain camera inspection comes into play. A drainage camera is inserted into the plumbing system and then moved through the pipes until the issue becomes visible. This helps to identify the exact location and severity of the blocked drain before proceeding with an appropriate course of action.

Understanding Your Pipes

Ultimately, it’s important to understand what type of pipes and materials you have running through your home. This will determine which methods you can use to unblock the drain. For example, PVC piping and flexible plastic pipes cannot handle the pressure of a plunger like metal piping can. As such, it’s essential to be careful of what products and tools you use on your drains, as they could cause further damage if not used correctly.

Seeking Professional Help

Finally, if you’re struggling to clear the blockage yourself, or you feel like something bigger is going on within the pipes, the best thing to do is seek the help of a professional plumbing team. They’ll have the experience and know-how to properly diagnose the issue, provide you with advice and guidance, and take the necessary steps to get your home back up-and-running again.