Why is my drain blocked?
Spotting the signs of a blocked drain? Noisy, gurgling pipes, a foul smell, overflowing or slow draining could all indicate that you have a clog on your hands. A clogged-up drain can be caused by a multitude of different issues, from grease and debris to wet wipes or hair. We’ll explain a few of the reasons you could be experiencing a blockage and how to resolve it.
Kitchen Drain
Kitchen drains are often clogged by fats, grease or an accumulation of food waste. Take extra care never to pour oils or fats down your kitchen drain. Also, a drain strainer should be installed to collect any food remnants and prevent clogs. For these types of blockages, boiling water can be an effective and easy way to blast through the debris.
However, if you have PVC pipes, this method could cause more harm than good. Copper pipe, like that from suppliers such as Watkins & Powis https://watkinspowis.co.uk/products/copper-pipe-fittings-and-press-systems, can withstand high temperatures. However, PVC pipe can melt or warp when exposed to boiling water pooling around a clog.
A system with copper pipe can withstand temperatures of over 1,000 degrees Celsius, so the boiling water hack could do the trick. Otherwise, a drain snake, plunger or white vinegar mixture could help clear a clogged kitchen drain.
Bathroom Drain
In the bathroom, soap scum and hair are the top two culprits for causing a blocked shower or bath drain. To blast through a soap or hair blockage, a simple baking soda and white vinegar mixture offers a cheap and natural DIY hack for busting a tricky clog. A drain snake or plunger will also help clear a pesky bathroom blockage.
Outside Drain
If your blockage is outdoors, common causes are dirt, leaf litter, debris or tree roots. To clear the clog, first remove the drain cover and use your hands to remove any visible leaves or debris. Then, you could try adding a specialist drain clearing product. If you’d prefer a more eco-friendly method, a plunger, drain rod or a blast with a hose could help bust through the blockage.