If you’re a homeowner in Horsham, you’ve probably encountered the problem of blocked drains. This is a common household issue that can cause significant inconvenience, including foul odours, slow drainage, and even flooding. No homeowner wants to experience the frustrations brought by this issue. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you understand, prevent and solve blocked drain issues.
Understanding the Causes of Blocked Drains
Firstly, you should understand why blocked drains occur. Typically, blockages are created by the build-up of materials and objects, such as hair, soap, fats, grease, mineral build-up, food waste, and wet wipes. These items can cause restrictions in the drainage pipe, which eventually causes water to back up.
Also, external factors like tree roots invading your drains, a structural defect, or a collapse in the drain system can result in blocked drains.
Preventing Drain Blockages
The best way to deal with blocked drains in Horsham is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips:
1. Avoid flushing anything down the toilet other than tissue paper. Wet wipes, diapers, and other objects can easily cause a blockage. blocked drains horsham
2. Keep your sinks clean and avoid pouring oils, fats, and greases down the drain, which can harden and cause blockages. Instead, pour them into a separate container and dispose of them in the bin.
3. Install strainers over your sink and shower drains to catch debris, hair, and other objects that can clog your drains.
4. Regularly clean your drains. You can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to flush your drains, which helps in breaking down minor clogs and build-up.
Solving Drain Blockages
For simple clogs, you can use a plunger to create pressure that will dislodge the blockage. A plumber’s snake can also be useful for larger blockages. These are flexible wires that are pushed down the drain to dislodge the blockage.
CHEM-EX drain cleaners are also effective in dissolving or loosening blockages. However, they should be used sparingly because they can damage pipes if overused.
When to Call a Professional
If you have a stubborn blockage that doesn’t respond to these methods, or if you have a recurring issue, it’s time to call a professional plumber. They have the experience and specialised tools to quickly and efficiently diagnose and remedy your blocked drain.
In particular, a Horsham plumber can use CCTV drain surveys to ascertain the exact cause and location of the blockage, then utilise high-pressure water jetting to clear it.
Being a homeowner in Horsham means being proactive and well-prepared to deal with blocked drains. Knowing the signs, prevention techniques, and how to take remedial action when required can save you from possible discomfort, stress, and expensive repair bills. However, if problems persist, it’s always best to seek assistance from a qualified, professional plumber.