Your Guide to Emergency Blocked Drains

Written By Grace Hamilton

Blocked drains – the dreaded words that can send shivers down any homeowner's spine. A seemingly harmless clog can quickly escalate into a major plumbing emergency, causing frustration, potential property damage, and a hefty bill. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to tackle blocked drains in Sutherland Shire, both preventative and reactive.

Common Causes of Blocked Drains

Before we delve into solutions, let's identify the culprits behind needing an emergency plumber Sutherland Shire in the first place. 

Fat, Oil  and Grease (FOG)
This sticky trio is a major enemy of your blocked drains. When poured down the sink, FOG cools and solidifies, clinging to pipes and attracting debris.

Hair
Hair accumulates in showers and bathroom sinks, eventually forming an inevitable clog.

Soap Scum
While seemingly innocuous, soap scum can build up over time, particularly in areas with hard water. This build-up can narrow pipes and contribute to blocked drains.

Foreign Objects
Accidental drops or deliberate flushes of toys, feminine hygiene products and other unsuitable items can cause major blockages.

Tree Roots
Those beautiful trees in your yard can be a nightmare for your plumbing. Tree roots can infiltrate pipes in search of water, causing significant damage, collapsed pipes and blockages.

Signs You Might Have a Blocked Drain

Now that you know the usual suspects, let's look for the tell-tale signs of a blocked drain.

Slow Drainage
This is the most common symptom. Water takes longer than usual to drain from your sink, shower or bathtub.

Gurgling Sounds
Hear strange gurgling noises coming from your drains? This could indicate trapped air caused by a blockage.

Unpleasant Odours
A blocked drain can trap nasty smells, causing your home to have a sewage-like odour.

Overflows and Backups
The worst-case scenario – sewage or wastewater backs up into your drains, creating a messy and potentially hazardous situation.

Prevent Blocked Drains Before They Start

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to emergency blocked drains. Here are some key preventative steps you can take:

Install Drain Guards
These handy devices catch hair and other debris before they enter the drain. Regularly clean the drain guard to prevent a build-up.

Dispose of FOG Properly
Never pour oil, grease or fat down the drain. Instead, let it cool and solidify, then scrape it into a bin.

Be Mindful of What You Flush
Your toilet is not a trash can! Only flush toilet paper and human waste.

Clean Drains Regularly
Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your drains once a month to help break down soap scum and minor clogs.

Regular Tree Maintenance
Have your trees regularly trimmed by a professional to prevent root intrusion into your pipes.

3 Steps to Take When Faced with a Blocked Drain

  • Location of the Blockage
    Identify which drain is clogged – sink, bathtub, shower or toilet. This can help pinpoint the potential cause.

    Severity of the Blockage
    Is the water draining slowly, or is there a complete blockage with overflow? A slow drain might be a candidate for DIY solutions, while overflows require immediate professional attention.

    Visible Signs
    Look for any visible signs of the blockage, like hair trapped in the shower drain.

  • Plunging
    The trusty plunger is a great first line of defence for clogged sinks and bathtubs. Ensure there's enough water to create a seal and plunge vigorously for several pumps.

    Baking Soda and Vinegar
    This fizzy duo can break down mild grease and soap scum blockages. Pour baking soda down the drain followed by vinegar, wait for the bubbles to subside and then flush with hot water.

  • If your DIY attempts fail, the blockage is severe, or you're unsure of the cause, it's time to call Easy Solutions Plumbing and Gas, a professional plumber in Sutherland Shire.

When disaster strikes it’s time to contact your local trusted plumber in the sutherland shire

A blocked drain can quickly turn into a major emergency, especially if it leads to overflows or damaged pipes. For Sutherland Shire residents facing blocked drain woes, Easy Solutions Plumbing and Gas is here to help.

Our team of licensed and experienced plumbers are available 24/7 for emergency blocked drain services. We'll diagnose the problem quickly, provide a transparent quote upfront, and get your drains flowing freely again in no time.

Don't let blocked drains disrupt your life in Sutherland Shire. Contact Easy Solutions Plumbing and Gas today. We can be reached by phone at 0423 233 322 or by filling out our enquiry form. We're the clear choice for all your emergency blocked drain needs!

Grace Hamilton