DIY Tips for Clearing Blocked Drains in Croydon
Drains, whether kitchen, bathroom, or drainpipes, can get blocked due to numerous reasons such as food scraps, hair, soap scum, or even roots of trees. It’s a problem every homeowner in Croydon has to face at some point. However, you don’t always have to call a professional plumber. With a few Do-It-Yourself tricks and tips, you can clear blocked drains conveniently.
Here are some DIY tips that you can use before deciding to call a local plumber in Croydon:
1. Boiling Water: This is the simplest and quickest method for unblocking a drainage pipe. Pour a kettle full of boiling water slowly down the drain in two to three stages, allowing the hot water to work for several seconds in between each pour. Hot water can help dissolve congealed oil or soap that might be causing blockage.
2. Vinegar & Baking Soda: Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by the same amount of vinegar. The mixture will start to fizz, helping to break down any deposits and clear the debris. After at least an hour or overnight if possible, rinse it with hot water.
3. Plunger: A plunger is highly efficient in clearing drains, amongst various tools you’ll find in a DIY kit. If there’s standing water inside your sink, fill it up until the plunger cup can be fully submerged. Then, put the plunger over the drain hole and pump vigorously. This creates a suction force that helps dislodge the blockage.
4. Drain Snake & Cleaner: A drain snake, or plumbing snake, is a handy blocked drains croydon tool to have if common methods don’t work. The tool is quite flexible and can be pushed into the pipe to break up the blockage. Moreover, drain cleaning chemicals are highly effective. However, they should be used sparingly, as they can damage the pipes if used repeatedly.
5. Shop Vacuum: If you have a shop vacuum, it can be a handy tool in a plumbing crisis. A powerful wet/dry vacuum can suck the blockage out. It could potentially be more effective than a standard plunger.
6. Sewer Rod: A more robust solution for outdoor drains blocked with soil or leaves could be a sewer rod. Push the rod in a back and forth motion to clear the blockage and free up the downpipe.
If using these DIY methods do not work, you may well have a more serious issue on your hands, such as tree roots invading your drain, or even broken pipes. In such cases, it’s best to call professional drain clearing service in Croydon to diagnose and resolve the problem.
Prevention is always better than cure, and the same applies to drain blockages. Ensure you don’t dispose of items such as oils, food scraps, or hair down the drain. Using drain guards can prevent unwanted materials from entering your drains.
In conclusion, undertaking regular preventive measures and acting swiftly when there’s an issue can save you time and a great deal of expenditure due to damage caused by drain blockages. However, if the DIY methods fail to clear the drains, don’t hesitate to contact professionals in Croydon as a blocked drainage system left unresolved can cause further large scale issues, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall. Always remember, a clear drain, is a happy drain.