If you’ve encountered blocked drains Southend then you know just how annoying and time consuming it can be to get them fixed. Plungers, drain cleaners, and other such remedies may take care of the problem temporarily — but if you want a more permanent solution, you’ll need to call in a professional plumber. In the meantime, here are 10 experienced tips to help you banish blocked drains Southend.
Tip #1: Remove Hair
Hair is one of the most common reasons why drains become clogged in the first place! Invest in a large mesh strainer or hair catcher and use it to remove hair and other debris from the drains before they can form a blockage. Make sure to clean the strainer regularly for maximum efficacy.
Tip #2: Hot Water and Baking Soda
Hot water and baking soda is one of the oldest and most reliable methods of unblocking a drain. Boil some water, pour it down the drain, then add half a cup of baking soda. Wait a few minutes before running the hot water again to flush out any remaining residue.
Tip #3: Vinegar and Salt
Vinegar and salt is another classic method of clearing out blocked drains Southend. Pour a cup of table salt down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about an hour, before flushing with hot water to clear the passage.
Tip #4: Use a Plunger
A plunger is the most common tool used by amateur plumbers to unblock drains. To use it, simply fill the sink up with enough water to cover the rubber edge of the plunger, then plunge vigorously until the blockage is cleared. It may take a few tries to get it right, so be patient.
If you don’t have a plunger, try using a wire hanger instead. Straighten the hanger out and twist it into a hook shape, then push it into the drain and see if you can fish out whatever’s causing the blockage. If not, move onto the next tip…
Tip #5: Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are caustic substances which dissolve gunk and grime from your pipes. They should only be used as a last resort though, as they can damage your plumbing if used improperly. Always read and follow the instructions on the packet carefully.
Tip #6: Snake the Pipe
If all else fails, you should hire a professional plumber to snake the pipes. This involves feeding a long, flexible metal cable through the pipe and pushing through the blockage until it is dislodged. It’s a relatively simple procedure that solves most drainage problems easily.
Tip #7: Install a Preventative System
Finally, if none of the above tips work then the problem may lie deeper within the piping system. In this case, you should enlist the help of a qualified plumber and have them install a preventative system such as a backflow valve or pressure relief valve. Such systems can help reduce the risk of future blockages.
That concludes our list of tips for dealing with blocked drains Southend. With these solutions, you should be able to keep your drains running smoothly and avoid costly repairs in the future.