Some say that patience is a virtue, but when it comes to blocked drains, waiting this out will only make the problem worse. Over time, what may start as a minor blockage can quickly escalate into a serious problem, potentially leading to harsh damage to your drainage systems or even causing your drains to overflow, this is why it is important to take prompt action and address the issue before it escalates out of control.
So, how can you tell that your drains require emergency drain unblocking? Explore the early warning signs of a blocked drain and help you decide if this is a task you can tackle yourself, or if it is time to bring in the professionals.
Unpleasant Smells
One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of a blocked drain is an unpleasant smell coming from your sinks, toilets or drains. This foul odour is most often caused by trapped food, grease, or any other grime that is decomposing within the pipes. If this issue is left unchecked, the smell will only get worse with time, making it certain that there is a problem below the surface. Addressing the issue as soon as you start to smell this bad odour can help to prevent more serious issues from developing later down the line.
Water Runs Away Slowly
If you notice that your water is draining more slowly than often, or in emergency cases, not draining at all from your sinks, showers, or bathtubs, it is a clear indication that a blockage is forming. This slow-moving drainage is usually caused by a build-up of hair, grease, soap or debris, that is starting to obstruct the water flow through your pipes. Leaving this issue to develop can result in a complete blockage, so it is important to get in touch with a member of our team for emergency drain unblocking as soon as your water is not draining as quickly as it should.
Loud Gurgling-Like Noises
If you start to hear any loud gurgling-like noises coming from your drains, sinks, showers or bath, it is a sign that there is air trapped in the pipes due to a blockage. As water tries to pass through the limited area, it moves the trapped air, resulting in that gurgling sound. Distinctive noises are an early sign that your drain has already/is developing a blockage and could soon lead to more severe drainage problems.
Raised Water Levels
Raised water levels are strong evidence that your drain is blocked. If you flush the toilet and the water level rises higher than what it was before slowly going back down, or if the water in your sink backs up after draining, it is more often than not something obstructing the flow in the pipes. This issue can quickly escalate potentially leading to overflows and water damage. If you notice any raised levels, it is important to address the blockage immediately to prevent further complications.
How To Prevent Blocked Drains
Preventing blocked drains from occurring is much easier to deal with than the mess and hassle of clearing them. By following some simple steps, you can keep your drains flowing smoothly and avoid the common causes of drain blockages.
Dispose of Your Waste Properly: Make sure that you avoid pouring green, fat, and other oils down the sinks and instead dispose of these in the bin, as these substances can solidify and clog the pipes.
Use Drain Screens: Use drain screens or strainers in your sinks, showers, and baths to catch any hair, soap, food and other debris before they enter the drain, and make sure to clean these after every use to prevent your drain from blocking.
Avoid Flushing Inappropriate Items: Only flush human waste and toilet paper down your toilet, ithems like baby wipes, cotton buds, and sanitary products can all cause significant blockages if flushed.
Run Hot Water: Every now and then, run some hot water down your drains, especially if you have just used the sink to wash up dishes, this helps to dissolve any grease or oils drained before it accumulates and solidifies.
