How to Deal with Blocked Drains: Expert Advice from Pro Blocked Drains

Dealing with a blocked drain can be one of the most frustrating household issues. From unpleasant odours to potential water damage, blocked drains require immediate attention and often specialised care. At Pro Blocked Drains, we are experts in resolving drainage problems, offering both preventative and reactive services. In this blog, we’ll provide you with valuable insights on how to prevent blocked drains with tips, preventative measures, and how our professional services can help you maintain a healthy drainage system.

Understanding the Causes of Blocked Drains

Before tackling a blocked drain, it’s essential to understand what typically causes these blockages. Common culprits include:

Grease and Fat Build-Up: Fat, oil, and grease can solidify in your pipes, causing blockages over time. Always dispose of these substances in the bin rather than the sink.
Hair: Hair can accumulate, particularly in bathroom drains, and bind with soap scum, leading to a blockage.
Foreign Objects: Items such as sanitary products, baby wipes, and small toys can end up in the drain and cause a blockage.
Tree Roots: Outside drains can become obstructed by tree roots, which can infiltrate pipes seeking moisture.

For more detailed information on what causes blocked drains and how to prevent them, visit our services page.

Call us on 0800 611 82 77

The image depicts a construction site where workers are in the process of cementing the foundation for a building. The focus is on the ground level, where a mixture of wet cement is being poured into a trench within a wooden framework. Several construction workers, dressed in high-visibility vests, hard hats, and sturdy work boots, are actively engaged in the task. Two workers are seen using shovels to spread out the cement evenly, while another guides the flow from a concrete mixer lorry positioned nearby. The mixer lorry has a large drum that is tilted downwards to pour the cement through a chute into the trench. In the background, there are piles of dirt, construction materials, and additional equipment such as wheelbarrows and buckets. The sky above is overcast, suggesting a typical working day on the site. The overall atmosphere reflects diligent activity and teamwork as the essential foundation work progresses.

DIY Solutions and When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, a drain blockage can be managed with a few DIY methods:

Plunger

A standard plunger can often clear minor blockages. Place the plunger over the drain cover and pump vigorously to create suction that dislodges the blockage.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be a natural solution. Pour the mixture down the drain and follow with boiling water after about 15 minutes.

Drain Snake

A drain snake or auger can be threaded into the drain to break up clogs further down the pipe. This method is particularly useful for more stubborn blockages.However, if these methods fail or if you experience any of the following, it’s time to call Pro Blocked Drains:

Persistent bad odours
Slow drainage despite DIY efforts
Gurgling noises from the drains
Recurring blockages

Our expert engineers are available and can be found on our find an engineer page.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Preventing a blockage is far less hassle than dealing with one. Here are some tips to keep your drains flowing freely:

Install Drain Guards: These help catch hair and debris before they enter your drains.
Regular Maintenance: Periodically clean your drains using safe cleaning agents.
Watch What You Flush: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Other items should go in the bin.
Proper Disposal: Dispose of fats, oils, and grease correctly and not down the sink.

For routine maintenance, our team at Pro Blocked Drains offers comprehensive service plans. Learn more about these on our services page.

Certainly! Here's a detailed alt text description for the given image:"A construction worker is seen installing a sewer manhole on top of a large septic tank. The worker is wearing a bright yellow safety vest, a white hard hat, and protective gloves. He is kneeling next to the round manhole cover, carefully positioning it into place on the concrete tank. The surrounding ground is partially excavated, with piles of dirt and gravel visible. Various construction tools, including a shovel and a toolbox, are scattered around the site. In the background, trees and construction fencing can be seen, indicating that the area is a work zone. The sky is clear, suggesting a sunny day, and the scene conveys a sense of diligent and meticulous labour involved in infrastructure development."If you have any modifications or additional details to include, please let me know!

Why Choose Pro Blocked Drains?

At Pro Blocked Drains, we pride ourselves on our quick, efficient, and affordable service. Here’s why you should choose us:

Expertise and Experience

With years of experience, our qualified engineers are equipped to handle any drainage issue, from minor blockages to major obstructions caused by tree roots. Our expertise ensures your issue is resolved effectively and efficiently.

Tools and Technology

We use the latest technology, including CCTV drain surveys to identify the exact cause of blockage. This allows us to provide a precise and targeted solution without unnecessary excavation or disruption.

Customer Satisfaction

Our commitment to high standards and customer satisfaction has earned us a reputation as one of the leading drainage specialists in the UK. We offer a 24/7 emergency service to ensure you never have to face a drainage crisis alone.

Comprehensive Services

From drain unblocking to full drainage system installations, we provide a full range of services to meet your needs. Cheque out all that we have to offer on our services page.

**Image Description:**The photograph captures a team of sewage cleaning workers actively engaged in a maintenance task at an urban sewer site. The scene is set outdoors, on a city street, during daylight hours under a clear sky.**Foreground:**
- Two workers are dressed in high-visibility safety gear, which includes bright orange reflective overalls, hard hats, gloves, and safety boots.
- The workers are positioned near an open manhole, which leads to the underground sewer system. One worker is standing next to the manhole, guiding a thick, durable hose or vacuum line into the sewer, while the other worker is slightly bent over, closely monitoring the operation.**Midground:**
- There is a large specialised sewage cleaning lorry parked adjacent to the workers. The lorry is equipped with various machinery, including a mounted hose reel and control panel. The vehicle is white with recognizable utility company branding and emergency lights on top.
- Several safety cones and barriers are placed around the work area to ensure a safe perimeter and to alert passersby of the ongoing maintenance.**Background:**
- The urban environment features a mix of commercial and residential buildings, some with visible storefronts and windows reflecting the daylight.
- Pedestrians and a few parked cars are present but kept a reasonable distance away from the work site due to the safety barriers.**Overall Scene:**
- The image conveys a sense of diligent maintenance work, with an emphasis on the safety practices and equipment utilised by the sewage cleaning crew

Conclusion

Blocked drains are a common but manageable issue when you have the right knowledge and expert help. Prevention, regular maintenance, and timely professional intervention can save you from more severe problems down the line. If you’re dealing with a blocked drain or want to take preventative steps, contact Pro Blocked Drains today. Visit our contact page or find a local engineer on our find an engineer page. Let us help you keep your drains in top condition!By implementing these tips and relying on our professional services, you'll ensure your home remains free from the frustrations of clogged drains.