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A blocked drain can be an annoying problem to deal with, especially if you’re in a hurry or have guests over at the time. There are a few things you can do to unblock your drain if it becomes blocked in an emergency. In this article, we will share some tips for emergency drain unblocking.

How do drains get blocked?

Drains can become blocked very easily, and the most common causes of blocked drains are debris, food particles, hair, grease, and oily residue. When these items build up in the drain, they will prevent water from flowing through them properly.

This is when you should either try yourself or, better still, call a professional drain unblocking service to remove them for you.

What are the signs of a drain blockage?

A blockage in the drain is caused by a buildup of material that prevents the flow of water through your drain. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but when it does, you’ll likely notice a change in any of the following:

• Water starts draining away at a slower speed than normal.
• If you have multiple clogs, your sink or bathtub may even start to overflow.
• Water may start backing up into the other fixtures attached to the same drainage line, and you will see wastewater bubbling up through other drains or toilets.
• If there is an unpleasant odor coming from your sink or tub, you may have a clog in your drain due to grease buildup or rotten food that has been sitting in it for too long.

Water buildup in the pipe may cause pressure on the joints, which can lead to leaking. The first sign this has happened may be a damp patch occurring on the wall or ceiling, and in extreme cases, you may even see a bulge appear in the ceiling.

 

Tips for unblocking your drains

If water is not going down the drain or is backing up into the other fixtures attached to the same drainage line, you are dealing with a clogged drain.

The first thing you should do when you think you have a drain clog is to turn off any water supply valves and open all your taps to drain them as far as possible so that when you start clearing out your pipes, the excess water in them won’t overflow onto your floor, unnecessarily.

We recommend that you try drain unblocking yourself before calling a plumber out. Here are some tips as to what to do:

Tip #1 – Remove the trap

This will allow you to reach into the drain and clear out any debris that has accumulated there by hand or by using a bent wire coat hanger.

Wear protective gloves when handling waste debris to prevent handling rotten food that could cause a health hazard, especially if you have any broken or sensitive skin. If this doesn’t solve your problem, move on to the next tip.

Tip #2 – Use a plunger

You can purchase a plunger from all hardware stores. They are a simple tool with a rubber cup on one end which you use by placing over the drain and creating a seal either with water.

By pumping the plunger a few times, the vacuum created in the drain will dislodge any debris, which can then be flushed away.

Tip #3 – Use baking soda & vinegar

First, pour baking soda into the drain and leave it for a few minutes to absorb any grease. Then add an equal amount of vinegar into the drain and wait for the resultant chemical reaction to subside (it will bubble like crazy for about 20 minutes). This reaction will dislodge debris stuck in the drain pipe, and you can then flush it away by running the hot tap.

Take care when using this method, as the mixture will be mildly caustic and can burn your skin or eyes if you get any splashing. It is always advisable, therefore, to wear protective goggles and gloves.

It is also advisable not to use this method if you have color-plated taps, as it can tarnish the plating.

Tip #4 – Use a drain snake

A drain snake (also known as an auger) is a flexible rod that can be inserted into your drain through an inspection port. The drain snake is hand-wound or attached to an electric drill to be sent along the drain in a twisting fashion.

As it is manoeuvered along the drain, it picks up debris such as paper, hair, or leaves and captures it in the spring. When the snake is pulled out, the debris is pulled with it back through the inspection point.

 

The debris can then be removed by hand and thrown away. Once enough of the debris that is causing the drain blockage has been taken away, the water will start to flow again, and the rest of the debris can be flushed away by running the tap or inserting a hose pipe.

Tip #4 – Use a proprietary chemical drain unblocker

Go to any DIY center or large supermarket, and you will find a range of commercial drain unblockers. Whereas there are some general-purpose drain unblockers, most are designed to resolve specific problems such as hair or grease.

So, always read the labels carefully or ask advice from a shop assistant in the store. All these chemicals can cause burns or allergic reactions, so take extra care when using them by wearing protective gloves and eye goggles and keeping them away from children and animals.

What to do if these tips don’t work

If, after using these methods, there still seems like there still isn’t enough water flowing through the drain pipe, then call us, at Pro Blocked Drains, for help immediately because there may be something more serious going on here, such as blockages caused by a build-up of grease or builder’s waste which would require professional assistance.

Final Words

There are some things that you can do to try and clear the clogging before calling a plumber. If your drain is blocked by hair, grease, or food particles, follow our tips to clear the drain blockage.

Or, take the easier, quicker (and often cheaper) route by calling our emergency hotline on 0800 611 82 99. We are available to help at any time of day or night, every day of the year.

Call Pro Blocked Drains on 0800 611 82 99

We guarantee you:

• Local engineers
• Fully Qualified Safe Contractor Approved Workers
• Quick Response Time
• Full Indemnity Insurance
• Competitive Prices
• 24/7 drain services
• Availability 365 days of the year
• No Call Out Fee
• Free Quotations
• Friendly service
• Guaranteed Work
• 5-star rating
• Peace of mind

Burst water mains are one of the most common problems we deal with. A burst water main can be the result of various things, including overgrown tree roots, vehicle accidents, and water leaking underground with no visible signs. If you have spotted a burst water main on a public road, please report it to your local authority as soon as possible.

A burst water main can be difficult to spot at first – particularly if it is underground. How do I know if there is a burst mains pipe on my property? What happens when there is a burst mains pipe on my property? Who is responsible for repairing a burst pipe?

What should I do if my property has been flooded by a burst pipe? It’s essential that you contact your insurer first as they will advise how best to manage the damage and what costs could be covered.

Burst water mains can cause a number of problems for homeowners, including:

• • Structural damage to your property

• • Water damage to your property

• • Flooding in your home or business premises.

• • A burst water main can be a potential health hazard if the water is not cleaned up quickly as it will encourage the growth of mould.

How do I know there is a burst water main on my property?

People often assume that a burst water main will show itself in the most dramatic ways, but we don’t usually see a plume of water spurting up from the ground like a geyser, nor is there always a flood that covers the entire area.

Low water pressure or a sudden drop in pressure may indicate a leak in your main. A burst pipe inside your property may also show itself by water stains appearing on the walls or ceiling or a damp smell that greets you when you enter your home.

What happens if there is a burst water pipe on your property?

A burst water main can happen anywhere on your property at any time. If you suspect your property has a leak from the street or pavement, call us, at Pro Blocked Drains, immediately to check for safety reasons before further damage is done to your home or business. We have an emergency hotline which is open 24/7/365 so we are always here to help.

If you have spotted a burst water main on a public road, please report it to your local authority as soon as possible. You can either contact them directly by phone, email, or through their website. If you have damaged property due to the burst water main then you should also inform them in addition to reporting the incident. The council will then deal with both of these issues for you and other affected households in the area.

A burst water main can be difficult to spot at first – particularly if it is underground. If you notice any signs of water seeping through your property, however, it’s important that you act quickly.

• • Contacting your local council immediately is one of the first things to do when dealing with a burst pipe. They will send out an inspector who will assess the situation and advise on what needs to be done next.

• • If there are no signs of external flooding, but you suspect that there has been a burst pipe within your home or business premises, contact your insurance company for advice on how to proceed next (try not to panic!). If this happens during business hours, try calling them before 5 pm so that they can speak directly with someone from their claims department who can help guide you through what should happen next in this case (in some cases they may even send out an engineer).

• • In some situations where there may be an ongoing risk of further damage occurring as a result of this incident – such as if pipes under floorboards have been damaged by flooding emanating from outside – then contacting us at Pro Blocked Drains right away is essential too!

How do I know if there is a burst water main outside my home?

When a water main bursts, it can leave behind a lot of damage. If you think your home’s been affected by a burst water main, there are some signs to look for:

• • Damp patches on the ground outside your home and/or dampness in the basement or crawl space. This is especially common if you’ve recently experienced heavy rains or flooding.

• • Water seeps up through cracks in cement patios and walkways.

• • Puddles under trees—this could mean that roots have reached into an underground pipe and broken it, causing it to leak into nearby soil-filled pipes (which are called “soakaways”).

Who is responsible for repairing a burst water pipe?

When a burst water pipe occurs, you may wonder who is responsible for repairing it. While the answer to this question depends on the location of your burst water main, here are some general guidelines:

• • If your burst pipe is located on a public road or pavement, it is the responsibility of your local authority (such as a city or county) to repair it.

• • If your burst pipe is located within or under your property and causes damage to another part of your property (such as leaking into an adjacent basement), then you are responsible for repairing that damage yourself.

• • If you share a common space with one other apartment building but not two or more buildings, then all owners should split costs equally for all repairs that take place within that common space—and each individual owner can choose whether he/she wants to pay extra for additional services such as installing new sprinkler systems that were not previously present before any excavation work begins in hopes that future leaks will be prevented from occurring again in future years!

What should I do if my property has been flooded by a burst pipe?

If your property has been flooded by a burst water main:

• • Call emergency services. (Depending on the situation, you may also want to contact your landlord or building manager.)

• • Remove all electrical appliances from the water and unplug them.

• • If you have a sump pump, turn it on immediately. If not, try to remove as much water as possible with buckets or mops until help arrives.

• • Contact your insurance company for further instructions about filing a claim—it’s important that they know about any damage as soon as possible in order for them to start processing any necessary paperwork so you can get reimbursed for repairs or replacements.

When it’s time to call the professionals

Sometimes it is better to call in the professionals straight away. If you have limited time to mess about with the problem, have tried to unblock the drains yourself without success, or water is pouring across your home and it’s threatening to damage your property or even your health.

That’s when you need our help. Our drain cleaning service is guaranteed to have your drains cleared in no time. We use the latest technology to unblock your drains very quickly and efficiently with minimal disruption to your property. With CCTV and high-pressure water jetting technology, we can investigate and clear the issue efficiently with minimal disruption to your property.

This process is conducted in a methodical and thorough manner to ensure that the issue is fully investigated. Our engineers will first use CCTV technology to identify exactly where the blockage is, before using high-pressure water jetting methods to clear it. With this latest technology and equipment, we can offer our clients a fast and efficient service with minimal disruption to their property.

Our team of trained engineers is equipped with the best drain-cleaning equipment and machinery to ensure that we can clear even the most stubborn blockages from your drains, toilets, and pipes.

If you have a serious blocked drain problem, call us for help now!

If you need help with a serious blocked drain problem, call us for help now! Our friendly and professional team will be able to help with any kind of drainage issue that you might have. We offer high-quality services for both residential and commercial clients. We also have 24/7 services available so that we can provide you with the best possible service at any time of day or night.

Pro Blocked Drains is a nationwide company with engineers in Andover and over 20 years of experience working with all types of drains and pipes, giving us extensive experience in all types of drainage problems.

There are not many situations or problems we haven’t already come across and resolved!

Our aim is always to find a solution as quickly as possible without causing you any inconvenience. With Pro Blocked Drains we guarantee you:

• • Fully Qualified Safe Contractor Approved Workers

• • Quick Response Time

• • Full Indemnity Insurance

• • Competitive Prices

• • 24/7 drain services

• • Availability 365 days of the year

• • No Call Out Fee

• • Free Quotations

• • Friendly service

• • Guaranteed Work

• • 5-star rating

• • Peace of mind

If you are based in Andover or the surrounding areas and need more information about our services, please get in touch with us today either by dropping us an email or calling on 0800 611 82 99. We will give you a free quote for all work carried out by our team of specialists.

Our friendly knowledgeable staff is always happy to help!

Introduction

These days, if we want to find a plumber it can be difficult as we must scour the internet for names or rely on recommendations from social media–whether or not the plumber is good can be somewhat hit and miss.

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As a result, many people may attempt to resolve their plumbing problems themselves, especially if the problem is something like a blocked toilet or drain. But where do you start to approach such an issue? In this blog, we will give you some tips on how to unblock a drain, yourself.

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Assess the problem

The first thing you need to do is assess the problem you have with your drain blockage and gather together everything you need to tackle it. Whether you plan to use a plunger, auger, or chemical drain unblocker, being well prepared will mean you can work efficiently and effectively to unblock your drain with minimal fuss and mess and only a single trip to the DIY centre.

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What’s more, it will give you an opportunity to decide whether or not this is something that you can do yourself or if you need the help of an experienced professional plumber for the job.

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What can cause a drain blockage?

Drain blockages can be caused by a wide range of items being wrongly flushed away down the drain. It is sometimes too easy to forget and empty the coffee grains, tea leaves, or vegetable peelings down the sink rather than add them to the food waste compost bin. And even tip out the oil from the frying pan into the drain without adding some detergent to break it down first. In addition, care needs to be taken to also dispose of tampons, condoms, baby wet wipes, and cat litter into the bin rather than flush them down the toilet.

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Other debris such as leaves, grass cutting, and even children’s toys can also find their way into the drainage system and cause a drain blockage. Tree roots can invade the drainage system through cracks and holes and will create a lot of damage as they are able to move deeper into the pipe system until they reach the main pipe where they can cause major damage.

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They will then create a big blockage so that no more water or waste will drain out properly anymore, making them easier for other things such as leaves, dirt and other unwanted materials to get stuck inside your pipes because there is no way for them to move on down any further.

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Homemade solutions for drains clearance

Drain auger: This method involves using a long metal tube with a piece of plastic on one end which is attached at one end of the tube and has another piece at the other end of the tube which you insert into your drainage system either via the toilet or through an inspection point.

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Using the auger, you are able to fish out whatever material that is blocking up your pipes so that it stops clogging up again; this method works best if there isn’t too much debris stuck in between all of these pipes.

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Vinegar and Baking Soda: This method relies on the chemical reaction that occurs when you mix an acid and an alkali together. Pouring first baking soda and then an equal amount of vinegar into the drain will create violent bubbling that will dislodge light debris and enable you to flush it away afterward by running the hot water tap.

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It takes about 20 minutes for the process to work and it can be repeated as often as needed. Care should always be taken, however, as this mixture is caustic so wear protective gloves and eye goggles to avoid any burns.

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DIY drain Unblockers Are available in all hardware stores and in most larger supermarkets. Most are specific for dissolving hair or grease, but some are more general and these are always worth keeping under your kitchen sink for emergencies. As with vinegar and baking soda, care should be taken when handling these and protection should be worn for hands and face.

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When it’s time to call the professionals

Sometimes it is better to call in the professionals straight away. If you have limited time to mess about with the problem, have tried to unblock the drains yourself without success, or water is pouring across your home and it’s threatening to damage your property or even your health.

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That’s when you need our help. Our drain cleaning service is guaranteed to have your drains cleared in no time. We use the latest technology to unblock your drains very quickly and efficiently with minimal disruption to your property. With CCTV and high-pressure water jetting technology, we can investigate and clear the issue efficiently with minimal disruption to your property.

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This process is conducted in a methodical and thorough manner to ensure that the issue is fully investigated. Our engineers will first use CCTV technology to identify exactly where the blockage is, before using high-pressure water jetting methods to clear it.

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With this latest technology and equipment, we can offer our clients a fast and efficient service with minimal disruption to their property.

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Our team of trained engineers is equipped with the best drain-cleaning equipment and machinery to ensure that we can clear even the most stubborn blockages from your drains, toilets, and pipes.

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If you have a serious blocked drain problem, call us for help now!

If you need help with a serious blocked drain problem, call us for help now! Our friendly and professional team will be able to help with any kind of drainage issue that you might have. We offer high-quality services for both residential and commercial clients. We also have 24/7 services available so that we can provide you with the best possible service at any time of day or night.

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Pro Blocked Drains is a nationwide company with engineers in Amesbury and over 20 years of experience working with all types of drains and pipes, giving us extensive experience in all types of drainage problems. There are not many situations or problems we haven’t already come across and resolved!

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Our aim is always to find a solution as quickly as possible without causing you any inconvenience. With Pro Blocked Drains we guarantee you:

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  • Fully Qualified Safe Contractor Approved Workers

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• • Quick Response Time

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• • Full Indemnity Insurance

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• • Competitive Prices

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• • 24/7 drain services

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• • Availability 365 days of the year

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• • No Call Out Fee

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• • Free Quotations

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• • Friendly service

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• • Guaranteed Work

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• • 5-star rating

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• • Peace of mind

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If you are based in Amesbury or the surrounding areas and need more information about our services, please get in touch with us today either by dropping us an email or calling on 0800 611 82 99. We will give you a free quote for all work carried out by our team of specialists.

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We also offer a 24/7/365 emergency service for any urgent repairs you may require.

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Our friendly knowledgeable staff is always happy to help!

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Your sink is blocked, and you need it to be unblocked, so you can enjoy clean dishes, a clean bathroom, or an unclogged toilet again. With the right drain cleaner at your disposal, you will be able to remove any blockages and get back to business as usual in no time at all.

There are three main reasons why your sink may become blocked: food debris, hair, and grease. Food debris can cause trouble if it’s allowed to collect in the pipes, while hair is more likely to clog up the drain itself. Grease can accumulate and block the passageway whilst also catching other debris which passes by.

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If none of these things seem like they could be causing your problem (or if there are other signs that something else is going on), then it’s probably best for you to just go ahead with one of our recommended remedies for blocked sinks below!

DIY drain cleaners

Before spending money on expensive drain unblockers, you can try to unblock the pipes yourself. Here are some simple tips for doing it:

Tip #1 – Use Vinegar and Baking Soda

Have you ever tried dropping a mint sweet into a bottle of cola – well, if you have, you’ll remember the way it bubbles up like volcano gasses. Mixing Vinegar and baking soda have the same effect, and you can use this chemical reaction to dislodge small debris in your drains so that it can be safely flushed away. Use equal amounts of the two but make sure to pour the baking soda into the drain first and wait a minute before adding the vinegar.

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Once the bubbling stops, you can run the hot water tap to flush away the blockage. This won’t help a large blockage but should be used weekly to take away any small pieces of grease, coffee grains, or food waste and prevent larger blockages from occurring.

Tip #2 – Use a Sink Plunger

Every household should keep this useful tool under the kitchen sink. When you have a blockage in your sink drain or your toilet, you can use it to dislodge the debris to then either remove it by hand or flush it away with hot water. The plunger is a very simple device that works by creating a vacuum over the drain and then pumping the plunger up and down for a few minutes. The suction helps to dislodge larger pieces of debris which can then be removed. A pro tip when using a plunger is to smear a little vaseline around the rubber head to create an airtight seal.

Tip # 3 – Buy a Chemical Cleaner from the Supermarket

There are many chemical cleaners available from either the supermarket or DIY center and many have specialist applications to deal with specific blockages, so if you know if your drain blockage is caused by hair, grease, paper, or food debris, you can choose the best one that will unblock the drain in the fastest way. Most of the time, however, we only know we have a blockage rather than what the debris is made of. In that case, we can choose one of the general-purpose drain unblockers.

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Drano Max Gel Clog Remover is one of the best clog removers to use on your sink because it’s extremely powerful and will dissolve just about any clog in your drain. It’s safe for all kinds of pipes, even plastic ones, and is specially formulated to be gentle on sewer lines and septic systems.

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The main difference between this product and other drain cleaners is that it uses a gel formula as opposed to liquid chemicals or bleach-based solutions. The gel actually absorbs into clogs instead of simply washing away as liquids do, which means that you’ll get better results than what you would with traditional cleaning products.

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While this stuff works great for sinks with hair or soap scum buildup, you should exercise caution when using it around children or pets because it contains sodium hydroxide (lye).

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Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver Gel is a powerful solution that works on all drains in the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room. It also works on any other drains you have in your basement, garage, or anywhere else. It is particularly good at dissolving soap scum, lint, and hair buildup.

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Bio-Clean Eco-Friendly Drain Cleaner is a natural drain cleaner that is safe to use and effective on tough stains. This product can unblock sinks, showers, and toilets, as well as kitchen, drains. It’s also eco-friendly because it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that would be harmful to the environment or your health or your pets.

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Bio-Clean works by digesting organic material in your drains, making them easier to clear. This means that you won’t need to call in a plumber every time you have problems with your drains or sewers anymore!

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Thrift Odorless Drain Cleaner is the best value-for-money product that is safe and effective as a drain unblocker for all plumbing. It can be used on drains, toilets, and bathtubs and will work fast to clear your blockage. It can even be used on septic tanks as well!

Conclusion

We hope that this article has helped you to choose the best sink unblocker for your household needs, and if you still aren’t sure which one is right for you, then give us a call at Pro Blocked Drains.

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We are a nationwide company with engineers in Almer and with over 20 years of experience working with all types of drains and pipes, giving us extensive experience in all types of drainage problems. There are not many situations or problems we haven’t already come across and resolved!

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Our aim is always to find a solution as quickly as possible without causing you any inconvenience. With Pro Blocked Drains, we guarantee you:

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• Fully Qualified Safe Contractor Approved Workers

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• Quick Response Time

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• Full Indemnity Insurance

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• Competitive Prices

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• 24/7 drain services

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• Availability 365 days of the year

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• No Call Out Fee

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• Free Quotations

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• Friendly service

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• Guaranteed Work

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• 5-star rating

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• Peace of mind

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If you are based in Almer or the surrounding areas and need more information about our services, please get in touch with us today either by dropping us an email or calling on 0800 611 82 99.

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We will give you a free quote for all work carried out by our team of specialists. We also offer a 24/7/365 emergency service for any urgent repairs you may require. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is always happy to help!

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Soakaways are a simple but effective way to deal with excess water, especially if you’re living in an area where rainfall is frequent. They’re particularly useful for domestic properties with septic tanks or those which have a large roof that catches the rain and allows it to drain through into their gardens.

They can be installed underground, and they work by collecting and storing the water so it can slowly seep back into the ground. But what exactly is a soakaway? What goes into installing one? And how do you know if you need one or not?

Soakaways are underground drains

A soakaway is a large underground tank that collects wastewater from your home. It’s typically designed to hold the wastewater until it decomposes and can be safely discharged into the ground without harming local wildlife or waterways. Soakaways are most commonly used for rainwater drainage from rooftops or for pumping away wastewater from septic tank systems.

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Other uses for soakaways include pumping water away from the bottom of a pond or lake; this can be useful if you do not want to drain your pond completely but still want to clear up any excess sediment at its bottom.

What’s the difference between a septic tank and a soakaway?

In short, septic tanks are for domestic use only, whereas soakaways are suitable for commercial use as well as domestic properties—and they’re larger than septic tanks too!

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Soakaways also differ from conventional sewage systems in two ways: firstly, they don’t require any electricity or pumps to work; secondly, they’re made from thick concrete instead of plastic (like septic tanks).

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Soakaways can be made of various materials. Concrete is often used in the construction of a soakaway, as it is hard-wearing and will not easily corrode or rust. Other options include bricks, stone, and gravel, depending on your needs and budget. They are infilled with a porous material.

Soakaway construction and installation

The installation of a soakaway is made relatively easy by following these steps:

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• Dig a hole that measures approximately three feet in diameter and about two feet deep, depending on the soil conditions. The hole should be large enough to accommodate the plastic liner and gravel needed for drainage.

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• Once you’ve completed digging, place your pre-cut plastic liner (or purchase one from your local hardware store) into the bottom of the hole and cover it with gravel. You can add more insulation to this layer if desired—this will help prevent freezing in colder climates during winter months.

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• Fill up any remaining space with more gravel or mulch until reaching ground level again, making sure that there are no gaps or holes where water can escape.

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Soakaway location and size

Soakaways are often placed in the ground, but they can also be installed on a wall. The location and size of your soakaway depend on its purpose and who will be using it.

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Soakaways should be located at least 100 meters from any drinking water supply and 50 meters from any river or pond. In addition, they should be situated at least three meters from the boundary of your property. They should never be placed directly under a house, garage, or patio, as this would compromise their performance. The minimum size required is that they must hold at least three times the amount of water that goes into it every day (e.g., one cubic meter). You shouldn’t exceed this capacity—unless you’re willing to pay for more expensive equipment!

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The maximum size allowed is dependent on where you live: generally speaking, if there’s no limit set by local regulations, then soakaways need only meet national standards; otherwise, they must conform with local building codes (and may require permits).

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You should also be aware that soakaways should not be located in areas where subsidence is likely to occur; they need sufficient ventilation to allow gases to escape, and Soakaways should not have significant amounts of soil over them, as this can impede drainage and prevent evaporation which contributes to the dispersal of the water. Soakaways should be free draining (i.e., they do not contain significant amounts of material that may block the flow of water), as this will help in preventing overflow during heavy rain events.

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Subsidence can be caused by mining or the roots of trees, which can cause damage to buildings and other structures. If you suspect that your soakaway is affected by subsidence, please contact us immediately so we can investigate the problem.

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Soil may also cause the soakaway to fill up with water and freeze in winter, leading to blockages within a drain system or flooding if your house is connected to a soakaway. Organic materials such as leaves and sawdust can also cause problems for your soakaway through clogging or pollution when they are washed down into the soakaway by rainfall or surface runoff from roads and other paved areas onto your property.

Soakaway drainage problems and faults

Soakaways drainage system has been known to cause problems if they are not installed correctly or if there are underlying issues with the soil around them.

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For example, if there is too much clay under the ground where you are installing your soakaway, then there may be difficulties with draining away water because clay has high water-retention properties, which means that it doesn’t dry out easily when exposed to air so excess moisture stays near the surface instead of being absorbed by surrounding soil layers (or other types of rock).

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You might also see water pooling around or below ground level during heavy rainfall as well as potential leakage into nearby structures such as foundations/bases etc.

Damaged soakaways

If you have a damaged soakaway, it is likely to be caused by one of the following:

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• An obstruction in the pipe. Tree roots can grow into underground pipes and cause damage.

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• Improper drainage. If your home has a blocked drain, water may not flow down through your piping as expected, causing pressure buildup and damage to the system.

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• Excessive pressure from outside sources, such as nearby construction or flooding, can shift soil around your property and potentially damage your soakaway.

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Blocked or damaged drain pipes and sewers

If you have a blocked or damaged drainpipe, this can create problems for your soakaway.

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• If the drainpipe is blocked, then it will be difficult for the water to be drained away. If a sink gets blocked, this means that there may not be enough water flowing through the pipe and into your soakaway.

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• If there is damage to your soakaway itself, then it might not work properly and allow excess water into your house.

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Do we need planning permission to install a new soakaway?

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• You might need planning permission to install a new soakaway if it is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) or national park or within the curtilage of a listed building.

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• If you are installing a new soakaway on your own property and do not want to notify your local authority, then you don’t need planning permission. However, in some cases, an exemption may apply. For example, if the new soakaway will be less than 5 cubic meters in volume, less than 100mm deep, and less than 1 meter wide with no access points or pipes feeding into it, then you may be exempt from needing to notify your local authority.

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Final Words

We hope that this article has helped you to understand what a soakaway is and how it may be used on your property. If you want to install, maintain or repair a soakaway, then call Pro Blocked Drains for advice. With over 20 years of experience working with all types of drains and pipes, we have extensive experience in all types of drainage problems, there are not many situations or problems we haven’t already come across and resolved.

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Our aim is always to find a solution as quickly as possible without causing you any inconvenience. With Pro Blocked Drains, we guarantee you:

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• Fully Qualified Safe Contractor Approved Workers

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• Quick Response Time

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• Full Indemnity Insurance

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• Competitive Prices

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• 24/7 drain services

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• Availability 365 days of the year

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• No Call Out Fee

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• Free Quotations

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• Friendly service

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• Guaranteed Work

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• 5-star rating

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• Peace of mind

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If you are based in Alderney or the surrounding areas and need more information about our services, please get in touch with us today either by dropping us an email or calling on 0800 611 82 99. We will give you a free quote for all work carried out by our team of specialists. We also offer a 24/7/365 emergency service for any urgent repairs you may require.

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Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are always happy to help!

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Having a blocked toilet can be a real pain, especially when you’re in a rush. It can be stressful and messy to deal with but don’t worry, we’ve got all the tips and tricks to keep your toilet unblocked.

If you want to unblock a toilet and don’t have the time or money for professional help, there are some simple steps you can take at home that are easy enough for even the most inexperienced DIY-er:

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• Unblocking a Toilet with a Plunger – A plunger is one of the best tools for unblocking toilets because it can clear blockages quickly without causing any damage. Simply plunge up and down until water starts flowing through the drain again. You may need to repeat this process several times or use more force if your blockage is stubbornly stuck in there (we’ve all been there).

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• Unblocking a Toilet with Drain Snake – This tool works by dislodging debris from inside your pipes so they can move freely again, allowing water down into them when flushed (and preventing future clogs). The process involves attaching one end of your snake device directly over where your pipe meets the wall of your house (it’ll stick out about two feet), then slowly twisting back and forth until everything comes loose inside that area—at which point water should start flowing normally again! If no luck after three tries though just keep trying different spots until something gives way!

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• Pour boiling water down the bowl – If the drain snake doesn’t work, pour a few liters of hot water down the bowl. The hot water should loosen up any stubborn clogs, such as grease or oil that may be clogging up the drain. and allow them to go through your drain pipes more easily. You should use a plunger after pouring hot water down your toilet, as this will push the excess liquid out of your drain pipes and help dislodge anything else that may be clogging them up as well. If this doesn’t work, pour even more boiling water down the bowl until you’ve cleared out all of your blockages as best possible using this method without further damaging any parts of your plumbing system or yourself!

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• Unclog with an auger tool—if you have one on hand then it might be worth giving it a shot! But prepare yourself to get dirty in the process.

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• Use Baking Soda and Vinegar – Do you remember your chemistry classes at school? Well if you do, you will know that when an acid and alkali are mixed together it will create a reaction that can be quite volcanic. This reaction can be used to shift debris stuck in your drain pipes. Just make sure to use equal amounts of the two ingredients and pour the baking soda into the sink first and then follow with the vinegar. The reaction will take about 20 minutes to complete its work. Also, take care as when mixed together it is caustic so you should wear protective gloves to avoid getting skin burns.

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• Unclog your toilet by hand – Okay this does sound pretty disgusting but if nothing else has worked you may want to don long protective gloves and actually unclog your toilet by hand. This is a fairly straightforward process but can get messy if you’re not careful!

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• Chemical Unblockers – If you are dealing with a toilet that is not draining, you can use a proprietary chemical unblocker to fix it. The first step is to remove the lid of your toilet tank and pour in some unblocker. Use enough so that it covers the whole surface of your water in the tank, but do not overfill it. Next, flush your toilet by pressing down on its handle. This will allow any remaining blockages to be flushed away by triggering a siphon effect and sending water down through your pipes again. If this doesn’t work, repeat these steps until everything flows freely from your drain! Chemical unblockers are available at all DIY centers and supermarkets. Although there are some general-purpose unblockers available, you will have more success if you use an emergency drain unblocker that is specifically designed to deal with the cause of the blockage e.g. hair or grease.

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Take care not to make things worse

It should really go without saying that when doing any DIY around the home it is important to take care to avoid making the situation worse or causing any additional damage. If you are a keen DIYer then you will undoubtedly have a shed full of suitable tools, otherwise, you will either need to buy tools (which can be expensive) or make do with what you have. What’s more, if you are trying to unblock a toilet, you must accept this is messy, smelly work and you need to protect your clothes, skin, and eyes and avoid the smell.

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You may find it easier, cheaper, and cleaner to simply call in the professionals, such as ProBlocked Drains, to unblock your toilet.

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Final Words

I hope that you found the above tips useful and were able to unblock your toilet. If nothing else, remember that there are always new tricks coming out of the woodwork. And if all else fails, just call in a professional!

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And talking about professionals, who should you call?

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If you live in or around Affpuddle and have a blocked toilet then call us at Pro Blocked Drains. We are a national UK company with engineers based locally which means we can get to help you quickly–any time of day or night.

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With over 20 years of experience working with all types of drains and pipes, we have extensive experience in all types of drainage problems, there are not many situations or problems we haven’t already come across and resolved.

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Our aim is always to solve your problem as quickly as possible without causing further damage or inconvenience along the way–we try our best not only because this saves time but also because it reduces costs by avoiding unnecessary repairs later down the line when there may be more complications involved!

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With Pro Blocked Drains we guarantee you:

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• Fully Qualified Safe Contractor Approved Workers

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• Quick Response Time

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• Full Indemnity Insurance

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• Competitive Prices

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• 24/7 drain services

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• Availability 365 days of the year

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• No Call Out Fee

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• Free Quotations

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• Friendly service

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• Guaranteed Work

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• 5-star rating

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• Peace of mind

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If you are based in Affpuddle or the surrounding areas and need more information about our services, please get in touch with us today either by dropping us an email or calling on 0800 611 82 99.

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We will give you a free quote for all work carried out by our team of specialists. We also offer a 24/7/365 emergency service for any urgent repairs you may require. Our friendly knowledgeable staff is always happy to help!

If you’ve ever had the unfortunate experience of a blocked drain or sewage system, then you know how frustrating it can be. Blocked drains can cause several different problems, including clogs and backups in your pipes.

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The most common way to remedy this problem is by using a drain auger or drain snake. Drain jetting is another option that may be able to help unclog your drains.

Why Do Drains Get Blocked?

There are many reasons why a drain can get blocked: grease or oil poured down the sink, hair clogging the shower, coffee grains or tea leaves tipped away down the drain rather than being put into the compost, and even sanitary products or cat litter wrongly disposed of down the toilet, can all cause a drain blockage.

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What is Drain Jetting?

Drain jetting is a method of cleaning drains that uses high-pressure water to clear clogs. This method can be used in both residential and commercial environments however it is not recommended for industrial applications where there are very heavy debris loads or high volumes of solids.

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The jetter nozzle consists of a gas generator, which creates the pressure required to propel the water through the pipe, two filtration stages (the first removes large particles from the water stream), a valve assembly (to control flow rate), an air release valve and a pilot light/igniter assembly.

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The operator activates this unit by turning on a switch located on top of the nozzle handle which activates electrical energy that ignites compressed air within an internal chamber that produces pressurized steam within seconds—this steam then expands out through small ports along each side of its bulkhead surface area at speeds up to 300 m/s (750 mph).

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The amount of pressure used during this process depends on what type of problem you’re dealing with, for example, if there’s just some buildup in one spot, then lower levels will do just fine; however, if there has been recent flooding due to burst pipes or something else related to large amounts of water flowing through them at once, then higher levels are needed because there might be some debris lodged farther down inside where only high-pressure jets can reach them.

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Benefits of Drain Jetting

You don’t have to wait until you have a clog in your drains before you choose to use drain jetting. It can be a useful tool as part of your annual building maintenance to ensure that any debris or limescale accumulating in the drainpipe network does not lead to a more serious blockage later on.

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If you have been doing any building work or DIY within the home, it can also help you avoid any problems occurring from cleaning the builder’s buckets and equipment that have been washed out in the indoor sink or outdoor tap causing any kind of problem. If you have a cesspit, drain jetting may be used to flush out the pipework after emptying and avoid insects or vermin becoming attracted to the environment.

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Drain jetting is better than other methods of drains clearance because it is:

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• Fast and effective. Drain jetting can clear a drain in as little as 30 seconds, which means you’ll be able to get back to your day sooner than you would with traditional methods.

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• Environmentally friendly. Drain jetting uses water to clean the drains which means that there are no harsh chemicals involved in drain jetting, so it doesn’t harm the environment or septic tanks when used correctly (see our guidelines below). Once the drain jetting service has been performed, you can immediately return to normal in the knowledge that there is no risk to any of your family who may have allergies, nor to your pets or plants in the garden.

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• Cost-effective. Only water is used so there are no expensive chemicals to add to the budget. Plus we’ll even give you a free estimate before we start working on your pipes so there are no surprise charges here at all either!

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The Benefits of Drain Jetting compared to other methods?

Drain jetting is a very effective way to clear drains and is much faster than other methods. It’s also more effective than using a plunger or snake, and it can be used in situations where chemicals may not be an option.

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Taking care of your drains with regular drain jetting can help ensure that you avoid any untimely problems.

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It’s always a good idea to have your drains jetted every few years, especially if you have had a clog in the past and haven’t changed your habits. This is where a professional comes in handy. If you’re not comfortable with having someone else work on your pipes, consider doing it yourself—just make sure that whatever method of clearing the drain you use is safe for use around the pipes themselves. You can also call on friends or family members to help!

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Why Choose Pro Blocked Drains for Your Drain Jetting?

We are a national UK company with over 20 years of experience working with all types of drainage systems, we have extensive expertise in all manner of drainage systems and drainage problems.

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What’s more, we have engineers based locally in Abbotsbury. Our aim is to provide you with the very best service so you will keep coming back to us for all your plumbing and drainage needs.

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With Pro Blocked Drains we guarantee you:

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• Fully Qualified Safe Contractor Approved Workers

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• Quick Response Time

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• Full Indemnity Insurance

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• Competitive Prices

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• 24/7 drain services

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• Availability 365 days of the year

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• No Call Out Fee

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• Free Quotations

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• Friendly service

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• Guaranteed Work

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• 5-star rating

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• Peace of mind

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If you are based in Abbotsbury or the surrounding areas and need more information about our services, please get in touch with us today either by dropping us an email or calling on 0800 611 82 99.

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Our friendly knowledgeable staff is always happy to help and we will give you a free quote for all work carried out by our team of specialists. We also offer a 24/7/365 emergency service for any urgent repairs you may require.

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CCTV drain surveys are a fast and efficient way to find the cause of a blockage or problem in your drains. It is a plumbing procedure that uses a high-resolution CCTV camera to check for faults. This can be used to find leaks and blockages in the sewage or drainage system.

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A CCTV inspection will also find any problems with your drains, such as cracks or collapsed sections of pipe that could cause flooding in your home or business premises, or show the location of ant tree roots that are growing through the pipework.

Our CCTV drain survey team can use this method to inspect your drains and sewerage pipes, allowing us to identify any blockages or problems that may be present.

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The CCTV drain survey is quick, safe, and effective at finding the cause of any issues you may be having with your drains or sewerage system and will enable us to offer advice on how to fix any problems or simply give you peace of mind that there are no problems to worry about.

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Selling Your Home

In a highly competitive market, it is vital to stand out from the crowd, so if you are selling your property, having a CCTV drain inspection done will help you do just that and provide your buyers with reassurance that the drains are in good condition and that they have nothing to worry about when it comes to the safety of their home’s drainage system. In fact, there are several benefits associated with having a CCTV drain survey carried out:

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• It helps potential buyers feel more confident about purchasing your property;

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• It gives you peace of mind so you can focus on running your business without worrying about maintenance issues;

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• It can be used as evidence if something goes wrong in the future (e.g., a gas leak).

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Drain Mapping

A drain map is a detailed schematic that shows all of the pipes and drains in a building. It will show you not only where each pipe starts but also where it ends up.

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A drain map can be used to help you in the future to check where joints are that might leak and to ensure that if you have building work done, heavy machinery is not left parked over pipework or dug up as soil is taken out for foundations.

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CCTV Root Cutting

CCTV root cutting is an important step in clearing any drain, and we offer this service by using one of four different methods:

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• Root cutter – A tool that slices through roots entering your sewer pipe. If there’s only a small amount of roots, this method can be used as it doesn’t require any chemicals and is less disruptive than other forms of treatment such as jetting or jetting combined with mechanical cleaning (or “rodding”). However, if there’s too much material inside your pipes then these techniques may not work so well because they don’t have enough power behind them without additional chemicals being added first; therefore, we recommend using either root blasting or rodding instead if you have an issue with large amounts of debris blocking up your sewers without any obvious signs showing where exactly these problems might lie within their depths – perhaps because no one knows where exactly those roots came from.

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• Roto-Rooter Blasting – This method uses high-pressure water jets that blast away debris from within pipes while simultaneously sweeping them clean; however, unlike other methods which rely solely upon mechanical means alone (such as rodding), this technique involves introducing some type(s) chemical cleaners before washing everything away which makes sure all traces are gone completely – meaning there’ll be no chance whatsoever left behind!

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Final Words

If you think your drains are blocked, leaking, or damaged, or you simply want to check on the condition of the drainage system before you buy or sell a property, then we can offer you a CCTV drain inspection. We will come out and inspect your drains, check for blockages and leaks and check for any damage that has been caused to the drains.

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Organizing a CCTV drain survey with Pro Blocked Drains is easy. Simply call our local offices at Pro Blocked Drains in Eastleigh, and we will send out an engineer to you.

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Once on site, the engineer will insert a high-resolution CCTV camera into your drainage system and then, with the help of rods to maneuver the camera and WInCan software, will systematically examine the entire system and record the condition of the drains taking note of the exact location of any problems that need addressing.

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All our results are recorded and can be kept on file so, in the future, we can compare results and identify any signs of wear and tear, and we can also model what may happen to the drains in the future to predict problems that could arise and set out plans to prevent these problems from happening.

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Why Choose Pro-Blocked Drains?

We are a national UK company with over 20 years of experience working with all types of drainage systems; we have extensive expertise in all manner of drainage systems and drainage problems.

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What’s more, we have engineers based locally in Eastleigh. Our aim is to provide you with the very best service so you will keep coming back to us for all your plumbing and drainage needs.

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With Pro Blocked Drains, we guarantee you:

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• Fully Qualified Safe Contractor Approved Workers

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• Quick Response Time

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• Full Indemnity Insurance

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• Competitive Prices

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• 24/7 drain services

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• Availability 365 days of the year

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• No Call Out Fee

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• Free Quotations

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• Friendly service

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• Guaranteed Work

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• 5-star rating

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• Peace of mind

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If you are based in Eastleigh or the surrounding areas and need more information about our services, please get in touch with us today either by dropping us an email or calling on 0800 611 82 99. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are always happy to help, and we will give you a free quote for all work carried out by our team of specialists. We also offer a 24/7/365 emergency service for any urgent repairs you may require.

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You’ll be surprised at how often people don’t think about their drains until they become blocked. Once this happens, it’s important to get them unblocked quickly because they could cause serious damage if left untreated for too long! In this article, we’ll talk about why drains become blocked in the first place and what we do when they do because there are many different types of blockage that require different methods of treatment.

Let’s cover some basics first

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Drain Unblocking Services involves removing any particles or debris from inside them before they can cause serious issues, such as overflowing into your house or causing flooding outside near where your drain connects with other parts of the system (like pipes), which then must be cleaned out manually by an expert plumber before they can be used normally again!

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We always recommend calling us out immediately rather than trying this at home because even though it can be done safely, sometimes DIY projects go wrong easily due to a lack of experience or knowledge about how things work properly- usually resulting in more work being required later down the line anyway!

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What is a blocked drain?

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A blocked drain is when something has got stuck in your sewer or pipe. Wastewater can’t flow away as easily, so it backs up and fills up the sink or bath.

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You might find out you have a blocked drain if:

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• The sink or toilet isn’t draining properly. This may be caused by something small like food waste being flushed down the toilet or something large like plastic bags.

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• There are signs of blockage outside your home – like tree roots growing into drains or drainage issues on your street (like flooding).

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A blocked drain can be a nuisance.

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A blocked drain can be a nuisance, especially if it’s outside and you need to get rid of water from your home or garden. But there are ways to prevent a blocked drain, from keeping the area around it clear and regularly checking for signs that the pipes may be clogged. In addition, teaching your household to take care of what they put down the drain is essential.

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Common causes of blocked drains

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Grease and oil: are common causes of blocked drains. If they are tipped into the sink without using a dispersant, such as washing up liquid, first, then the grease or oil can stick to the sides of the pipes and catch other debris as it goes down causing a blockage that is difficult to shift.

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Coffee grains, tea leaves, and vegetable peelings: should never be flushed down the drain as these accumulate and cause a blockage. They should be added to the compost heap instead, as they make good compost.

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Sanitary products: tampons, wet wipes, and even nappies have been known to clog up the toilet. These should always be disposed of in the bathroom bin.

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Cat litter: is often tipped into the toilet as owners feel this is a more hygienic way of disposal, but the litter does not dissolve and will struggle to be flushed through the pipes. More often than not, it will accumulate at the bottom of the pipe and catch other debris as it passes by, ultimately causing a blockage.

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Hair: will often clog the shower drain and, if not removed regularly, will eventually find its way into the drainage system and cause a blockage.

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Kids toys: can sometimes cause a problem, especially those mini lego figures.

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Drain Unblocking

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If you already have a blocked drain and want to unblock it yourself, then there are several things that you can try before calling an emergency drain unblocker – such as pouring boiling water down the sink or using a plunger or baking soda and vinegar. But if something still isn’t working, then you should call in professional drainage specialists who have tools like high-pressure hoses which can blast through even the toughest blockages quickly and easily.

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We at Pro Blocked Drains offer drain-unblocking services provided by our qualified professional engineers who have over 20 years of experience in the industry.

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How we work

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When you call us, our customer service agent will ask for your details and the nature of your problem before scheduling a free site visit from one of our highly-skilled engineers.

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We are committed to providing a high-quality service that leaves our customers satisfied. Our team of experts has access to all the latest tools and equipment needed for effective drain unblocking, including CCTV drain surveys and WinCan software. All work is backed by an extensive guarantee on labor and parts.

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Our team is available 24/7/365 to provide a fast response, and we have operatives in East Parley, so we are right on your doorstep.

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What can we do

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We at Pro Blocked Drains are here to help you with any problems that you might be having with your drains. We have a wide range of services which we offer at affordable prices so you can get the best value for money. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and on making sure that all customers are happy with the work completed on their property.

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As a national UK company with over 20 years of experience working with all types of drainage systems, we have extensive expertise in all manner of drainage systems and drainage problems. What’s more, we have engineers based locally in East Parley.

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Our aim is to provide you with the very best service so you will keep coming back to us for all your plumbing and drainage needs. With Pro Blocked Drains, we guarantee you:

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• Fully Qualified Safe Contractor Approved Workers

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• Quick Response Time

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• Full Indemnity Insurance

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• Competitive Prices

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• 24/7 drain services

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• Availability 365 days of the year

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• No Call Out Fee

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• Free Quotations

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• Friendly service

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• Guaranteed Work

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• 5-star rating

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• Peace of mind

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If you are based in East Parley or the surrounding areas and need more information about our services, please get in touch with us today either by dropping us an email or calling on 0800 611 82 99.

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Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is always happy to help, and we will give you a free quote for all work carried out by our team of specialists. We also offer a 24/7/365 emergency service for any urgent repairs you may require.

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