Pro Blocked Drains is a 24 hour a day, 365 days a year, emergency drainage company providing services for blocked drains. We have a network of local drainage experts covering the UK who can help you with your drain blockage problem.
It doesn’t matter how careful you try to be, at some time or other you will get a blocked drain. It really can’t be helped. Hair clogs the shower drain; fat, grease, or coffee grounds can block the kitchen sink; and if you are really unlucky, you may even find pieces of Lego or a child’s doll stuck around the u-bend of the toilet. How to clear a drain blockage is something worthwhile to know.
nn
At the end of a busy day when you come home to find you have blocked drains, your first instinct might be to pick up the phone and call the first plumber you find, but there are some simple and inexpensive tips you can follow first to clear your drains before calling in a drain-clearing service.
n
It may sound obvious, but in the heat of the moment, it is easy to forget. If you discover blocked drains, switch off all the taps and tell your family not to use the toilet, sinks, or shower until you have repaired the problem. Allowing more water to flow into an already blocked drain may cause pressure to build up in the pipe and split a joint, or it could cause water to overflow and damage flooring, walls, or ceilings.
n
n
Sometimes the cause of the blockage can be clearly seen. When this is the case, you can try to remove the debris using your hands, or a hook made from a bent wire coat hanger. Once you have unblocked the drain, flush hot water through the system to clear the pipes and check the flow has been restored. It is always advisable to wear heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands from dirt.
n
n
Boiling water is effective in clearing away soap scum, mud, and, if used alongside detergent, a small amount of grease or oil, and it is good practice to make a habit of flushing your drainage system with boiling water regularly to help prevent blockages from occurring.
nn
However, before you use this method, check the material your pipes are made from: if you have PVC pipes boiling water may loosen the joints and cause leaks. Also, porcelain sink bowls may crack with extreme heat so you must take care to pour the water directly into the drain by using a jug or funnel to help you target the water correctly.
n
n
All D.I.Y. stores sell cup-shaped plungers and it is worth buying one to keep under the sink. They come in two styles: the traditional plunger and a handheld pump plunger. Both are easy to use and rely on you creating a tight seal around the edges of the suction pad to create a vacuum that will pull up the blockage once you start pumping the plunger. A good tip is to smear a little petroleum jelly around the edge of the suction pad to give a better seal.
nn
It is important to cover the drain completely with the suction cup. Using a fast pumping action for 30 seconds may be enough to clear the blockage, but you should expect to repeat the action a couple of more times to be sure you have removed all the debris.
nn
After using the plunger, flush the system with water to check it flows properly.
n
n
You don’t need to spend a fortune on drains clearance chemicals from the DIY store. You can find ingredients in your kitchen cupboard that will help you shift drain blockages that are not too bad. When you mix baking soda with an acid such as vinegar or lemon juice, it creates a chemical reaction that will dislodge some grime, grease, and other small debris, allowing you to flush them away through the drainage system. To use, you simply pour baking soda directly into the drain. Wait for a little while to allow it to be absorbed by the grime. Then pour into the drain an equal amount of vinegar or lemon juice. The mixture will begin to fizz and after about 20 minutes, you can pour boiling water into the drain to flush away the solution and any debris with it. If the blockage is stubborn, you can repeat the process.
n
n
Go to any DIY store or supermarket and you will find the best drain unblockers. Which to use will depend on what is blocking the drain, but if you have identified whether it is grease or soap scum, or other debris, you can find the right chemical easily. However, all these drain unblockers contain harsh chemicals that can burn your skin or cause an allergic reaction. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies or eczema, it’s best to avoid them altogether, but if you do decide to use them, wear protective gloves and goggles and avoid spilling any of the liquid or gel on your clothing.
n
n
Drain unblocking is dirty, smelly, and time-consuming work and there is always a risk of making the situation worse if you don’t know what you’re doing or causing a health issue for yourself. But if you live in Bath, you don’t have to attempt the work yourself.
nn
Pro Blocked Drains is a well-known company serving customers all over the UK and with an office in Bath. As drainage professionals, Pro Blocked Drains knows exactly how to find the problem and offers a guaranteed service that is second to none.
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
So, next time you have a blocked drain in Bath, call Pro Blocked Drains at any time of day or night on 0800 611 82 99.
n
n
Of course, you can minimize your risks of having a blocked drain or any other drainage problems by adding a drain survey into your regular house maintenance schedule.
nn
Using CCTV technology, a drain survey is conducted by professionals to inspect the entire drainage system and identify any areas of leaks, damage to pipework, or early signs of debris buildup. To book a CCTV drain survey in Bath, simply contact Pro Blocked Drains on 0800 611 82 99. Learn more information about Camera Drain Inspection in Bridport.