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.
The first time you know you have a blocked drain maybe when you come home to a musty smell in the house and the toilet not flushing the waste away. If you’re lucky, you may be able to see the cause of the drain blockage straight away, but more often than not you need professional help to discover the root of the problem and the exact location.
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Drains clearance takes time and patience and a measure of luck if you plan on attempting it yourself. And many householders simply don’t have the time to spare or the right tools or knowledge to achieve effective drain unblocking in Lyme Regis. So in this article, we will give you some tips on how to unblock your drain and tell you where to get professional help if you should need it.
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On discovering you have a drain blockage, the first step you should take is to make sure the taps are switched off and your family knows not to use the toilet, sinks, or shower until you have repaired the problem.
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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.
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If you can see the obstruction clearly, you can try to remove the debris using your hands or a hook made from a bent wire coat hanger. Once you have cleared the drain, flush water through the system to check the flow is restored. It is always advisable to wear heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands from dirt (especially if the blockage is in the toilet system).
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Boiling water is effective for 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 on a regular basis to help prevent blockages occurring.
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However, care should be taken when using boiling water, not only to prevent the risk of scalding but also to prevent damaging your system: if you have PVC pipes, boiling water should never be used as it may loosen the joints in the pipework and create 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.
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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.
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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.
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After using the plunger, flush the system with water to check it flows properly.
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Mixing baking soda with an acid such as vinegar or lemon juice will create a chemical reaction that may be active enough to dislodge grime, grease, and other small debris, allowing you to flush them away through the drainage system. It’s easy to use. First pour baking soda directly into the drain.
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Wait for a 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, the mixture will have completed its work, and you can pour boiling water into the drain to flush away the solution, any grime it’s dislodged, and allow the water to flow smoothly. If the blockage is stubborn, you can repeat the process.
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Often when too much tissue is flushed down a toilet, a blockage can occur some distance down the pipe and be difficult to reach. In these circumstances, using a drain snake will allow you to reach the blockage and bring it closer so you can remove it.
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Available from D.I.Y. centers and plumbing stores, they are simple to operate either by hand twisting or attaching to a drill. You will need to remove the sewer cover to access the problem area and you should take care to wear protective gloves and a facemask as raw sewage has bacteria that could make you ill. We recommend you also wear safety goggles to prevent any splashing of blackwater in your eyes.
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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, but if you live in Lyme Regis, you don’t have to attempt the work yourself.
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Pro Blocked Drains is a well-known company serving customers all over the UK and with an office in Lyme Regis As drainage professionals, Pro Blocked Drains knows exactly how to find the problem and offers a guaranteed service that is second to none.
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So, next time you have a blocked drain in Lyme Regis call Pro Blocked Drains at any time of day or night on 0800 611 82 99.
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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.
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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 simply contact Pro Blocked Drains on 0800 611 82 99.