Sydney blocked drains – 5 smart tips your need

The best way to deal with blocked drains is to use prevention rather than a cure. However, forgetfulness and children who love to experiment can foil the best-laid plans, and things which are never meant to see the inside of a pipe can sometimes make their way down into the depths and screw up the plumbing.

It’s crucial that you take care of a blocked drain in your Sydney home as soon as possible, as small blockages can eventually lead to big stinky problems such as flooding and leaking pipes, stagnant water with a musty smell, and the odour of decaying food trapped in a moist confined space.

Here are a few tips which should help you reduce the likelihood of dealing with a blocked drain, and strategies for dealing with one when it happens.

1. Use a strainer

Modern sinks often have strainers built into the drain, but if yours doesn’t, you should make sure you have one by the sink, ready to go in before you pull the plug.

Large particles of food can lodge in your pipes, and as more particles try to get through, the pile of refuse grows larger and larger until it finally causes a blockage. It will also start to smell quite bad.

2. Never do this

Avoid tipping oil and grease down the drain. Grease will solidify into a solid stinky mess once it cools down, and it will eventually trap everything else down there with it. If you notice that your bathroom, shower, or kitchen sink are taking longer and longer to drain, then it’s a sure sign you have a problem build-up lurking down below.

Clean out your pans with a paper towel to soak up the excess. You can also discard your oil into the compost heap or bin if you only have small amounts and it is a vegetable-based oil. Don’t add too much though, as it will slow down the composting process.

3. Boiling water

Boiling water can be effective at removing a build-up of grease because the heat melts the grease into a liquid form so that it can get away. Take it slow to start and give it time to work in between pourings. A mixture of ½ cup of bicarb, ½ a cup of salt, and 1 cup of vinegar will also help to break down the grease.

Bear in mind; this solution will only work on relatively small blockages. You will need to revert to more drastic measures if your drain is completely blocked – in which case, skip to tip number 5.

4. Take to the drain with a plunger

Every Sydney home should have a plunger, as they are an invaluable tool when dealing with minor drainage issues. The force of the suction pulling the water back and forth can sometimes dislodge the offending material and send it on its way. If the plunger doesn’t work, the next tip should come in handy.

5. Have a Sydney plumber on speed-dial

Occasionally, despite your best efforts, the water in your sink will refuse to budge no matter what you throw at it or in it. In these instances, your best bet is to call your local plumber. If you haven’t yet found the best plumber operating in your area, then TradebustersConnect.com.au should be your next stop.

Don’t wait until an emergency to find a plumber. It’s a lot less stressful if you already know who you are going to call in an emergency. Visit Tradebusters Connect today to find a plumber you know you can trust.