How To Clear A Blocked Drain (and When To Call a Plumber)

A blocked drain is one of the most common plumbing problems in South Africa. It can happen at any time, so it pays to be prepared with the right equipment. Left untreated, a blocked drain can cause water to leak from your drains, which can be expensive. If a severe blockage causes burst pipes, you’ll need even more costly repairs. Here’s a look at some options for clearing a blocked drain, and when you should call a plumber.

DIY ways to clear a blocked drain

If your drain is blocked, don’t panic! There are a few simple DIY ways that you can try to clear the blockage and get your drain flowing freely again.

Firstly, try pouring a pot of boiling water down your drain to loosen or dissolve the blockage. If it is a metal or ceramic pipe, the heat from the water is usually sufficient to break the clog. However, this method isn’t recommended for PVC pipes as it will heat up joints and stress them, risking leakage or busting in pieces. Otherwise, hot tap water should be good for grease or food build-ups, but it’s not likely to work for solid blockages.

If hot water doesn’t help, try using a plunger. Just place the plunger over the drain hole and push and pull the plunger up and down. This can sometimes dislodge the blockage and allow the water to start flowing again.

Then you could try using a Drain Snake. This is a long, flexible piece of metal that you insert into the drain hole. You then twist it around until you feel it catch on something – this is usually the blockage. Once you’ve found the blockage, you can either pull it out or break it up so that it can wash away easily.

Finally, if none of these methods work, then you may need to use some chemicals. You can purchase chemical drain cleaners at your local hardware store or supermarket. They will dissolve hair, grease and other common blockages. They should be used sparingly, as they are harmful to the environment. It’s important to always protect your hands and face when using these chemicals and flush your pipes with water afterwards to get rid of the chemicals. Chemical cleaners won’t work on solid mass like tree roots or small household items, you may need to call a plumber to remove these.

The four types of drains

There are four main types of drains: the P-trap, the S-trap, the I-trap, and the U-bend. Each one has its own unique design and function.

1. The P-trap is the most common type of drain. It is designed to trap water in the bowl to prevent sewer gases from entering the home.
2. The S-trap is another common type of drain. It works by trapping water in a small chamber between the bowl and the drainpipe. This prevents sewage gases from entering the home.
3. The I-trap is less common than the other types of drains. It is designed to trap water in a large chamber between the bowl and the drainpipe. This prevents sewage gases from entering the home. 
4. The U-bend is the least common type of drain. It is designed to trap water in a small chamber between the bowl and the drainpipe. This prevents sewage gases from entering the home.

What causes a blocked drain?

There are many things that can cause a drain to become blocked. Some of the most common culprits are hair, grease, soap scum, and food waste. These items can build up over time and eventually cause a blockage. Another common cause of blocked drains is tree roots. If there is a crack or hole in your drain pipe, tree roots can enter and block the flow of water.

Why you should never pour cooking oil down the drain

Pouring cooking oil down the drain is one of the worst things you can do for your plumbing. The oil will congeal and solidify, eventually causing a blockage that can be difficult and expensive to repair. Not to mention, it can be a huge mess. If you have cooking oil to dispose of, pour it into a container and dispose of it in the trash.

When should you call a plumber to clear your blocked drain?

If your drain is completely blocked and water won’t drain at all, you should call a plumber. If you have a partial blockage and water is draining slowly, you can try some of the DIY methods above to see if you can clear it yourself.

Finally, call a professional plumber as soon as possible.  They will assess the situation and let you know what needs to be done to fix the problem. In some cases, they may even be able to come out immediately to do repairs. 

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But wait, there’s more! Here’s what you need to know about getting a plumber to install a gas geyser at your home. Then take a look at these 10 apps and gadgets to get you through load shedding.