Here are signs to look out for and easy ways to deal with the problem.
Cause of blockages
Most drain blockages come from what has gone down them, and are preventable. In the kitchen the biggest culprits are fats, oil and scraps of food that solidify and block up pipes. In the bathroom, wet wipes and sanitary products should never be flushed – even so called “flushable” items can cause blocked drains.
Signs of a blockage
The signs can be quite subtle: your sink might empty more slowly than usual, the water level in your toilet might noticeably rise and fall or it might make strange gurgling sounds from trapped pockets of air. A blockage can also be quite dramatic: a toilet backing up, overflowing and flooding, pungent smells or no drainage at all. Overflowing water from toilets, sinks or baths can lead to significant damage and considerable repair expenses if not addressed quickly.
Unblocking!
Some quick and effective methods include using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or using an old-fashioned plunger – making sure there is enough water in the sink to completely cover the plunger’s rubber cup and create a tight seal before you plunge vigorously. A chemical drain unblocker would be your next port of call for more stubborn problems although it is advisable to read the label very carefully and wear protective gloves, clothing and glasses. Chemicals in unblockers could cause serious problems if they come in contact with your skin or eyes.
If these suggestions fail, a spot of DIY plumbing on your sink’s U-bend may be required. Place a bowl or bucket under the U-bend to catch whatever is in the pipes, wear protective gloves and have towels and cloths ready for spillages. Locate the trap directly below the sink and carefully unscrew the connectors on either side of the trap. Empty the trap, clean out the pipes using a small brush and clean, warm soapy water. Reattach carefully and tighten sufficiently to make sure there are no leaks.
If the blockage is in your toilet and chemical unblockers do not work then this is probably a job for a professional, who should be called as quickly as possible. But, most blockages are completely avoidable by being careful about what goes down your drains in the first place!
