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Your kitchen drain takes a lot of punishment. From food being left in plates and thrown into the sink to harsh chemicals and sticky messes. Unless there is a problem, it isn’t something you think about. This changes quickly once the drain becomes clogged.
In this article, we will look at some of the warning signs that your drain may be blocked and how to tackle them. If you need an expert plumber to fix your blocked drains Melbourne has a wide range of plumbers to choose from.
Noticing the warning signs can save you money, so you can repair the problem before it turns into a disaster.
No drain smells like flowers, but a sure way to tell if there is a problem is to take a whiff. Any foul smell is caused by food particles or bacteria that are stuck in the pipes. When it gets wet, the food starts to decompose and lets off bad odors.
If you let the water run, the smell usually intensifies. This is a clear indicator that the drain needs to be cleaned.
The Water Struggles to Drain Away
When removing the plug, the water should drain away quickly. If you notice it slowing down over time, this could signify a blockage.
If the water struggles to go down at all, it’s time to check the pipes.
To find out if it’s a drain problem, examine your toilet and other sinks in the house. If they all have the same issue, it might be time to call experts to take a look and diagnose the problem.
Gurgling Sounds are Signs of a Clogged Drain
When you turn on the tap, does it make a strange noise? When you flush the toilet, does it emit a peculiar gurgling noise? That can be an indication that your drain is blocked. The noise is caused by air that is trapped in the pipes.
As the water runs, the air is pushed through the pipes creating loud gurgling sounds. This sound usually is one of the first indications that there is a problem with your drain.
What to Do
Before phoning for professional help, get the plunger. Chances are there is a blockage in the pipes. If you can find it, it could be easy to repair.
The easiest way to treat the problem is to fill the plunger with water. This makes it stronger and allows you to use extra force while plunging.
Plunge by pressing and pulling vigorously for at least 30 seconds. Repeat this process at least three or four times. Watch the water.
If it starts to drain away slowly, continue the plunging process. If you don’t notice any difference, pour a small amount of baking soda directly down the plughole.
If the problem is outside, the process becomes trickier.
Before starting, it’s important to protect yourself by wearing protective clothing, gloves, and closed shoes. Drain water can contain all sorts of harmful impurities and can make you sick if it gets in your mouth or nose.
Next, fetch a set of drain rods then follow these steps:
Carefully remove the drain cover. You can do this by using a screwdriver or threading a piece of rope through the handles.
If the drain chamber is filled with water, it means it’s blocked. If it’s empty, the blockage is somewhere else. Keep looking until you find the problem.
Once you have located the blockage, use the drain rod to push it through the pipes. Rotate the drain rod in a clockwise direction. This should help break up the particles and remove the blockage.
Continue this process until the water starts to drain away.
Once you think the problems have been resolved. Run some water and see if it goes down the drain quickly.
When to Call the Experts
Sometimes the problem isn’t easy to fix because the blockage is too severe. Or the drain is so blocked that no amount of plunging does anything to help the situation. If this is the case, it’s time to call the experts.
Blockages such as tree roots, debris, and products that shouldn’t be flushed will need to be removed by a professional plumber.
Final Thoughts
If you notice any of the warning signs of a blocked drain, it’s important to try to fix the problem as quickly as possible. The longer you ignore it, the worse it will get, and you may be required to call a plumber to help.
If you inspect your drain regularly, you should be able to clear minor blockages yourself.
Remember not to use any harsh drain cleaners as these damage the pipes and can be a safety hazard should a plumber be called in. The strongest chemical that belongs in your drain is vinegar.
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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This is the worst! Thank you for sharing these very helpful tips!
Having plumbing problems is never fun!