Blocked drains can be a real headache for homeowners in Adelaide. They can cause bad smells, slow water flow, and even water damage if not fixed quickly. But the good news is that you can stop most blockages before they happen, and even if you do get a blocked drain, help is always available. Let’s have a look at how you can prevent blocked drains and what to do if you find yourself with one.

What Causes Blocked Drains?

Blocked drains can happen for lots of reasons. Some of the most common ones include:

• Hair: Hair easily gets stuck in bathroom drains and can build up over time.
• Grease and food scraps: Pouring oil or food down the kitchen sink can cause thick clogs.
• Toilet paper and wipes: Too much toilet paper or using wipes (even “flushable” ones) can block toilets.
• Tree roots: Roots can grow into underground pipes and block the water flow.
• Small objects: Sometimes, small toys, soap bits, or rubbish fall into drains and cause problems.

Understanding what causes blocked drains is the first step to stopping them.

Simple Ways to Prevent Blocked Drains

Now, let’s have a look at some easy things you can do to keep your drains running smoothly:

1. Use Drain Strainers

Put strainers over your kitchen and bathroom drains. These little covers catch hair, food, and other bits before they go down the drain. Just remember to clean them often.

2. Don’t Pour Grease Down the Sink

Oil, butter, and cooking fats harden when they cool. Instead of pouring them down the drain, let them cool and throw them in the bin.

3. Be Careful What You Flush

Only flush toilet paper. Don’t flush wipes, cotton balls, tissues, or sanitary products. These don’t break down properly and can easily cause a clog.

4. Keep Trees Away from Pipes

If you’re planting trees or bushes in your garden, keep them away from pipes. Tree roots love finding water in drains and can sneak in through small cracks.

5. Regular Cleaning

Clean your drains every week. You can pour hot water down the sink or use a natural mix of vinegar and baking soda to break down small build-ups.

What to Do If You Get a Blocked Drain

Sometimes, even with your best efforts, a drain might still get blocked. Here’s what to do if that happens:

1. Try Hot Water First

If your sink or shower is draining slowly, try pouring hot water down the drain. This can melt and wash away soap scum and grease.

2. Use a Plunger

A plunger can work wonders for simple clogs in sinks, toilets, or showers. Place it over the drain and give it a few strong pumps.

3. Use a Drain Snake

If you have one, a drain snake can help pull out hair or other debris from the pipe. Be careful not to damage the drain while doing this.

4. Call a Professional

If nothing works, or if the water is overflowing, it’s time to call a plumber. Trying to fix a serious blockage yourself might make things worse.

For expert help, your expert local company that offers blocked drains services in Adelaide. They have the tools and experience to fix the problem quickly and properly.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Fix a Blocked Drain

A blocked drain might seem like a small problem, but it can lead to bigger issues if ignored. Here’s why you should act fast:

• Bad smells: A blocked drain can smell awful and make your whole house stink.
• Water damage: Water can back up and overflow, damaging your floors, walls, or furniture.
• Health risks: Standing water can attract bugs and grow mould.
• Bigger bills: Waiting too long might mean more costly repairs later.

Getting help early is always the best move.

When to Call a Plumber

You should call a plumber if:

• The water isn’t draining at all.
• You hear strange gurgling sounds from the pipes.
• You smell something bad coming from the drain.
• You’ve tried a plunger, but nothing worked.
• Water is backing up into the sink, tub, or toilet.

A licensed plumber will use tools like CCTV cameras and hydro jets to find and clear the blockage without digging up your yard.

Final Thoughts

Blocked drains are common, but they don’t have to be a disaster. With a few simple habits, you can keep your drains clear and avoid problems. But if a blockage does happen, don’t stress. Help is just a phone call away.

Distinct Plumbing offers reliable and friendly service across Adelaide. Their team is always ready to help you with any plumbing issue, big or small. So if you are dealing with a tough blockage, don’t wait, reach out to the experts and get it sorted today.