Blocked drain pipes are a common issue in households and commercial properties alike. While some blockages can be easily resolved with DIY methods, others may indicate a more serious issue that requires immediate attention from a professional plumber.
In this blog, we'll explore the signs of a blocked drain pipe, temporary DIY solutions, and when to call an emergency plumber for assistance.
Signs of a Blocked Drain Pipe
There are a few tell-tale signs that you should be aware of to keep your water flowing freely through your pipes. If you notice any of the following signs it is clear that there is an issue with your drain pipes:
- Slow Drainage: If water is draining slowly from sinks, showers, or toilets, it could indicate a partial blockage in the drain pipe. A buildup of debris, grease, or foreign objects in the pipe can cause this.
- Gurgling Noises: Unusual gurgling or bubbling noises coming from drains when water is running may indicate trapped air in the pipes due to a blockage. This can occur when air is unable to escape through the blocked drain pipe.
- Foul Odours: Persistent foul odours emanating from drains, especially in the kitchen or bathroom, can indicate a blockage that is causing sewage backup. This can pose health risks and should be addressed promptly.
- Water Backup: If water starts to back up in sinks, showers, or toilets, it suggests a severe blockage in the main sewer line. This can lead to flooding and water damage if not resolved quickly.
Temporary DIY Solutions
If you notice any of the above signs, you can act fast with DIY tricks to try and unblock your drain pipes before the issue becomes a serious plumbing problem or to manage the issue while waiting for the plumbers to arrive. Some simple DIY solutions you can try include:
- Plunger: A plunger can be used to try and dislodge minor blockages in a sink or toilet drain. Ensure there is enough water in the fixture to cover the plunger head and apply firm pressure with a pumping motion to create suction.
Assessing the Severity of the Blockage
Not all blocked drains are emergencies, but some situations warrant prompt action to prevent further damage. Here's how to assess the severity of a blocked drain:
- Location: A single blocked sink or shower drain may not necessarily be an emergency, but if multiple fixtures are affected simultaneously, it could indicate a more significant issue.
- Duration: If attempts to clear a blockage with DIY methods prove ineffective after several hours, it's time to consider calling an emergency plumber.
- Presence of Wastewater: Any signs of wastewater backing up into sinks, tubs, or toilets pose a health hazard and require immediate attention.
- Structural Damage: If a blocked drain causes structural damage to your property, such as flooding or water leaks, it's crucial to address the issue promptly.
When to Call an Emergency Plumber
While temporary DIY solutions can provide relief for minor blockages, there are situations where calling an emergency plumber is necessary. The above situations warrant calling a blocked drain plumber, however, there are a few other situations where you should call an emergency plumber ASAP:
- Multiple Blocked Fixtures: If multiple fixtures in your home are experiencing blockages simultaneously, it may indicate a blockage in the main sewer line. This requires immediate attention to prevent sewage backup and water damage.
- Sewage Backup: If sewage is backing up into sinks, showers, or toilets, it poses serious health risks and requires immediate professional assistance.
- Flooding: Flooding caused by a blocked drain or sewer line can result in extensive water damage to your property. An emergency plumber can quickly identify and resolve the issue to prevent further damage.
Manage Blocked Drain Pipes on Your Property
A blocked drain pipe can range from a minor inconvenience to a major emergency depending on the severity of the blockage and underlying issues. While temporary DIY solutions can provide temporary relief for minor blockages, it's essential to recognise when professional assistance is needed.
If you experience signs of a severe blockage or plumbing emergency, don't hesitate to call our experienced emergency plumbers at Essendon Plumbing Services to address the issue promptly and prevent further damage to your property.