If you've been immersing yourself into the depths of the DIY project world, as we usually do, I bet you've encountered a few drain blockages in your home that have left you pondering, "What next?". Suddenly the romantic allure of homeownership turns into a real-world game of Cluedo – an unexplained water puddle seeping ominously, a ghastly Odor wafting through. It's a mess, but a common one.
So, how do we tackle this nuisance with the flare of a DIY aficionado, while also ensuring safety and effectiveness? This blog post will serve as your handy guide to deciphering the enigma of blocked drains, providing practical advice from understanding why blockages happen to share some foolproof, DIY-friendly methods to tackle them head-on. Let's put our DIY caps on, shall we?
Why Do Drains Get Blocked?
To solve our Sherlock-Holmes-sequel mystery, we must first get to the root of the problem. Why do drains get blocked? The three culprits are often innocuous household items: hair, soap, or food waste. Hair falls out naturally while showering, and mixes with sticky soap residue, forming formidable clumps difficult for water to pass through.
Similarly, in the kitchen, food waste and fat substances coalesce to form greasy plugs, blocking the drain. The consequences range from simply annoying to damaging as stagnant water can lead to pipe corrosion.
Spotting the Signs of Blocked Drains
The next question that arises is - how do you know for sure if your drain is blocked? Here are a few tell-tale signs.
A blocked drains often leads to slow water clearance; multiplication of drain flies—a sure-fire sign of stagnant water; weird gurgling sounds coming from the drain due to trapped air; and the worst-case scenario - water returning up from the drain, revealing the ugly truth. By staying mindful of these signs, you can nip the problem in the bud.
Tools and Materials Needed for De-Blocking
Before we dive into the 'how,' let’s discuss the 'what,' as in what tools and equipment we need. A good, strong plunger is the first line of defence, followed by handy plumber's snakes or hand augers that can break down tough clogs.
Specialized drain cleaning tools such as a Zip-It Bath and Sink hair snare come to the rescue for hair-clogged sinks. Alongside these, protective gloves, an old towel, and a bucket would always be beneficial to have on standby.
DIY De-Blocking: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve prepared ourselves, let’s dive into the steps of unblocking your drains safely and effectively. Firstly, try the old faithful plunger. Block the overflow outlet and apply strong, sharp plunges.
If this doesn’t work, switch to a plumber's snake or a hand auger. If you feel resistance, you’ve likely reached the clog. Turn the snake and slowly retrieve it, hopefully along with the blockage.
Professional Help: When DIY Isn’t Enough
It's important to know when to put the DIY champion ego aside and call in the pros. If you’ve ventured through all the aforementioned steps and still face persistent blockages or any sewage backup, it’s a sign that the problem is more serious and needs professional attention.
Safety Measures and Precautions
No DIY project is worthwhile without taking the appropriate safety measures. Always wear protective gloves, avoid over-exerting yourself while using tools, and bear in mind that whilst chemicals can be effective, they can also be damaging and dangerous, so their use should be the last resort.
Conclusion:
Dealing with blocked drains isn’t the most glamorous DIY project, nevertheless, it is a necessary skill for homeowners. Understanding why drains clog up, spotting the signs early, having the right tools, following step-by-step guidelines, knowing when to call in professionals, and, most importantly, observing safety norms seem to be the golden rules in this journey from blocked to clear drains.
Who knew unblocking a drain could be wrapped up in a blog? But then, that’s the whole charm of the DIY world - opening up new channels of self-reliance, problem-solving, and a sense of accomplishment. Until the next hiccup, DIY warriors!
Comments