Blocked Drain DIY Information

The Causes

Let’s look at what causes drains to block in the first place:

• Tree Root Growth in Drains – It is one of the most common plumbing issues. The plant roots enter tiny, hairline cracks in an outdoor pipe, in search of water. They then start entering the fittings too. The minute they enter the pipes, they start feeding on the nutrients from the water and grow and form a net, which indirectly blocks the drain.
• Items Stuck inside Pipes – Items like baby wipes, toilet paper, hair, sanitary products, toilet deodorant holders, etc. can easily pass through these pipes. But they often tend to get stuck in the bends and junctions of the pipes, causing a blockage.
• Pipe Collapse – There are instances where the plumbing pipes get misaligned. Sometimes the pipes collapse entirely, due to external forces like pressure exerted from large tree roots or ground movement.
• Dysfunctional Toilet Cisterns – If the cistern isn’t working as it should, it means there will be a low water flow in the toilet.
• Incorrect Drainage System Installations – The drain has to have a slight slope for it to function well. If there is plateauing, the debris and food remnants can start to accumulate in that area. If there are too many bends and joints, those can pose a problem as well.

Warning Signs of a Drain Blockage

There are several reasons for blocked drains. However, there are numerous early warning signs. Knowing what these are can help you become aware of an impending drain block. Things to look out for include:

• You hear gurgling sounds, after flushing the toilet.
• The water level in sink, bath or drains flows out very slowly
• Sometimes, the water backs up in the toilet bowl or sinks
• Foul smells in the bathroom & other indoor areas