Blocked Drains Grafton

A blocked drain is a common plumbing issue where the normal flow of water through a pipe or drainage system is obstructed or restricted. The consequences of this can cause significant disruption to your home life, so it’s vital to identify problems when they occur. 

Gillespie Plumbing offers a range of services to identify and resolve problems to get your water running freely again.

• Debris build-up: A common cause of blockage is build-up of debris, such as hair, paper towels, wipes, sanitary products and other bulky items. This can occur anywhere, including sinks, toilets, showers and bathtubs, so be aware of what you’re flushing or washing down drains throughout your home. Bends in the drainage pipes can also be the cause of collected debris, resulting in blockages. 
• Fats, grease & oil: When fats, grease and oil are poured down the drain, they can solidify in the pipes and cause obstructions. Avoid pouring these substances down the drain and instead dispose of them in a sealed container. Using a grease-cutting cleaner on a regular basis can also help to break down any build-up that may have occurred.
• Food scraps: Food scraps are another common culprit; this can be easily prevented by properly discarding leftovers using a garbage disposal, rubbish bin or compost system. 
• Tree roots: Tree roots are attracted to the moisture and nutrients found in pipes and can infiltrate the drainage system through small openings or cracks. As tree roots grow, they expand and widen these holes which can lead to serious blockage. Roots can also wrap around pipes, causing them to crack or break. 
• Corrosion: Pipe corrosion can cause significant damage including leaks, blockages and even complete failure of the system. 

• Use strainers in sinks and showers to prevent hair and other debris from entering pipes.
• Avoid flushing non-degradable items, as they can cause blockages.
• When cooking, try to limit the amount of grease and oil that goes down the kitchen sink. Instead, wipe down pots and pans with a paper towel to remove excess grease before washing them.
• Regular inspections of your pipes can help to identify potential problems before they become serious. 
• Combat corrosion by monitoring water pH levels, using corrosion inhibitors and properly cleaning the drainage system

Common signs of a blocked drain include:

• Slow draining water
• Water backing up
• Unpleasant odours
• Gurgling sounds
• Flooding

There are a few steps you can take to try and clear a blocked drain yourself… 

• Boiling water: Boiling water can help to clear small blockages in pipes. Simply pour a pot of boiling water down the affected drain.Baking soda and vinegar: Mixing baking soda and vinegar can create a chemical reaction that can help to break up blockages in pipes. Mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar in a bowl, then pour the mixture down the affected drain. Let it sit for several minutes before rinsing with hot water.Plunger: A plunger can be used to try and clear blockages in sinks and toilets. Place the plunger over the affected drain and pump it up and down several times to create suction to dislodge the blockage.Plumbing snake: This tool is a long, flexible rod that can be inserted into pipes to remove blockages. If you don’t have a plumbing snake, they can be purchased at most hardware stores.

However, if the situation is severe, it may be best to call our team for assistance on 02 6643 1733. 

Gillespie Plumbing provides a range of services, including commercial and residential plumbing, hot water systems, gas fitting, drainage installations and repairs, roofing and bathroom and kitchen renovations.