Unblocking Household Drains - The Guide

The drainage system in our homes is vital - even if it goes largely ignored most of the time. It allows wastewater to make itself away from the house, diverts rainwater from the roof of our house and reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Therefore, our household drains deserve and need to be looked after to ensure they’re working at their best. Having a blocked drain is something that every homeowner will experience at some point. Whether it’s a large-scale block that requires professionals or a mound of hair in the drain that needs to be removed, you’ll have to deal with it eventually. This is why we’ve pulled together this guide to unblocking household drains.

Main Reasons Why Household Drains Get Blocked

We are more dependent on our household drains than most people realise. Every single day, whether we’re pouring a glass of water, washing our faces or jumping in the shower, the drainage system of our property is working. And, the number of avenues into our central drains is vast, even in the smallest of properties. Therefore, the chance of them getting blocked in some capacity is relatively high.

Some of the most common reasons why our household drains get blocked include:

• Flushing heavy material or objects such as wipes, sanitary products for excessive paper towels.
• Pouring grease or fats down the drains after cooking.
• A build-up of hair over time.
• External leaves, foliage and other debris falling into your drains.
• Pests, including rodents and birds.

In most instances, blocked drains are the result of human intervention - our daily actions cause the drains to not work properly. Thankfully, there are many ways we can both prevent and deal with this occurrence when it does happen.

Preventative Measures

The best way to reduce damage or issues with your drains is to implement several preventative measures. These will allow wastewater to flow down the designated pipes but ensure that potential blocks are disposed of in a more appropriate way.

Preventative measures to consider include:

• Install a Sink Strainer: Having a pre-fitted sink strainer installed in your bathroom and kitchen will help to catch solids before they move down the pipes. Most types have a removable mesh plate that can be used to cup these solids while you move them to the bin.
• Bin Grease and Fats - While oils and fats are in their liquid state after cooking, they will congeal and solidify as they cool. If this happens down your drains, it will likely cause a blockage as they set into the inner walls of your pipes. Not only are these difficult to remove, but they also prevent other solids from making their way through the pipes, eventually building into a much more significant problem. Allow cooking oils to solidify and dispose of them in your bins.
• Limit Toilet Roll Usage - Toilet roll is designed to degrade once it is flushed. However, remember that your pipework is only so wide. Too much toilet roll can bundle together and cause a non-degradable mass. Avoid flushing other tissue-based products down the sink such as makeup wipes or baby wipes. They do not biodegrade and can cause more significant problems for the entire drainage system in your area. And, be cautious of wipes that claim they are suitable for flushing - some of these won’t entirely break down and may still be hazardous.
• Remove Overhanging Trees and Foliage - If your drains are overlooked by trees or large bushes, consider cutting these back during the late summer. As the leaves begin to fall, they can pile up in your drain work and lead to further issues down the line. You can do this with a pair of Bypass Garden Secateurs that make it easy to cut through thicker stems and are designed for comfort during use too.

How to Unblock Your Household Drains?

If you’re dealing with a blockage right now, there are a number of ways to easily unblock your household drains today.

• Use a Specialist Plunger - Consider investing in the Silverline MS138 Waste Pipe Plunger which forms a high-pressure blast of water that forces its way into the waste pipe to help remove stubborn blockages. Suitable for use on baths, sinks and in shower wastes, it is small and compact for waste storage and can be used by anyone.
• Try a Toilet Auger Unblocker - If the blockage is further down into your paperwork, you may want to consider something like the Drill-Powered Toilet Unblocker Cleaner. With up to 7 meters in length, it can be attached to electric or air-powered drills to help nudge out stubborn blockages from a distance.
• Use a Chemical Drain Unblocker - For a less manual approach, consider something like the Duzzit Indoor Drain Cleaner and Deodoriser. Able to unblock drains in only 15 minutes, it can be flushed through with hot water and used weekly for heavily used pipework.

When to Call in the Professionals?

While many drains can be unblocked easily without much experience, there are times where it may be best to call in professionals. If you regularly notice foul smells emitting from your drains or have water overflowing into the house, speaking to a plumber is the best way to get the route of the issue quickly.

At Sealant & Tools Direct, we have an experienced and professional team who are here to ensure you get the most out of your home. If you cannot find the drain unblocking solution you’re looking for, have a question or simply need some advice, please do get in contact with us here today.