The car’s had a service, the boiler’s undergone its yearly inspection and you’ve insured your home for another year. So it’s as if ‘Life’ itself is taunting you when something goes wrong in your property. It’s almost like it’s saying: ‘hey, don’t get too cocky! Something else needs to be fixed now…’.
Life, eh?
But that’s exactly how it feels when you a clogged drain threatens to halts day-to-day living, doesn’t it? Like: ‘why me – and why now?!’
The fact is, there’s never a good time for your bathroom sink or kitchen drains to become blocked, is there?
The first thing we’d suggest is don’t panic, as it could be that the problem’s relatively easy to solve yourself – and without the need to hire a professional.
To help you, we’ve compiled a handy DIY guide to ensure you can tackle those clogged drain pipes – quickly and efficiently. This could just be the most informative article you read all day….
So, where do you start? And how do you maintain and keep the drains clean in and outside the home?
We’ll start in the bathroom, because let’s face it, we’ve all had to put up with a clogged shower drain/bathtub or sink at least once.
We’re not going to lie to you, unblocking a shower drain or bathtub isn’t a pleasant task – but the good news is it can be done! If you’ve tried household products like Mr Muscle shower unblocker and had no luck, never fear; we’ve got just the solution!
Here’s what to do:
Want to check if your handiwork has done the trick? Step out of the shower and switch it on; you’ll quickly be able to see if the shower’s filling up again or if the water’s slowly draining away.
Often, homeowners who are not so passionate about gardening tend to neglect the outside of their house in general. But as you might well know, doing so can be a recipe for disaster – or at the very least result in a poorly-kept yard or garden!
So, what do you do when a blocked drain threatens to spoil your summer barbecue plans?
If your drains are generally pretty clear, you should give yourself a pat on the back. Often, drains can get blocked so easily and quickly that you’re doing a good job if yours are clog-free.
It isn’t always advisable to use chemicals when it comes to unclogging the drains in your yard, as natural – or preventative – methods are usually the safest. Here’s what to do:
Don’t let your outside gutter get clogged up; just because you don’t often see it, that doesn’t mean it might not pose a problem later on. Here’s what to do:
Think about installing a guard in the future; this will minimise the time you spend unclogging gutters in the future – trust us, you’ll be glad of them!
Want to know how to clear a clogged drain pipe once and for all? Sometimes, the very best options are the DIY ones! So to help you on your quest for a clear drain, why not try this homemade drain cleaner:
Et voila! You should see an improvement almost immediately.
Is grease causing your drainage problems? Here’s what to do:
A great couple of methods for outdoor drains, these handy homemade remedies may just save you picking up the phone to a professional.
A blocked washing machine is the last thing you’ll want, but the great news is there’s an easy way you can go about unclogging it. Follow our handy guide if your washing machine is draining a lot slower than usual:
Is your toilet blocked again? We feel your pain! Here’s how to easily unclog it – and naturally!
If that didn’t work, think about trying an enzyme waste removal product; these will break down any blockages in the system, which will make clearing the toilet drain so much easier.
Have you tried everything to ensure your pipes drain properly, yet still they’re completely clogged? Now’s the time to get the professionals in! Attempting to carry out your own plumbing work after repeated tries is likely to damage your drainage system, which will ultimately cost you more money.
Save yourself time, hassle and much-needed funds by calling in the professionals – you know it’s the right thing to do!
Now there are few things you can do once your drains are beyond DIY assistance (other than ring a professional drain unblocking company), but there’s a great number of things you can try to prevent a blockage in the future. To help you, here are just some of them:
Grease ‘Isn’t’ the Word – The biggest culprit when it comes to blocking your drains, grease should be discarded of quickly – and in the right way. Don’t put it down your drains; instead, pop it in a container or carrier bag and put it straight into the bin. Placing it in the sink or toilet will stop your water from flowing properly and will result in a costly blockage.
If, however, you’ve already poured some down the sink by mistake, try this: add a small amount of concentrated dish washing soap into the drain and follow it with some boiling water. This will break up the build-up of grease and allow the water to flow down the drain more freely.
Say No to Soap and Scum Buildup – Okay, so it can be difficult to avoid using soap in the shower! That said, there’s plenty of ways you can minimise its impact on the drain itself and the first is simply to catch any blobs of soap before they disappear down the plughole. Keep an eye on shampoos, shaving creams and soaps and try to pick up and discard any bits that seem to clumpy to safely make it down the drain.
Catch Hair Before it Disappears Down the Drain – Just as you would keep an eye on the buildup of soap and other toiletries, you must do the same with your hair. Loose strands can find their way down your drains – along with other bits and pieces you won’t want clogging up the shower – and easily cause a problem later on.
We’re sure you have a first aid kit close by when it comes to sorting out your family’s ailments, but what about a first aid kit for your home? Here are some ideas of things you’ll have lying around the house that you can easily add to a box in case of a drain emergency.
Rubber Gloves – It’s a dirty job unblocking a drain; keep your hands protected with some marigolds.
Caustic Soda – An old wives’ favourite, caustic soda (also known as sodium hydroxide) can be purchased at your local hardware store. However, do be careful using it; it can cause chemical burns if used incorrectly.
Caustic soda can be added to a mop bucket with cold water, before stirring with a wooden spoon. This will heat up and begin to fizz – and then it can simply be added to a drain and left for up to half an hour.
Vinegar – Another key ingredient for your drain unblocking kit, vinegar will prove helpful when a clogged shower or toilet or wreaks havoc on your home.
Baking Soda – Again, baking soda is an absolute God-send when it comes to blocking your drains. Make sure you have it in abundance, just in case.
A Lemon or Two – Want to disguise a nasty smell coming from your drains? A squirt or two of a lemon should do it!
Need help with clogged drain cleaning in Central London, London or the Home Counties? Speak to one of our team today on: 07563 571200 / 01727 875975 or email: info@londondrainageservices.com.
