Overflowing Drains: Understanding the Issue and Taking Preventive Measures
Are you facing the frustrating problem of an overflowing drain? If you find yourself dealing with this issue, understanding the causes and taking preventive measures can save you from potential costly repairs. Illawarra Plumbing & Drainer has your back with expert insights on how to overcome overflowing drains.
What Causes An Overflowing Drain?
Overflowing drains can be caused by various factors. Identifying the root cause is the first step towards finding a solution:
Foreign Objects: Both outdoor and indoor drains can suffer from blockages due to foreign objects. Leaves, dirt, and debris can accumulate in outdoor drains. While indoor drains may get clogged from items like sanitary products, toilet paper towels, and other non-flushable materials. These blockages hinder proper water flow, leading to overflowing sinks or toilets.
Grease Buildup: In kitchen drains, grease and oil can accumulate on the pipe walls, trapping other substances like food particles and hair. Over time, this buildup can create bad blockages, causing water to back up and overflow.
Old or Damaged Pipes: Ageing drain pipes are susceptible to wear and tear, leading to cracks, leaks, or collapse. Rust and corrosion are also common issues. Which can obstruct the flow of water and cause drains to overflow.
Taking Preventive Measures to Avoid An Overflowing Drain
Preventing overflowing drains is important to maintain a properly functioning plumbing system. Here are some good preventive measures you can take:
Mindful Disposal: Be cautious about what goes down your drains. Avoid flushing items like baby wipes, cotton balls, and other non-biodegradable materials down the toilet. In the kitchen, scrape food scraps into the trash and use a strainer to catch any remaining debris before washing dishes.
Grease Disposal: Properly dispose of grease and cooking oil. Avoid pouring them down the sink, as they can solidify and clog the pipes. Instead, let grease cool down in a container and then dispose of it in the trash.
Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance with professional plumbing services like Illawarra Plumbing & Drainer. Regular inspections can catch potential issues early, allowing for timely repairs and preventing severe blockages.
Outdoor Drain Care: Keep outdoor drains clear of leaves, branches, and debris. Regularly sweep your yard and maintain compost heaps away from the drainage system to prevent blockages.
Immediate Solutions for Overflowing Drain
If you encounter an overflowing drain despite taking preventive measures, here are some immediate steps you can take:
DIY Drain Snake: Try using a drain snake (or drain auger) to physically remove blockages lodged inside the pipe. Carefully insert the drain snake into the drain and manipulate it to dislodge the obstruction.
Chemical Drain Cleaners: For minor blockages, you can use store-bought chemical drain cleaners. Follow the instructions carefully and use them sparingly to avoid damaging your plumbing.
Professional Assistance: When dealing with persistent or severe blockages, it’s best to seek help from experienced plumbing professionals. Illawarra Plumbing & Drainer offers fast plumbing services to take care of even the most challenging drain issues.
Don’t let overflowing drains mess up your daily life or cause extensive damage. Stay proactive, follow these preventive measures, and remember to reach out to our expert team whenever you need assistance with your plumbing needs.
Illawarra Plumbing & Drainer will make sure your home’s drainage system remains free-flowing. Keep your drains in working condition!
If you are experiencing an overflowing or blocked drain in Illawarra or rest of South Eastern suburbs of NSW, call us today!