We’ve all had the unpleasant experience of standing in the shower and seeing the soapy water accumulating around our feet rather than draining away. Showers can stop draining for a variety of reasons, ranging from easy fixes like hair clogs to more serious issues that need a plumber’s expert attention.
At Zebra Plumbing, our professional blocked drain plumbers can make short work of even the worst blocked drain. However, there are some situations where you can take care of the issue yourself. In this article, we breakdown what might be causing your blockage and what measures you can take to remedy it.
What might be causing the problem?
One of the main culprits of a blocked drain in Melbourne is hair. Every time you wash your hair, some hairs end up collecting in the drain. Most of these will wash away but, over time, the hair can form a solid mass in the drain pipe and impede the flow of water.
Other blockage-causing culprits include an accretion of soap scum, dirt, grime, body oils or a buildup of minerals found in your water supply. More serious issues include pipe damage, which can be caused by tree roots or wear and tear over time. Problems with the wider sewage system, as well as the incorrect installation and improper sloping of pipes, can also impede drainage.
How to fix a blocked drain?
For major blocked drain problems in Melbourne, you should call Zebra Plumbing to get an expert opinion. However, if you suspect there is a relatively minor clog down the drain, you can always try a few quick fixes first.
One of the easiest ways to clear drains of hair clogs is to use a small drain snake. These can be picked up for a low price at most hardware stores. To use, simply poke the narrow end of the snake down the drain as far as you can and then pull it out. If the clog is relatively shallow, it should be pulled out by the drain snake, either in one piece or in fragments.
Other Do It Yourself (DIY) fixes include pouring boiling water, a natural mixture of vinegar and baking soda or chemical drain-clearing solutions down the drain. Sometimes, these simple interventions are all you need to clear a minor drain blockage. However, if your DIY attempts are not helping your water drain away, it might be time to give blocked drain Plumbers, Zebra Plumbing a call.
When to call in the experts?
If your drains are blocked and your interventions have not worked, we recommend giving us a call sooner rather than later. If left to fester, blocked drains in Melbourne can cause serious issues. As well as being incredibly frustrating, blocked drains are downright dangerous. Stagnant water is a potential source of bacterial growth and disease.
Having water remaining in your drains for long periods can also cause water damage and provide an environment for mould to flourish. Serious drain blockages can result in wastewater backflow that can lead to seriously nasty conditions in your home. None of that sounds desirable, right? So, save yourself headaches later, and give Zebra Plumbing a call.
How we assess the issue?
As professional plumbers, we have a few tricks up our sleeves. As well as heavy-duty drain snakes, augers, chemical cleaners and other obstruction clearing equipment, when the blockage is deep or inaccessible, we can use advanced CCTV camera inspections to locate and identify the problem in your drain. These cameras are attached to a long, flexible cable and inserted into the drain line, providing real-time video footage of the inside of the pipes, which allows us to figure out if we are dealing with blockages, cracks or corrosion.
All problems need to be identified before they can be solved—and that’s what we use our cameras for. Once we have the information we need, we can proceed to the repair. Our solutions for blockages include augering, hydro-jetting or using a “rooter”, a tool that can cut through or dislodge tree roots.
When pipes are severely damaged, whole sections may need to be replaced. This can sometimes be done with “trenchless” technology, which uses a robotically controlled device and requires no disruption to the outside area.
Maintenance and prevention are key
Cleaning out your drains regularly can help prevent blockages from occurring. Regularly using a chemical drain cleaner is a good idea, as is installing a drain cover to catch those pesky hairs.
Avoid using bath products that may build up over time in your drains. Shower gels tend to leave much less residue than traditional bar soap, which can leave a waxy residue within your pipes. If you know you live in an area with hard water, you can use a descaling drain cleaner to avoid mineral buildup.
Reach out today
If you’re having issues with blocked drains in Melbourne, Zebra Plumbing is more than happy to provide you with a free quote. Don’t hesitate to give us a call so that we can assess your drainage problems and offer tailor-made solutions.
At Zebra Plumbing, our team knows how to resolve shower drainage issues promptly and professionally. Plus, we understand the inconvenience (and potential damage) that blocked drains can cause. Making use of our plumbing services will ensure your peace of mind.
So, call us today to get one step closer to having a smoothly flowing plumbing system. We are here to assist you every step of the way.
