Unblocking and cleaning drains and pipes

Damaged or neglected drainage systems can cause blockages and flooding in the home, costing you time and money. Fortunately there are a number of quick and easy methods to clear out drains and pipes before it’s too late.

A plumber can unblock pipes and drains
for you

Blocked drains and pipes are among the messiest and most unpleasant of household emergencies. Not only does water cease to flow properly around the property but drains begin to outpour excess water which can cause flooding both inside and out. With many types of bacteria and fungi thriving in warm and damp environments, a family home is threatened with the risk of foul smells and extreme cases of damp.

Fortunately, such predicaments are nothing that regular cleaning and maintenance shouldn’t prevent; avoiding pouring waste food or grease down the sink, using hair traps and chemical detergents, and checking roof gutters and down pipes on a regular three month basis should all put a stop to any major blockages. If you’ve already got yourself a blocked drain or pipe, however, you may want to look into having it professionally cleared. Getting started with your new found cleaning habits will just be that little bit easier if you’re able to begin completely afresh. If you suspect it is merely a small blockage, however, there are still a number of household methods you can use to clear the pipes or at least make certain a professional is definitely required.

Unblocking sinks and pipes:

• Clearing the U-bend – a very small blockage can be cleared away in minutes by going underneath the sink and unscrewing the U-bend. Simply turn off the taps and empty the basin, then place a bucket underneath the pipe and disable the fittings using a wrench if they are a little tough. Allow the fixture to fall directly into the bucket with the water and if you’re lucky, the source of the blockage. If nothing significant appears, use a piece of thin wiring to poke back up the U-bend and force the stuck item to come free. When you’re finished, clean out the pipes with a little detergent and make sure they are screwed back together properly before you start running water.

• Traditional sink plunger – if the U-bend proved to be clear then the problem will probably be found in the waste pipe; in which case a plunger may be better suited to the job. You can use a traditional plunger by following a step-by-step procedure. First smear the underside with Vaseline and then place it firmly over the plug-hole, fill the sink with at least five inches of water or until the plunger is completely covered, then cover the additional water flow outlets with a damp cloth and pump until the water starts flowing down the drain freely.

• Power sink plunger – if a traditional plunger proves unsuccessful, a power plunger can be purchased at a little extra cost and often proves a more effective and easier to use alternative. Make sure you buy the correct size rubber adaptor for the plug hole and then place the plunger in a stable position over it. Pump to increase the air pressure and fill the sink in a similar manner as before; finally release the pressurised air from the container to clear the blockage.

• Professional CCTV service – if these handy tips don’t result in success, then hiring a professional plumber to do the job for you will help give a complete evaluation of the current condition of your drainage system. A surveyor can use a miniature camera to locate the source of the damage or leak and then use a high speed water jet aimed at completely clearing the entire system. A plumber can also   repair and/or replace long sections of underfloor pipe work without damaging the surface flooring.

Unblocking external drains:

Although it is often possible to clear kitchen and bathroom pipes without the need of professional help, a blocked outdoor drain or gulley usually needs expert care and attention to prevent any further damage to the system and fixtures. You might be willing to give it a try but most homeowners only end up with bigger problems – and just as importantly larger bills – than they started with. Some quick fixes include pouring boiling water or bicarbonate of soda down the drain to clear away any accumulated debris and carefully removing leaves and other garden matter from roof gutters and down pipes around the exterior of your home with a trowel. Take care not to damage any of the pipe work.

Cost of hiring a plumber

If you want a safe and reliable solution, it’s always preferable to opt for a professional plumbing service. The CCTV service can cost as little as £75-150 (although emergency calls will be more expensive) but you should always aim to look for value and quality of work rather than the cheapest option. By hiring an expert you are also able to have early warnings of any future potential blockages as they look at structural defects as well as internal causes, which can then be rectified immediately. Make sure your chosen contractor is correctly licensed and carries all the right insurances – and once you’re confident with the course of action they suggest you’ll be well on your way to having your water supply running freely again.