Last week we looked at the various causes of slow drains, and how you can diagnose and fix them yourself. As with many home repairs or improvements, there is a point at which it is wise to call in a professional. This is usually when the job goes beyond your capabilities or equipment, when your efforts to fix it yourself have been unsuccessful, or if your property or fellow inhabitants are in danger.
When it comes to slow drains, many issues can be resolved with DIY methods, but there are times when calling a professional plumber is the best option:
Persistent blockage – If the drain is still slow despite multiple cleaning attempts, a deeper issue may be present. Contact a local plumber, explain the problem, and ask for an initial quote to visit.
Strong odours – Unpleasant smells from the drain can indicate trapped debris, bacterial growth, or a problem in the sewer line. This is not only unpleasant to live with but could present an infection risk. Call a plumber to get it checked out. Don’t be tempted to ignore the problem and try to mask the smell with products.
Multiple slow drains – If more than one sink or drain in your home is slow, this is more likely to signify something more serious, such as a blockage in the main drainage system.
Gurgling pipes – If your pipes make strange noises when water drains, it could mean there’s air trapped in the pipes, and that is usually caused by a blockage.
Water backing up – If water is coming back up into your sink or bubbling in other drains when water is used, a blockage is likely – call your local plumber to get it checked out as soon as possible.
Preventing drainage problems
Blocked drains can be extremely inconvenient, but there are a few things that you can do to prevent the build up of grease and debris that usually causes drain blockages:
- Prevent food, hair, and other debris from entering the drain by using sink strainers.
- Instead of pouring grease straight down the drain, dispose of cooking oil and fat in a separate container. Once it’s solidified, you can simply throw it away.
- Prevent grease build-up by running boiling water down the drain once a week.
- Get into the habit of monthly drain maintenance by pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drains to help keep them clear without harsh chemicals.
- If you live in an area with hard water, occasional pipe descaling by a plumber can prevent mineral build-up.
Slow drains may be annoying, but there is often a relatively quick fix at hand for professionals with the right tools for the job. If you notice your drains are running a bit slower than usual, if they smell at all, or if water is backing up, call a trusted, rated plumber to get the problem fixed sooner rather than later. For more top tips, follow Trust A Trader on Facebook or Twitter.