How To Tell If A Drain Is Blocked In Cumbria

As a homeowner or property owner in Cumbria, there are few things as frustrating as a blocked drain. When water begins to back up, you might be tempted to call in the experts straight away, but it can be helpful to determine if you have a blockage and where it is located before taking action. In this guide, we'll cover the key signs of a blocked drain, what might be causing the problem, and what you can do to fix it.

Signs of a Blocked Drain

The first indication that you might have a blocked drain is water that takes a long time to drain away, or water backing up and overflowing from sinks, toilets, showers, and baths. You may notice gurgling sounds from your pipes or drains that don't seem to be draining correctly. Often, if you have more than one fixture experiencing problems with drainage, this is a sign that the blockage is located more severely within your drainage system.

If you notice a bad smell coming from your drain, it might be due to an accumulation of debris or other materials such as grease or soap scum. Sometimes, you might see these materials building up within the drain, making it even more difficult for water to pass through.

Causes of Blocked Drains

Blocked drains are usually caused by a build-up of materials such as hair, food waste or broken pipework. More often than not, the blockage will be located in the drainage chamber beneath your property. These chambers are designed to capture any foreign objects or materials like grease, oil or debris. Sometimes, the problem might be due to structural damage or deterioration of the pipes, which could lead to blockages over time.

When you flush items that should not be flushed down the toilet or pour cooking oil and fat into your pipes, it can cause a blockage too. Always be mindful to dispose of these items correctly to prevent clogs.

Steps to Fix a Blocked Drain

If you suspect that you have a blocked drain, the first step is to locate the blockage. You can do this by identifying where you think the problem is and checking the chamber nearest to it. If there is an obvious build-up of debris or materials, you may be able to clear the blockage by removing them yourself.

If you are unable to locate the blockage or gain access to the chamber, it is time to call in the experts. Drainage Cumbria is your local blocked drains company in Cumbria, offering expert advice and emergency response services. Call us on 01228 734162, and our team will come to your property equipped with specialist equipment to identify the location of the blockage and assess the extent of the problem. In most cases, we can quickly unblock the drain and restore normal drainage.

If the blockage is more severe, the problem might require more extensive repairs to fix. Our team of experts will provide you with a comprehensive report detailing the cause of the blockage and a suitable course of action to repair the damage.

How to Prevent Blockages

Prevention is always better than cure, which applies when it comes to blocked drains too. There are several things that you can do to prevent blockages from occurring in the first place.

• Only ever dispose of materials that are designed to be flushed down the toilet.
• Use a plug screen in your shower or sink to catch any hair or other debris before it goes down the drain.
• Do not pour grease or oil down your kitchen sink; instead, dispose of them in an appropriate container.
• Avoid throwing food scraps and other waste into your garbage disposal unit and use a compost heap instead.
• Regularly clean your drains and pipes with drain cleaning products to prevent the build-up of soap scum and other materials.

Final Words

Blocked drains can be a significant problem for homeowners and property owners in Cumbria. If not addressed promptly, they can lead to more significant problems like flooding or structural damage. The best way to prevent blockages is to be mindful of what materials you put down your drains and clean them regularly.

If you suspect that you have a blockage, contact Drainage Cumbria, your local experts in unblocking drains. You can reach us at 01228 734162, and we'll be happy to help you resolve your drainage problems quickly and efficiently.