How to Unblock Main Drain in House in Cumbria

If you are experiencing trouble with your drainage system at home, then you most likely need to investigate and find the root cause of the problem. If it is something as simple as a clogged or blocked pipe, then it is essential to clear the blockage before it gets worse.

Drainage Cumbria is a professional drain unblocking company located in Cumbria, North West England, that has been in business for many years. We specialize in providing solutions to drainage problems, including clearing blocked pipes, and we will guide you through some of the most common issues you may encounter when dealing with a blocked drain.

Common causes of blocked drains

Blocked drains are a common problem faced by homeowners across the country. They usually occur when an item or substance obstructs the free flow of water in the pipes. Some of the common causes of blocked drains include:

• Broken or deteriorating pipes
• Tree roots invading your pipes
• Accidental flushing of non-water soluble materials (e.g., baby wipes, sanitary products, cooking oil, etc.)
• Buildup of debris over time (e.g., hair, soap, and food waste)
• Poor drainage design that causes water to accumulate in certain areas

Signs of a blocked drain

The sooner you detect a blocked drain, the better. Here are some signs that could indicate that you have a blockage in your pipes;

• Slow draining sinks, showers or bathtubs
• Foul odours emanating from your drains
• Overflowing toilets when flushing
• Gurgling sounds from your toilet or sink
• The presence of standing water in your sink, bathtub or shower

If you have any of the above symptoms, you may have a blockage in your drain that needs to be cleared.

Steps to Unblock a Main Drain in Your House

Step 1: Turn off the source of running water and avoid using the drains.

First, turn off the source of any running water in your home. This will keep any additional water from backing up and worsening the blockage. Also, avoid using the drains entirely until you have cleared the blockage.

Step 2: Identify the location of the blockage.

The location of the blockage can indicate how to fix it. Is it inside the house or outside? Is the blockage specific to one drain or general? This information will help you determine the appropriate tools you will need to use.

Step 3: Use a plunger or drain snake.

A plunger or drain snake can help dislodge some minor clogs. If the blockage is minor, then these tools might be all you need to fix the problem.

A plunger works by providing a suction force that loosens the clog. First, cover the overflow outlet of the sink or bathtub with a rag. Use a plunger, pumping it up and down rapidly. After doing this several times, you should be able to clear the blockage.

A drain snake, on the other hand, is used to dislodge clogs within the drain pipe. Insert the drain snake inside the drain, rotating it until you hit an obstruction. You can then loosen the blockage by pulling and pushing the snake while rotating it.

Step 4: Use chemicals.

Chemicals like drain cleaners and de-cloggers help dissolve food, grease and hair that build up over time. Be sure to use protective gear when handling these chemicals. They sometimes only work with the most minor of blockages.

Step 5: Hire professional help.

If none of the above steps work, it's worth hiring the services of a professional to assess and fix the blockage. At Drainage Cumbria, our team of experienced professionals will come to your home and determine the root cause of the blockage. We can then advise you on the most effective way to fix the issue.

Keeping your drains clear

Preventing a blockage is easier than clearing one, so here are some simple ways to prevent future blockages.

• Dispose of waste properly: Don't flush anything down the toilet other than human waste and toilet paper.
• Avoid disposing of cooking oil and fat down the sink.
• Clean any blockages periodically: Regular cleaning of drains goes a long way in keeping them clear of debris.
• Knowledge of plumbing: Always seek advice from a licensed professional to prevent incorrect installations that might pose potential future blockage problems.

Conclusion

A blocked drain can cause significant problems for homeowners. Sometimes, the problem can quickly be solved by following simple steps. However, persistent blockages will require the services of a professional drain cleaning and unblocking company like Drainage Cumbria. With our years of experience in handling drainage issues, we can help you keep your drains in top shape. To get started, give us a call on 01228 734162 or send an email to [email protected].