Dealing with a blocked drain at home? It’s a headache that most homeowners have dealt with at one point or another.
The fastest way to resolve the issue for the long haul is to find the exact location of the blockage and its cause. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how to identify and locate blockages in your plumbing system. Whether it’s the kitchen sink or the bathroom shower backing up, you’ll learn everything you need to know to get to the bottom of the problem and fix it for good.
Identifying the Signs of Blockage
Slow Drainage and Water Backup
One of the most obvious signs of a blocked drain is water moving slowly through your sinks, toilet, and shower.
This little problem can quickly escalate into water back-ups, which means you’ve likely got a big problem deep in your plumbing system.
Unusual Noises
A blocked drain doesn’t exist quietly. It’ll make itself known through some weird sounds.
Gurgling noises from your drains or toilets are signs that there’s air trapped in the pipes, and this is all thanks to a blockage disrupting the normal flow of water.
Foul Odours
Foul smells from your drains aren’t just nasty and uncomfortable — they’re a clear indicator that you’ve got waste and debris building up in your plumbing.
This can lead to even worse blockages if it’s not taken care of quickly. If you can smell something weird coming from your drains or fixtures, it’s time to investigate.
Initial DIY Checks
Inspect the Problem
Start by getting a good look at any exposed pipes at drainage points around your home. You should be looking for any obvious signs of water pooling or leaks since these can indicate the location of a clog.
Just a simple visual inspection can be enough to point you directly towards the problem area.
Use Simple Tools
A plunger is usually the homeowner’s first line of defence against a blockage. This handy tool is particularly useful for clearing minor clogs in toilets and sinks.
For sinks, make sure to cover the overflow hole before using the plunger to maximise the pressure. If water flow improves after your plunging, you’ve likely located and resolved the clog!
If not, the blockage might be further down the system, and you’ll need to call in the big guns.
Using Technology to Find Blockages
When DIY methods just aren’t cutting it, technology will step in to give you a clearer picture.
Drain cameras are an amazing tool that give plumbing professionals the ability to find the exact location and cause of any blockages in your plumbing system. The camera is inserted into your pipes and provides real-time video feedback.
Whether you’re facing tree roots invading your pipes, a build-up of hardened grease, or a bunch of household waste, drain cameras help plumbers get to the bottom of it.
With this information, your plumber can find the perfect solution to the problem at hand.
Limitations of Temporary Fixes
Traditional methods like using a plunger or chemical drain cleaners will fix the problem… for a little while.
You might be able to clear enough of the blockage to temporarily restore flow, but there’ll likely be residue or parts of the obstruction left behind. Simply put? It’ll be easy for the blockage to come right back in full force.
For example, if the blockage is due to cracks or gaps in your pipes where tree roots have gotten in, clearing the blockage won’t be enough to save your plumbing.
Over time, the underlying problems can lead to more severe damage, which means you’ll need to start worrying about extensive and expensive repairs.
If you want a permanent fix, you need to get to the real root of the problem.
Introducing Pipe Relining as a Solution
Have you heard of pipe relining? It’s an innovative plumbing repair solution that is much more powerful than the traditional methods.
Instead of excavating and replacing damaged pipes, your plumber inserts a durable liner inside your existing pipes. This liner then expands and is cured in place, effectively creating a new pipe within the old one.
Benefits of Pipe Relining
There are several benefits here over traditional repairs.
First, it’s less invasive. Plumbers won’t need to dig up your yard or disrupt your property — or your day.
Second, pipe relining enhances the structural integrity of your plumbing system by sealing off cracks and gaps where any future blockages could occur.
Last but not least, this technique extends the lifespan of your pipes and reduces the chances of future blockages. You’ll have a much more reliable plumbing system, giving you one less thing to stress about!
When to Call in the Experts
While there are some blockages you can handle on your own with basic tools like a plunger or drain snake, there are times when the problem runs deeper — and you need backup.
If you’re noticing persistent plumbing problems like wastewater backing up or gross smells after a few attempts at fixing the problem yourself, it’s time to call in a professional plumber.
They have the equipment and expertise needed to handle even the most complex of blockages, like when you need to clear out the sewer line or perform a thorough cleanout.
Calling in the experts can save your house from more severe damage and make sure that your plumbing system is assessed and corrected ASAP.
The Relining Company’s Approach to Blockage and Relining
The Relining Company is here to help.
We use advanced diagnostic tools to accurately find the source of your blockage, whether it’s caused by grease build-up, organic debris like hair, or another common trap.
We don’t just find the cause of the problem — we take care of it efficiently and effectively with our relining techniques.
With our services, once a blockage is cleared, the solution is lasting. We offer much more than a simple quick fix. If you want a permanent resolution to your house’s plumbing problems, get in touch with us today.
The Benefits of Choosing Relining Over Replacement
Minimal Disruption
With pipe relining, we minimise the disruption to your property and your daily routine.
Unlike traditional pipe replacement, pipe relining doesn’t require any excavation of your yard or driveway. This means you get to avoid the mess and the inconvenience.
Longevity
The Relining Company has a 35-year guarantee on all of our work.
Pipe relining leads to better durability for your pipes, meaning a longer lifespan that’s free from environmental causes of blockages like tree roots and mineral build-up.
Cost-Effective
Pipe relining requires less labour and far fewer materials compared to full pipe replacement, lowering your overall costs.
Plus, the long-term savings from reduced maintenance needs, along with the reduced chances of future blockage problems, make it a wise investment for any homeowner.
Consider Relining to Prevent Future Blockages
It’s not worth fixing a blocked drain if you’re only going to do things halfway. You need to fix the problem permanently.
Pipe relining is a long-term solution that fortifies your plumbing and sewage system against common causes of blockages.
If you make sure materials like wipes, hair, and grease don’t go down the drain, you’ll be able to avoid blockages for years and years — along with the unpleasant smell that comes with them.
Did we mention the value that pipe relining adds to your property? Our experience, products, and pristine service will improve your plumbing for decades, giving you peace of mind and a boost to your property’s plumbing health and value.
Let Us Help
Facing drainage problems that just won’t go away? We know your pain.
Don’t let a blockage disrupt your home life. In many cases, the symptoms can point to deeper problems within your plumbing system. You don’t deserve that kind of stress.
Our team at The Relining Company is ready to take action. With a comprehensive inspection, we can identify not just the obvious blockages but also the hidden flaws in your pipes.
Our tailored pipe relining method gives you long-lasting results, making sure that all areas of your plumbing system are safeguarded against future issues.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can resolve your plumbing problems!
Back to Top