You know those pesky blocked drains you’ve been turning a blind eye to? They might seem harmless for now, but when heavy rain or a flood strikes, they can quickly transform from an inconvenience to a disaster. Suddenly, what was just a slow drain turns into a gushing overflow, leaving your home with severe water damage and a whole lot of cleanup.
Fixing blocked drains swiftly during a flooding emergency is crucial to prevent severe damage and chaos. While professional help is often the best route, knowing a few quick DIY fixes can make all the difference when the clock is ticking.
Why Blocked Drains Occur During Floods
Flooding and torrential rain bring a sudden influx of water, overloading drainage systems. The rainwater washes debris including leaves, branches, mud and litter into the drains. This accumulation leads to clogs, putting the system under immense pressure and making it unable to function efficiently. Additionally, drains face increased pressure when older or poorly maintained pipes struggle to handle the surge of floodwater.
Before rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck in, it’s essential to assess the situation to understand the urgency. Is the water level rising quickly? Are multiple drains affected? If so, immediate action is required.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Blocked Drains in an Emergency
Immediate Safety Precautions and Tools Needed
Before tackling any drainage issues, ensure your safety and that of others. Make sure you wear protective gear, including gloves, waterproof boots, and, if needed, a mask to avoid exposure to bacteria in the contaminated water. You’ll also need basic tools like a plunger, a drain snake (auger) and sandbags.
Turn off water sources: First things first. Shut off your main water supply if possible. This helps reduce the flow of water into blocked areas and prevents additional flooding. Shutting off the water buys you some time to work on a solution without worsening the situation.
Use a plunger: A plunger is the home plumber’s best friend in these situations, and plunging will likely be the first method you try for clearing drainage problems. Position the plunger over the drain, ensuring a firm seal, and push down and pull up repeatedly to create pressure which may help dislodge the blockage. It’s a simple but effective method for minor blockages.
Try a drain snake or auger: For more stubborn clogs, a drain snake or auger can be invaluable. Insert the tool into the drain and rotate it as you push it further into the sink. This action breaks up or hooks onto the debris, allowing you to pull it out and clear the drain. Be patient and methodical here—rushing can lead to incomplete removal and recurring blockages.
Check for outside obstructions: Often, external drains become clogged by leaves, branches and dirt swept in by the water flow. Clear any visible debris around the drain opening and, where possible, dig a shallow channel to redirect the water flow away from your property. This should give you some much-needed time to work on unblocking the build-up.
Temporary solutions: If the blockage is severe and can’t be resolved on the first attempt, you can use sandbags or similar barriers to temporarily direct the water away from your property.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While DIY fixes can be great to unclog small blockages in your drainage system, you need to know when it’s time to call in the professionals. If water continues to back up, you notice a foul smell, slow drainage continues across multiple sinks, or you hear unusual gurgling noises coming from your plumbing environment, it’s time to call an emergency plumber.
Professional plumbers have the equipment and expertise needed to resolve severe issues, including water jetting and advanced diagnostic tools. They can also advise on repairs that will fix the problem in the long term and prevent future occurrences.
Preventing Future Drain Blockages
Avoiding future drainage crises requires proactive maintenance.
Post Emergency Plumbing Tips
Once the immediate problem is resolved, consider a full inspection of your drainage systems. By addressing any damage that was sustained during the flood, you’ll save yourself from plumbing or further repair headaches down the track.
Install Flood Prevention Measures
Options like backwater valves and drain grates can prevent backflow and minimise the risk of flooding in the future. These additions are particularly important in flood-prone areas.
Prepare Before Storms
Before storm season, ensure all your gutters, downpipes, and drains are free of debris and gunk. Clear areas in the garden where leaves and debris tend to collect and consider installing gutter guards for added protection.
Regular Drain Maintenance
Finally, schedule regular inspections and cleaning to help prevent build-up and future plumbing problems.
Deal with Your Dodgy Plumbing Once and For All
When floods hit, blocked drains can be more than just a nuisance-they can be a major disaster. Quick action is essential, but investing in long-lasting solutions that go beyond temporary fixes will mean you’re always prepared when a flood warning hits.
Pipe relining is an excellent option for long-term reliability. This no-dig technique strengthens your existing pipe infrastructure, making it resilient against future pressure and blockages. It’s a game changer that can save you from repeated issues and the headaches they bring.
Ready to future-proof your plumbing system? Contact the friendly team at The Relining company to discuss your options today.
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