Unblocking Drains in Liverpool | Causes & Solutions

Dirty and blocked drains can cause major headaches and hassle for both homeowners and business owners alike. Not only will clogged drains lead to foul odours, but they can also pose a threat to the health of your families and workers if left unchecked. Not to mention they can cause a lot of unwanted hassle and stress! However, there is no need to worry! There are several different methods that you can use to help with your drain unblocking in Liverpool.

In this blog, we will take an in-depth look at the common causes of blocked drains, and offer your helpful and practical solutions to keep your drains clean and functional.

The Causes of Blocked Drains

If you really want to keep your drains running smoothly, then it is important that you understand why and how your drains can become blocked. There are several different factors that can contribute to the blockages and clogs inside your pipes, including:

1. Foreign Objects – one of the most common causes of a blocked drain in Liverpool is objects that aren’t supposed to be in your pipes mysteriously finding their way into your drains! Foreign objects can include anything from hair, food, soap scum, and even small items that are accidentally flushed down the toilet! These can cause stubborn blockages that are difficult to remove.
2. Grease and Oil – in your kitchen drains, the buildup of grease and oil can become a major issue if you are not careful. You might not even realise that you are pouring these items down the drain, but over time these substances can cool and solidify to create a blockage deep inside your pipes that can be difficult to remove. You may require professional drain unblocking services to help fix this issue, as home remedies tend not to work for grease and oil.
3. Tree Roots – tree roots will tend to grow towards the nearest water source, and unfortunately this means that they can grow towards your outdoor drains and quickly infiltrate your pipes. This creates a major plumbing emergency and will require professional excavation to dig and repair the pipes in your garden.
4. Toilet paper and hygiene products – flushing anything that is not biodegradable can lead to extreme blockages and clogs in your drainage system, and this includes wet wipes, sanitary products, and even excessive amounts of toilet paper!
5. Mineral Buildup – if you live in an area where there is hard water, you will find that minerals such as lime scale will accumulate on the inside of your pipes. This will narrow the space for water to flow and could end up causing you a few headaches further down the line!

So, now that you know what could be causing your blocked pipes, we’ve put together some DIY tips and tricks that will help you to unblock your drains before you need to call in the professionals and use our drain unblocking services!

Useful methods to help unblock your drains

Plunger

A plunger is one of the most simple and effective tools that you can use to unblock your drains – there is a reason that nearly every single household owns one! All you need to do is place the plunger over the plug hole and fill the sink or the bathtub with water (enough to cover the plunger’s rubber end to create a vacuum). Then, push and pull the plunger with enough force to create the pressure required to dislodge anything hidden inside your pipes. This will help to remove small blockages and clogs quickly and effectively.

Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners can be found at most hardware stores and supermarkets. These cleaners will work by breaking down the clogs inside your pipes, but they can be harmful to the environment and they can potentially damage your pipes. Use them sparingly and ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, otherwise you could end up creating an even bigger problem in the future! It is important that you do not become reliant on chemical drain cleaners as they can eventually corrode and damage the inside of your pipes over time.

Homemade Drain Cleaning Solutions

For a more eco-friendly approach, you can create your own drain cleaning solution using items that you can commonly find in your kitchen cupboards. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help to break down even the most stubborn of clogs. Simply pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar (make sure that you do not mix these before pouring them down the drain! They need to be poured down separately). Then, let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes, longer if possible, and flush away with boiling water from the kettle.

Drain Snake (H3)

A drain snake, or a plumbing auger, is a long, flexible tool that can be used to reach deep inside the drain to remove blockages. All you need to do is insert the drain snake and turn the handle to break apart or pull the clog up and out of the drain. If you do not own one and you don’t want to buy one, then you can make a DIY version out of a wire coat hanger. Simply straighten out the coat hanger, leaving a hook at one end and then insert into your drain. Make sure that you are fishing the clog out and not pushing it deeper inside the pipes – you don’t want to end up making the problem worse!

Professional Drain Cleaning Services

If your drain blockage is severe, or you are unable to clear it with the DIY methods mentioned here, then it might be time to call us and utilise our professional drain unblocking services! Our experienced and knowledgeable plumbers have the tools and the skills to address even the most stubborn blockages. We want to help you get back up and running again as quickly as possible, without causing you additional stress or worry!

Preventing future blockages and clogs (H2)

While it is good to know some tips and tricks on how to unblock drains when they become clogged, preventing the blockage in the first place is even better! We’ve put together some preventative measures that you can take to ensure your drains run freely:

1. Install drain screens – use drain screens or strainers to help catch any debris that could end up going down your pipes by accident. Remember you need to regularly clean these in order to maintain their effectiveness.
2. Proper disposal – make sure that you are disposing of any grease an oil into a separate container and not pouring them down your sink!
3. Regular maintenance – schedule regular maintenance with us here at Mersey Rod to help remove any minor blockages and to help prevent any major issues from developing.
4. Water softeners – if you live in an area with hard water, then install a water softener to help reduce the mineral build up in your pipes. This can help to extend the life of your drainage system, and make sure that your drains run smoothly for as long as possible.

If you have tried all of these methods and you are still experiencing drain issues, then get in touch with our friendly team today.