If you have a blocked pipe, you’re probably not very happy. Blocked pipes can be a nuisance and a safety hazard, and they can also cause flooding. If this happens, it can be difficult to get the pipes unblocked and repaired – and that can take a long time.
What is a Blocked Pipe?
A blocked pipe is an obstruction that can occur when water doesn't flow freely through it. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as tree roots growing through the pipe, a build-up of waste or sediment in the pipes, or a blockage from something else.
If you notice that your water isn't reaching all of your fixtures, or if it's coming out dirty and brown, it might be time to call in a professional to unblock your pipes.
What are the Signs of a Blocked Pipe?
If you notice that your drains are backing up or if water is not draining properly from your sink, tub, or shower, there is a good chance that one of your pipes has been blocked. The following are some of the signs that your pipe may be blocked:
- Water is spilling from the faucet
- There is a lot of water buildup in the sink or bathtub
- The toilet is flooding
- The sink is flooding
- The drains in the yard are backed up
- There is water coming up from the ground
- There is water coming up from the ground in your home
How Can I Unblock My Blocked Pipes?
There are several ways that you can unblock your pipes on your own, depending on the type of obstruction that you are dealing with. You could use a plunger, auger, bucket, or shower to dislodge the blockage.
If none of these methods work then you could try and follow these few simple steps that you can take to unblock a pipe:
- Clear any large items from the area around the pipe to make room for your hands.
- Locate the main water line feeding into your home and shut off the main water supply. This will prevent any water from continuing to flow into the area where the pipe is blocked.
- Use a plunger or similar tool to push and pull on the pipe until it begins to move freely again. Don't use too much force – if you break the pipe, it will be much more difficult to fix!
What Causes Blocked Pipes?
If you're a homeowner, then you know that blocked pipes can be a real pain. But what causes them in the first place? And is there anything you can do to prevent them from happening? Here are the details below:
1. Overflowing toilets
If your drains are constantly overflowing, it might be because of a blockage. To unblock a pipe, first try using a plunger. If that doesn’t work, you can use a snake to clear the blockage. Finally, call an experienced plumbing technician to take care of the problem.
2. Clogged toilets
If your pipes are constantly getting clogged, you might need to call a plumber to unblock them. There are many ways to clear a blockage from the pipes without having to call a professional, but some of the most common methods include using baking soda and vinegar, using a plunger, and using a vacuum cleaner. If these methods don't work, you might have to call in a professional.
3. Misuse of plunger
If you have tried everything else and the blocked pipe is still refusing to move, there may be a problem with your plunger. A plunger can become lodged in a pipe if it is not used properly, so be sure to follow the instructions that come with your plunger to avoid this from happening.
4. Misuse of drain snake
If you have accidentally blocked your sink or toilet with something larger than the drain pipe, there is a small chance that you can unblock it using a drain snake. To do this, first loosen the obstruction with a plunger. Next, use the snake to slide it down the pipe until it reaches the obstruction. Finally, clamp down on the end of the snake and pull up on it until the obstruction is dislodged.
5. Failing to flush
If the problem persists, it might be that the pipe is blocked and needs to be unblocked. There are a few ways to do this: you can use a plunger, a snake, or a bucket. If none of these work, you can call a professional.
6. Overuse of spigots
If you constantly find that your pipes are becoming blocked then it may be time to invest in a new water filtration system. A water filtration system will help to reduce the amount of chemicals and debris that can build up in your pipes, ultimately reducing the likelihood of them becoming blocked.
7. leaves and branches blocking drains
If leaves and branches are blocking your drainage system, you can clear them away using a plunger. To do this, place the plunger over the drain opening and push and pull the plunger until the debris has been removed.
8. Roots growing through the drain
If you are having trouble unblocking your pipes because they are constantly becoming blocked and you simply cannot seem to find the solution, it might be time to call a professional.
There is likely something blocking the pipe that you can remove with a shovel, but if that doesn't work, then it may be time to call in a plumbing technician. In any case, if you do not want to unblock your pipes too frequently, it is in your best interest to make sure that you use a water-tight sealer around the joint between the pipe and the wall.
What Are Some Things You Can Do To Prevent Blocked Pipes?
If you're a homeowner, then you know that blocked pipes are a big deal. Not only do they cause water damage and expensive repairs, but they can also be a major health hazard. There are a few ways to prevent blocked pipes from happening. Such as follows:
- Keep your drains clean. Clogged drains can easily become blocked, and clean drains help reduce the chances of blockages happening in the first place.
- Clear debris from around your plumbing fixtures and appliances. This includes things like leaves and branches, which can easily get caught in your pipes.
- Use a plunger and snake sparingly. Overuse of these tools can quickly wear them out and cause them to break.
- Don’t overfill your sink. Filling your sink to the brim can cause water to back up and block your drain.
- Use the appropriate sized spigot. Make sure your spigot is sized for the amount of water that you are using, and avoid using too many spigots in one area. This can lead to water buildup and blockages.
- Check your water pressure. If your water pressure is low, it may be difficult to flush your toilet or clear blocked pipes. Check your water pressure regularly to prevent blockages from happening.
- Keep your yard clear. Roots can easily grow through blocked pipes, and debris in your yard can block drainage systems. Keep your yard clean and free of debris to help prevent blockages.
Keeping your sewage system working smoothly is important for a number of reasons. Not only does it keep the area around your home clean and healthy, but it can also prevent major problems.
If your pipes are blocked, not only will you have to deal with dirty water and sewage flooding your home, but you could also be putting yourself at risk for serious health issues. Don't wait until your pipes burst! Follow these steps to unblock any blocked pipes in minutes.
Don’t hesitate – call the professional today for help clearing it up fast and efficiently so that no more water remains stuck inside of them or outside on carpets causing damage from being flooded.
