Standing water in the bathroom or sink can be one of the early signs of a blocked drain. This problem is generally considered minor, but if left untreated, it can cause serious damage to your home’s plumbing system. Over time, pipe cracks or leaks can even damage the building’s foundations.
To stop it from developing into a big problem that harms your house, it is vital to know the causes and how to fix blocked drains as soon as possible. That way, you can reduce repair costs and decrease the risk of damage to your home.
Causes of blocked drains in the house
Drainage issues generally happen due to unnoticed daily habits. Here are some common causes of blocked drains that typically occur at home:
Food waste buildup in the kitchen sink
Food scraps like oil, rice and vegetable bits generally get washed down the drain. Over time, these materials form a greasy layer that blocks the water flow. As a result, water may rise back up to the surface when you wash your dishes.
Soap and detergent buildup
Bar soap contains fats that can cause hardness inside the pipes. When combined with minerals in water, soap can form scale that narrows the passageway. Over time, water flow becomes slow or even stops completely.
Hair blocking the bathroom
Fallen hair during showers can clump together and block the drain. The mixture of soap, hair and dead skin forms a sticky layer that does not dissolve easily. This combination is the key cause of blocked bathroom drains.
Foreign objects entering the drain
Little toys, rubber bands or other hard objects can accidentally fall into the drain. These items generally get stuck at pipe bends and fully block water flow. This generally happens in laundry areas or bathroom floor drains.
How to fix a blocked drain
Use a plunger to clear the blockage
A plunger creates air pressure that forces waste to detach from the pipe walls. Ensure the plunger head seals strongly over the drain hole for the highest pressure. Repeat the up-and-down motion approximately twenty times.
Use a drain snake or pipe cleaner
A drain snake is a long, flexible wire that can be inserted into the drain. It can hook hair or foreign objects stuck in pipe bends. This technique is perfect for medium-level blockages that cannot be cleared with cleaning liquids.
Use chemical drain cleaners
If the blockage is extremely hard, you can use special chemical drain cleaners. Follow the instructions on the packaging and wear gloves for safety. Limit usage to once a month to stop pipe damage.
These techniques can be successful for mild to moderate blockages. If the issue keeps recurring, it is best to consider calling an expert.
When to call a professional plumber
There are many signs that indicate you can no longer handle a blocked drain on your own. For example, if water remains stagnant despite multiple cleaning attempts, or if a foul smell continues to emanate from the drain, it may be time to call a professional. These may signal a big blockage in your home’s main pipe system.
Additionally, call a plumber quickly if water begins building up in other drains when you turn on the tap. This means your main drainage system is fully blocked and could damage the entire plumbing network.
