Routinely encountering blocked drains at your residence in Taunton can be a worrisome matter. It’s not just a minor inconvenience, as a blocked drains taunton blocked drain often indicates a bigger issue with the plumbing system. While some cases might need professional intervention, understanding the right steps and tackling minor blockages independently can save you time and money.
Let’s dive into the appropriate actions you should take when dealing with blocked drains in Taunton.
1. Investigate the Problem: The first step involves identifying the problem accurately. Is it a slow drain? Or completely blocked? Do you notice foul smells or water backing up? The answers to these will help determine the severity of the problem and the appropriate course of action.
2. Use Home-Made Solutions: For minor blockages, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar is a popularly recommended solution. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Finally, cover the drain with a wet cloth to contain the mixture. The resultant fizzing action helps to break down the grime and debris.
3. Use a Plunger: If a home-made solution is not effective enough, using a plunger is the next step. Plungers can be highly effective at dislodging minor blockages. To get started, pour a little water into the sink to cover the base of the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and rapidly push up and down, creating a strong suction.
4. Use a Plumber’s Snake: For more serious blockages, a plumber’s snake or hand auger can be used. These tools allow you to reach further into the drain to break apart blockages and clear the pipe.
5. Use Chemical Drain Cleaners: This should be your last resort since chemicals can damage your pipes if used regularly. If you decide to go this route, please make sure to follow the product instructions carefully, and use them sparingly.
6. Call a Professional: If you’re unable to clear the blockage or if it keeps recurring, it’s time to call in an experienced plumbing professional. They have specialized equipment like power rods and high-pressure jetting machines which can clear even the toughest blockages with minimal disruption.
Besides these steps, prevention is key to avoiding serious blockages. Regularly cleaning your drains and not disposing of materials that solidify in pipes, like fat or grease, can prevent most blockages from occurring in the first place.
When looking for a professional drainage service in Taunton, it’s crucial to ensure they have the necessary qualifications and can provide an emergency service if required. Check out their reputation through online reviews or personal recommendations to gain a better perspective of their reliability and customer service. Also, be clear on their pricing and terms and conditions before proceeding.
Finally, if the blockage occurs in the main sewer, it might be the responsibility of the local water company to fix it. So before you hire a plumber or drainage expert, it’s worth checking to see if the problem falls under their remit.
In conclusion, understanding how to react when dealing with blocked drains is an essential skill for any homeowner. While home-made remedies and tools can help fix minor blockages, more serious cases may require expertise from professional plumbing services. Being informed and proactive will help you maintain the proper functioning of the drainage system in your home in Taunton.