Blocked Drain Emergencies Dos & Don'ts

Recognizing a Blocked Drain Emergency

There are several key signs that indicate your drain is severely blocked and requires immediate attention:

• Water backing up from drains or toilets overflowing
• Gurgling sounds coming from pipes
• Notably slow flow from sink, tub, or shower drains
• Foul sewage odours within your home

A blocked drain constitutes an emergency if water starts flooding out of drains or pipes burst. Pressure buildup from a severe blockage can result in significant property damage. If you experience any signs of severe blockage:

• Stop using all plumbing fixtures immediately
• Switch any water supply off at the mains
• Call a 24/7 emergency plumber right away

Using sinks or flushing toilets during a major blockage will exacerbate the problem. Getting a professional emergency plumber to the site promptly is crucial to clear the drain, assess damage, and prevent health hazards from sewage backflow.

Warning Signs of a Serious Blockage

There are a few key indicators that a drain blockage has become severe and requires urgent professional assistance:

• Water pooling around drains or very slow water drainage
• Gurgling sounds continue non-stop
• Toilets take several minutes to refill after flushing
• Foul sewage odours worsen over time

Stagnant water near drains signals a near-complete blockage, disrupting normal water flow. In this case, it’s essential to call for emergency intervention without delay.

Early detection of a blockage can save your entire home from subsequent damage. Witnessing gradual water pooling or persistent odours should prompt an immediate call to an emergency plumber to minimise further issues or structural damage.

When to Avoid DIY Drain Clearing

While DIY drain clearing may seem straightforward, it can worsen the situation without appropriate equipment. Contact a professional emergency plumber without delay in these situations:

• You’ve tried DIY methods but the clog persists
• If water is backing up and at risk of overflowing.
• Foul sewage odours are very strong or worsening
• Multiple fixtures are blocked including sinks, showers, toilets, and any other connected outlets
• There are gurgling sounds coming from multiple drains
• You need to access pipes in hard-to-reach places

While baking soda, vinegar, and store-bought drain cleaners might seem benign, excessive use can damage pipes. That can lead to leaks, corrosion and even pipe bursts over time.

A blocked sewer line with stubborn blockages necessitates heavy-duty equipment such as augers, exclusive to qualified emergency plumbers. If home remedies do not clear the obstruction, it’s prudent to contact a professional plumber promptly to avoid increasing repair costs.

Immediate Action Steps During a Blockage

If you discover a blockage, take the following steps while waiting for the emergency plumber:

1. Stop using all sinks, showers, bathtubs and other fixtures fed by the blocked drain line and call emergency services if necessary. No water should flow down drain passages until the blockage clears.
2. Check for overflowing sinks or foul water pooling around drains. Use towels to soak up any overflow and open windows to air out rooms.
3. For minor sink clogs, try using a plunger or pouring boiling water down the drain. Instead of corrosive chemicals, opt for hot water to help dislodge minor blockages.
4. Switch off main water supply at the shutoff valve. Doing so prevents additional water from entering the pipes and worsening the blockage.
5. Make sure any leaking pipes or overflowing fixtures haven’t caused electrical hazards. If any outlets or appliances got wet, flip the main breaker until deemed safe.
6. Call a 24/7 emergency plumber. Provide details on symptoms and let them advise whether to keep fixtures switched off until they arrive.

Take photos of any water damage or leaks.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Blockages

Maintaining good drainage habits is key to preventing clogs and blockages. Here are some simple habits you can build into your routine:

• Never pour fats, oils or grease down the sink - allow them to cool and dispose in the rubbish
• Use sink strainers to capture food and hair, and empty them regularly.
• Avoid using the toilet as a waste basket by only flushing toilet paper
• Run the tap to encourage a smooth flow water while operating the garbage disposal
• Pour 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar down drains monthly to clean pipes
• Monthly cleaning with enzyme-based cleaners can dissolve buildup and prevent blockages

It’s important to ensure only appropriate waste is put down toilets, and by keeping other debris out, you can significantly reduce the risk of major clogs. Contact a plumber right away if you experience persistent sluggish drainage.

Monthly Drain Maintenance

Here is a simple yet effective monthly regimen to help keep drains free-flowing:

• Pour 100 grams of baking soda down the kitchen and bathroom sinks, as well as the tub and shower drains
• Follow with 1 cup of heated white vinegar - the baking soda and vinegar will react with fizzing
• Plug the drains and allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes before running hot tap water to rinse
• Repeat monthly to clean out grime and keep drains clear

Vinegar’s acidity breaks down sludge, while baking soda’s grit cleans the pipes. This regular regime helps to stave off organic matter buildup. This practice is particularly advantageous for dislodging materials that might collect in pipes during periods of heavy use, such as holidays.

This at-home cleaning method preserves pipe integrity, unlike potentially corrosive commercial chemical cleaners. Over time, it will keep water flowing freely down drains and prevent any major clogging issues.

When Professional Help is Needed

Seek a licenced plumber’s professional assistance immediately if DIY attempts fail to alleviate the blockage. A "Plunger" can dislodge minor sink clogs, but is ineffective for serious main line back-ups requiring a snake or pressurised water jet.

Securing professional plumbing services helps prevent common issues like flooding and sewage contamination. If water remains stagnant or toilets are still clogged after plunging, promptly call an emergency plumber such as Picnic Point Plumbing.

Our skilled team uses advanced equipment to locate stubborn blockages precisely. We also ensure any broken pipes or fittings are repaired after clearing the lines. Relying further on makeshift, do-it-yourself fixes can risk cracked pipes or corroded plumbing.

Legally, only licenced professionals are authorised to excavate outdoor drains. Attempting to yourself expose pipes leading to the main sewer can cause environmental hazards if soil gets contaminated by sewage overflow. Our experts adhere strictly to safe practises.

For swift and tailored solutions, trust the certified experts at Picnic Point Plumbing. We offer emergency plumbing assistance 24/7and always prioritise restoring functionality and preventing damage to your Plumbing system.

Qualities to Look for in a Plumber

Selecting a high-quality plumber should involve checking their credentials and traits.

A dependable plumber ought to offer clear information regarding their licencing, insurance, fees, and experience. They should also offer guaranteed workmanship and follow-up services.

Expertise - Look for plumbers licenced with the state plumbing board, indicating they have passed examinations on building codes and safety practises. Factory-trained plumbers show extensive product knowledge.

Professionalism entails the plumber arriving punctually, dressed in a uniform, safeguarding workspaces, and cleaning up afterwards.

Choose a reliable plumber available round-the-clock for emergency calls. Check reviews to confirm they regularly deliver safe, high-quality work and stand behind it with warranties.

At Picnic Point Plumbing, we pride ourselves on technicians who display trustworthiness through guaranteed work and transparency. We maintain professionalism via prompt arrival and protection of your property while onsite. As a family business serving the community for over 30 years, we have proven our unwavering reliability 24/7.

Our factory certifications and state licences affirm our comprehensive expertise.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Before engaging plumbing services, consider asking these important questions:

• Are you licenced and insured?
• How long have you been a practising plumber?
• Can you provide references from recent jobs?
• Do you guarantee your workmanship?
• What services do you offer for blocked drains?
• What are your rates and do you provide free quotes?
• Are there any ongoing maintenance plans available?
• What area do you service and what are the callout fees?
• For emergency jobs, what is the typical response time?
• How soon after completing the work can I expect a final invoice?

Reputable plumbers should readily answer questions about licencing, insurance, and experience. Confirm they guarantee their work and offer ongoing drain maintenance plans. Understanding their full range of services and fees for your area helps determine if they are the right fit to solve drain issues or handle plumbing emergencies when needed.

At Picnic Point Plumbing, we welcome any inquiries before booking as we stand behind our team’s expertise. Our family business has served the Sydney suburbs for over 30 years. Learn more about us by calling 1300 349 338, where we provide 24/7 support.