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Some blocked drains are instantly fixable with a drain unblocker, but when the problem becomes persistent, it’s time to look at other avenues to help you. Like most other Sydney plumbers, Plumbing Detectives are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help you with issues such as this one.

How do I know if I have a block?

There are a few signs to tell you that you have a blockage somewhere, including:

• It’s difficult to flush your toilet, and it takes ages to refill.
• Your sinks or bath empty very slowly.
• There’s a bad smell coming from your drains.

If you spot any of these signs, then chances are you have a block and you need to look into it.

So what causes these blocks?

The Australian continent is divided into drainage divisions which are then sub-divided into water regions, and then river basins. There are currently 245 basins, 77 regions, and 12 divisions. To find out more about where you are in this, check out the Geoscience Australia website. However, wherever you live there are many reasons that your drain could become blocked, including:

• The pipes you have are too narrow, and need replacing.
• Your home is located near a sharp 90 degree bend – this is where a lot of main line blocking occurs.
• Something is stuck in the P Trap or J Bend. The most common items that cause this are cooking leftovers such as oil, wipes, and sanitary items. Throw these away, don’t flush them out!

Can I fix this myself?

Den Garden has provided a possible quick fix to help you:

• Try to remove the blockage with a tool.
• Use a plunger to force the blockage down.
• Clean out the pipes underneath the sink.
• Pour in boiling hot water or enzymes.
• Use a chemical cleaner.

But of course, this is only for a one time problem. If it keeps on persisting, then your main line is likely the issue, and that will need to be looked at by a professional.

Can I prevent blocks?

There are a few things you can do to help yourself – after all, prevention is quicker, cheaper, and more effective than a cure. Here are some tips to help you:

• If in doubt, bin it – if you’re worried that something might block up your drains, throw it out instead. For example, toss cooking oil out once it has cooled.
• Never flush medicines or tablets – always dispose of them properly, at a medical facility or health authority.
• Get rid of chemicals and solvents at your local recycling site.
• Always scrape the food off your plate before using the dishwasher.
• Even wipes that state that they are flushable or biodegradable, aren’t. Throw them away!

By avoiding a blockage, you could end up saving yourself a lot of money per year – just check out the Yuck campaign for more information.

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