Tag: drainage

The effects of blocked drains on your home

The effects of blocked drains on your home

Blocked drains may initially seem like a minor inconvenience – a slow-draining sink, a gurgling toilet. But left unchecked, they can wreak havoc on your home faster than you can say “plunger.” From structural damage to health risks, the effects of blocked drains Geelong homeowners experience can be downright unpleasant. Let’s dive into the mess (figuratively, of course!) and uncover why you should take action sooner rather than later.

Key takeaways

  1. Blocked drains can lead to costly repairs: Ignoring the problem could mean major damage to your home’s structure.

  2. They’re not just smelly, but unhealthy: Stagnant water can breed bacteria and attract pests.

  3. Prevention is key: Regular maintenance can save you a fortune in the long run.

  4. Professional help matters: DIY fixes might not cut it for deep blockages.

  5. Time is of the essence: The longer you wait, the worse (and more expensive) the problem gets.

What causes blocked drains?

Blocked drains don’t just happen out of thin air. They’re often the result of everyday habits combined with environmental factors. Common culprits include:

  • Hair and grease are dangerous for your pipes, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

  • Foreign objects: Kids’ toys, cotton buds and sanitary products can cause blockages.

  • Tree roots: Australia’s love for lush gardens means roots often invade underground pipes.

  • Heavy rains: Geelong’s weather can overwhelm drainage systems with debris and dirt.

Immediate effects of blocked drains

When your drains are blocked, the signs usually show up quickly. You may notice:

  • Water pooling in your sink, shower or outdoor areas.

  • Slow-draining pipes that take ages to clear.

  • Foul odours wafting through your home.

These immediate issues aren’t just annoying; they’re warning signs of more significant problems lurking beneath the surface.

5 signs your drains may be blocked

  1. Slow-draining sinks and showers: If water takes forever to go down, you likely have a problem.

  2. Unpleasant odours: That lingering stench could be a sign of waste build-up.

  3. Gurgling sounds in pipes: A tell-tale sign of air trapped in the system.

  4. Water pooling around outdoor drains: Especially after heavy rain.

  5. Frequent toilet clogs: A sure sign something’s amiss further down the line.

Long-term damage to your home

If blocked drains aren’t resolved quickly, the long-term consequences can be severe:

  1. Structural damage: Water can seep into walls, floors and foundations, causing cracks and weakening the structure of your home.

  2. Mould and mildew: Stagnant water creates the perfect environment for mould, which can be unsightly and harmful to your health.

  3. Pest infestations: Stagnant water and waste attract cockroaches, mosquitoes and rodents – not exactly welcome houseguests.

Ignoring a blocked drain today could lead to repairs that make your bank account cry tomorrow.

Health hazards

Blocked drains aren’t just a headache – they’re a health hazard. Stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and harmful pathogens. This can lead to:

  • Respiratory issues from poor air quality.

  • Skin irritations are caused by contact with contaminated water.

  • There’s an increased risk of gastrointestinal infections if the blockage backs up into your home.

For families, particularly those with young kids or elderly members, the health risks are an even more significant concern.

How to prevent blocked rains

As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Here’s how to keep your drains flowing freely:

  • Dispose of waste responsibly: Avoid flushing items like wipes, grease and hair down the drain.

  • Regular maintenance: Clear debris from outdoor drains and use strainers in sinks and showers.

  • Schedule professional inspections: Experts can spot potential issues before they become full-blown blockages.

A little effort now can save you a lot of stress – and money – later.

Conclusion

Blocked drains may start as a minor inconvenience, but their effects can ripple through your home, causing structural damage, health risks and hefty repair bills. You can avoid these nasty surprises by recognising the signs early and maintaining your drains.

And when it’s time to call in the experts, trust Cre8flow. Their professional drain repair services in Geelong are your first defence against blocked drains. Don’t wait for the damage to pile up – get your drains flowing smoothly today!

[disclosure*]

Why should plumbers invest in a good jetter?

AI-generated illustration of a blocked U-bend in a cross-section of drainage pipe

Introduction

When tackling stubborn blockages and clogged drains, plumbers know the right tools make all the difference. Enter the jetter – a plumber’s secret weapon for efficiency, reliability and pure jetter expertise. But why should you invest in a high-quality jetter? Let’s dive into the world of jetters and uncover how this essential tool can take your plumbing game to the next level. Spoiler alert: it’s worth every penny (and maybe a few more).

Key takeaways

  • Efficiency is key: A good jetter can save hours of manual labour.

  • Cost-effective: Long-term savings outweigh the initial investment.

  • Boosts credibility: Professional-grade tools build trust with clients.

  • Versatile use: Jetters can tackle residential, commercial and industrial plumbing jobs.

  • Durable: High-quality jetters are built to last and handle tough tasks.

Main topics

1. What is a jetter, and why do you need one?

Think of a jetter as a pressure washer’s overachieving sibling – it blasts away blockages and grime with the precision of a surgeon and the power of a fire hose. Whether it’s clearing grease, roots or other debris, jetters make short work of stubborn clogs.

Without a jetter, you’re essentially bringing a butter knife to a sword fight. Sure, you might eventually get the job done, but why not make it faster, easier and far less frustrating?

2. How a jetter can save you time (and sanity)

Let’s face it: manual labour is overrated. With a good jetter in your arsenal, you’ll zip through plumbing jobs in record time.

Picture this: you’ve been called out to clear a drain that’s been clogged for years. You could spend hours snaking the line and wrestling with the blockage. Or, with a jetter, you could clear it out in minutes, leaving your client impressed and your schedule wide open for more jobs (or maybe even a coffee break).

“A plumber without a jetter is like a chef without a knife – technically possible, but why make life harder?”

3. The benefits of investing in a high-quality jetter

Here’s why a top-notch jetter isn’t just a splurge – it’s a smart business move:

a. Efficiency that pays off

The time saved on every job quickly adds up, translating to more completed jobs and income.

b. Improved client satisfaction

A clean drain is a happy drain, and a happy drain means a happy client. When you deliver reliable results, you build trust and secure repeat business.

c. Durability and cost savings

Cheap jetters may seem like a good deal, but they’ll cost you more in repairs and replacements. A high-quality jetter is built to last, making it a long-term investment.

4. Top features to look for in a Jetter (listicle)

Not all jetters are created equal. When choosing the right one, consider the following features:

  1. Pressure and flow rate

    • High pressure clears tough clogs; optimal flow ensures thorough cleaning.

  2. Portability

    • Lightweight and easy-to-transport jetters make on-site work hassle-free.

  3. Durability

    • Stainless steel components and robust design mean fewer breakdowns.

  4. Accessories

    • Options like root-cutting nozzles can make your jetter even more versatile.

  5. Customer support

    • A reliable supplier (hint: Melbourne Jetter Centre) can provide ongoing support and maintenance.

5. How jetters boost your professional credibility

Clients may not know the difference between a snake and a jetter, but they’ll notice the results. Using a professional-grade jetter shows that you take your work seriously and have the tools to back it up.

In a competitive industry, standing out is essential. Imagine a client seeing your jetter in action – it’s like bringing a sports car to a push-bike race – impressive, efficient and undeniably cool.

6. Why Melbourne Jetter Centre is the go-to for jetters

Finding the right jetter is half the battle. At Melbourne Jetter Centre, you’ll find top-tier equipment and expert advice tailored to Australian plumbing challenges. They offer a range of jetters that meet the needs of every plumber, whether you’re tackling residential drains or industrial blockages.

Their jetter expertise ensures you’re never left scratching your head over maintenance or repairs.

Conclusion

A good jetter isn’t just a tool – it’s a business asset that saves time, improves results and boosts your bottom line. When it comes to investing in one, don’t settle for less. A high-quality jetter can transform your plumbing business and keep you ahead of the competition.

Ready to upgrade your toolkit? Check out Melbourne Jetter Centre and discover how their jetter expertise can elevate your plumbing game today.

[disclosure*]

5 tips for taking care of your drains

5 tips for taking care of your drains

When the drains back up, it’s not long before your house or flat begins to smell. If you’re lucky, it’s an easy fix with some cleaner; but if you’re not, it’s time to call out a professional drainage company.

Many people aren’t 100% sure whose responsibility the drainage is when it comes to their home or office building, so check out the image below. In the meantime, here are five tips to help with taking care of your drains.

Professionals

For older homes, or if you’re not sure when the last time your drains were cleaned, getting them checked out by a professional or having a drainage survey done is a must. Over years, many types of build-up can occur; getting it blasted away gives them a fresh start.

Filters

Not having a filter over your kitchen sinkhole will mean that a lot of debris and food will head straight down the drain and into the pipes. If it happens once or twice, then it’s not going to be a terrible event, simply take a plunger to the problem. However, if it’s a consistent thing, and a blockage occurs further down the pipe it will have a negative effect on your drains and pipes in your property.

Fat and chemicals

While warm cooking fat may seem runny enough, it will quickly cool and congeal, causing it to adhere to the inside of the drainage pipes. If fat is poured down the sink regularly, it won’t take long for the pipe to become completely blocked or for a fatberg to develop further down the line. Not all chemicals are safe to enter into the drainage system, so always check the label on the bottle. Discourage anyone in the house from pouring any type of grease down the drains.

Water

The chemicals in hard water can also have an impact on your drains, so getting a water softener to counteract the limescale build-up caused by hard water can save your pipes.

Home insurance

Finally, perhaps one of the biggest and best ways to look after your pipes is to have insurance that covers anything – including your sewer line and water damage.

Check out Responsibility for blocked drains and drain unblocking

disclosure*

How to unclog a drain safely, promptly and cheaply

How to unclog a drain safely, promptly and cheaply | H is for Home

It’s an emergency, you jump in the shower, only for it to turn into a bath! The water isn’t draining away and you don’t know what to do. It’s time to figure out how to get the drain unclogged. If you look at “How to unclog a drain” videos online, you’ll see that most talk about taking plumbing apart and finding out what’s in the trap.

If that seems a bit extreme, that’s because it is. There are several steps that you can take to unclog a drain that are safe, effective, and won’t require disconnecting pipes that you can try before going all out and taking a fully-fledged plumber’s approach. Here are some things worth trying:

Wire coat hanger on a bright ornage background

The wire hanger method

If your clog is somewhere near the top of the drain, a simple wire hanger may do the trick. Bend the wire hanger so that it looks more like a metal stick. On one end, you’ll find that the hanger is straight and on the other end, there’s a corkscrew of sorts.

Using the straight end as a handle, work the corkscrew side of the wire into the drain that is clogged. Put the hanger down as deep as you can while still maintaining a good grasp on it. Throughout the process, twist the hanger so that the corkscrew end grabs any hair or other debris that may be in your drain.

Slowly work the wire hanger out of the drain. If all went well, you’ll see the cause of your clog on the end of the hanger. Now, all you have to do is run your water to ensure that your drain flows well.

Orange rubber plunger with a wooden handle

The plunger isn’t just for the toilet

Plungers can be used to work out clogs in just about any drain, not just toilets. All you need is a ceramic style surface that will allow the plunger to trap air. This can be in a sink or bathtub. As long as the surface is smooth, like the inside of a toilet, this method may work.

If there is no visible water, you’ll want to add a bit. The water helps create the pressure and suction action that causes the plunger to work. Once you have about an inch of water to work with, plunge the drain like you would your toilet. If the clog isn’t too stubborn, chances are that the pressure created from the plunger will break it up, leaving your water flowing as good as it did when you first moved in.

Plumber's snake tool

Try a snake

If your drain is still clogged, you’ve got a stubborn one. But don’t worry, there are plenty more options. The next would be to use a snake. No, we’re not talking about your standard garden snake, it’s a plumbing tool.

Essentially, it’s a wire with a head that is designed to grab a clog. Snakes can be purchased at your local home improvement store relatively inexpensively, and can come in handy not only now, but down the road. It may be worth considering purchasing one and working it into your drain as you did with the wire hanger. The difference is that the snake will go far further, finding clogs that are 10, 20, 30 or more feet away!

Small glass bowls of vinegar and baking soda

Baking soda, vinegar and water

While many would jump to a harsh chemical, there’s an environmentally-friendly way to break down stubborn clogs, and it’s a much cheaper way to go! It’s yet another baking soda trick.

Start by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain. Do what you can to make sure that it ends up in the drain and not collected on the side. It’s OK to go overboard here, making it a hefty cup will improve your chances of making sure that the proper amount makes it to the clog.

Next, get a cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain. You’ll start to see some action starting as the baking soda reacts to the vinegar. This will lead to bubbles and fizzing. Don’t worry, this is normal, the action is just a sign that it’s working.

While it’s working, fill a decent-sized saucepan ¾ of the way with water and put it on the stove on high heat. The goal is to get it to a boil while the baking soda mixture does its magic. Once the fizzing dies down, pour the hot water down the drain to make the rest of the magic happen. At this point, your drain should be unclogged and working properly.

Plumber fixing a kitchen sink

Know when to fold ’em

We all want to be DIY experts. However, if your drain isn’t working properly at this point, your clog is a very tough one and might require some professional attention. Do a search on Google for local plumbers to find the professionals that are available near you.

[disclosure*]