Why You Shouldn’t Unclog Your Own Drains

Water backing up into your home, slow draining water, sewer smell? Most of us have experienced a blocked drain or two. Did you know sometimes trying to fix a blocked drain yourself is a bad idea? If you try to unclog your drain with a homemade device improperly, you may cause damage to your pipes. This can result in a much more costly repair than just clearing a blocked pipe.

What about liquid drain cleaners?

While liquid drain cleaners sound like a good idea, they are harsh chemicals which as well as being toxic to you and your family are bad for the environment. Drain cleaners eat through everything they come in contact with. And yes, that includes your pipes. The liquid settles in areas such as plumbing traps and next thing, they can cause a microfracture, which turns into a crack, which becomes a leak.

When you’re worried there’s a blockage somewhere in your drains, you should call your local plumber. Leaving a slow draining sink, shower or toilet too long, can result in a quick fix becoming a much larger issue. Repair methods can vary greatly depending on the problem. Your local plumber has the tools and know how to find out exactly what is causing your plumbing issues. Knowing the exact cause and location of the blockage will make the fix easier and quicker.

How does a plumber identify the issue and clean your drains?

Your plumber will use a small fiber optic cable with a camera attached to investigate what is going on in your drains. Not only will this identify what the blockage is made from, it will also show the condition of your drains. They can then determine the best way to clear the blockage and clean your pipes. From there they can clear the blockage with an electric eel or water jetter.
Only professional plumbers have access to equipment like a water jetter, which is by far the most effective tool when it comes to drain cleaning. Hydro jetting uses extremely strong water pressure to expel any debris and blockages from your drains. It is usually a quick process.

Is there anything I can do to prevent blockages?

Be aware of what not to put down your sinks or flush down your toilets.

• Grease, fats and oils
• Eggshells
• Pasta, rice and potatoes
• Bones
• Stringy or fibrous foods
• Tissues and paper towels
• Sanitary items
• Flushable wipes – these really aren’t designed for use in our sewage systems

If you have a slowly draining sink, shower or toilet,And also a sentence re slowly draining- don’t ignore – most probably won’t get better will get worse.

At Fantastic Plumbing, our professional team of plumbers can inspect and clear any blockages efficiently and effectively. Located in Byron Bay, we service Ballina, Banora Point, Lennox Head and surrounding areas. Get in touch at 0480 021 120 now to get your drains inspected.