Your Expert Blocked Drain Plumbers
Mr Emergency Plumbing has more than eight years of experience in clearing blocked drains. We know you don’t want to be waiting around for days with a blocked kitchen sink or clogged shower drain.
That’s why we have expert blocked drain plumbers who can be at your door just 30 minutes* after your call.
No matter how severe the drain blockage or what caused it, you can get your drain cleared today with a professional plumber from Mr Emergency Plumbing.
What are the Main Causes of Blocked Drains?
Dealing with blocked drains can be a major hassle, but equipping yourself with knowledge about the root causes can go a long way in preventing these inconveniences.
Let’s delve into the common culprits behind those stubborn blockages that can disrupt your daily life.
- Hair and soap scum: One of the primary troublemakers in your bathroom drains is the accumulation of hair and soap scum. Over time, these seemingly harmless elements can join forces to create persistent clogs that impede water flow. Learn how to combat this issue effectively to maintain a smoothly running bathroom drain.
- Food scraps: In the heart of your home, the kitchen, food waste, grease, and cooking oil often make their way into the drain, causing gradual buildups that eventually result in blockages. Discover strategies for proper disposal to keep your kitchen sink free from obstructions.
- Foreign objects: Accidents can happen, and sometimes, small items like jewellery, toys, or even cotton swabs inadvertently find their way into the drain. These foreign objects can be a nuisance, leading to annoying obstructions. Find out how to prevent such mishaps and maintain a clear drain.
- Toilet paper and sanitary products: Flushing excessive amounts of toilet paper, wipes, or sanitary products down the toilet can quickly turn into a nightmare, causing blockages in your toilet drain. Learn the right flushing habits to avoid unpleasant plumbing issues.
- Tree roots: Outdoors, your plumbing system faces a different threat: tree roots. These tenacious intruders can infiltrate your pipes and outdoor drains, creating severe blockages as they grow and create barriers for water flow. Discover how to protect your outdoor drainage from these underground invaders.
- Grease build-up: Pouring grease down the drain might seem convenient, but it’s a deceptive practice. As grease cools, it solidifies and adheres to the pipe walls, gradually constricting the passage for water. Find alternative methods for grease disposal to avoid this common plumbing problem.
- Mineral build-up: Hard water can leave mineral deposits within your pipes, gradually reducing their diameter and causing water flow problems. Learn how to combat mineral build-up and maintain your plumbing system’s efficiency.
Preventing blocked drains requires vigilance and the implementation of proper practices. Consider using drain covers to catch hair and debris, ensure food scraps are disposed of correctly, and never flush non-flushable items.
Regular maintenance with natural drain cleaners and professional cleaning can also contribute to the long-term health of your plumbing system, ensuring your pipes flow smoothly for years to come.
Tell-Tale Signs of Blocked Drains
Blocked drains can quickly disrupt your daily life, and while some blockages are immediately noticeable – like a toilet that won’t flush or a kitchen sink that refuses to empty – others may lurk beneath the surface, causing damage without your knowledge.
To avoid more severe problems and costly repairs down the line, it’s crucial to be aware of the early warning signs that indicate a blocked drain might be lurking in your plumbing system.
Keep an eye out for these subtle yet telltale signals:
- Unpleasant odours: If you start noticing foul or rotting smells emanating from your drains, it’s a sign that something is amiss in your plumbing. These odours often result from accumulated debris and stagnant water within the pipes, making it essential to investigate the issue promptly.
- Mysterious gurgling sounds: When your plumbing pipes emit gurgling sounds, it’s a subtle cry for attention. These noises can indicate trapped air within the pipes due to a blockage, hindering the normal flow of wastewater. Pay heed to these auditory signals as they could signify an impending drainage problem.
- Sluggish draining fixtures: Slow-draining sinks, tubs, or showers may seem like minor inconveniences, but they can point to a more significant issue beneath the surface. These delays in water flow are often caused by partial blockages, and addressing them early can prevent more severe clogs from forming.
- Decreased water pressure: A noticeable drop in water pressure throughout your plumbing system can be a sign of a blocked drain. Reduced pressure can result from obstructions hindering the smooth flow of water within your pipes.
- Abnormal toilet water levels: Keep an eye on the water level in your toilet bowl. If it’s consistently too high or too low, it may indicate a blockage in the drainage system. Ignoring this sign can lead to more significant toilet-related issues down the road.
- Water accumulation outside your home: Excess water pooling around your property or the appearance of sinkholes in your yard can be indicative of blocked drains. These drainage issues may lead to water backup and damage to your property if left unaddressed.
- Overflow during rainstorms: If your stormwater pipes and gutters overflow during rain showers, it could signal blockages in your drainage system. Properly functioning drainage should handle rainwater without causing overflow.
- Full inspection openings: Inspect your plumbing’s inspection openings or access points. If you find them full of water when they should be empty, it’s a strong indication of a blockage somewhere in the pipes.
- Dampness around your home: Lastly, be vigilant for signs of dampness or water-related damage around your home, such as damp walls and floors. These can be indirect indicators of a blocked drain that may be causing water to seep into your property.
If you’ve observed any of these warning signs, it’s crucial not to ignore them. A blocked drain can escalate into a more severe issue over time.
Contact a professional blockage specialist, such as the experienced team at Mr Emergency Plumbing, to investigate and address the problem promptly. Addressing these concerns early can save you from more significant plumbing headaches and costly repairs in the future.
How to Clear a Blocked Drain
Dealing with a blocked drain can indeed be quite a nuisance, but fret not – there are effective DIY methods that you can try before resorting to professional help.
Taking matters into your own hands can save you time and money, and here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you in clearing that stubborn blockage:
- Boiling water: Begin with a simple yet powerful remedy – boiling water. Carefully pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain in a slow and controlled manner. Allow it to sit for approximately five minutes, then attempt to drain again. This method is excellent for breaking down grease and minor clogs.
- Plunger power: If the boiling water fails to do the trick, reach for a toilet plunger. Ensure there’s enough water to cover the plunger cup, place it firmly over the drain, and give it a series of vigorous plunges. The pressure created can often dislodge even more severe blockages.
- Baking soda and vinegar: Combine half a cup of baking soda with an equal amount of vinegar. Pour this mixture down the drain and cover it for around 30 minutes. Follow up with hot water to flush away the remnants. The chemical reaction triggered by this combination can effectively break down gunk and clear the blockage.
- Wire hanger or DIY drain snake: Get creative with a wire hanger or consider using a DIY drain snake (also known as a drain auger or plumber’s snake). Insert it into the drain and manoeuvre it to break up or extract the obstruction. This method can be particularly useful for reaching deeper blockages.
- Natural enzyme cleaner: Explore the option of using bacteria-based enzyme cleaners specially formulated for drains. These enzymes feast on organic matter that contributes to blockages, offering an eco-friendly solution to clear your drain.
A crucial reminder: prioritise safety at all times. When working with chemicals or using tools to clear blocked drains, ensure you wear protective gloves and eyewear to shield yourself from potential hazards.
However, if these DIY methods prove ineffective, or if you feel uncomfortable attempting them, it might be wise to seek professional assistance from Mr Emergency Plumbing.
Severe blockages may require specialised equipment and expertise to prevent any further damage to your pipes. Remember, with the right approach, you can often tackle blocked drains on your own, but knowing when to call in the experts is equally important for the long-term health of your plumbing system.
How to Prevent Blocked Drains
Clogged drains are undoubtedly an unwelcome hassle, but the silver lining is that proactive measures can spare you the frustration of dealing with them in the first place.
Discover effective ways to safeguard your plumbing system and maintain the uninterrupted flow of water with these practical tips:
- Embrace drain screens: Start by fitting drain screens or stoppers over your sinks and showers. These nifty devices are adept at catching hair, food particles, and other debris before they slip into the drain, ultimately preventing blockages from taking hold.
- Dispose of grease properly: Instead of pouring grease down the drain, adopt a more responsible approach. Allow the grease to cool and solidify, then scrape it into a designated container for proper disposal. This practice will help thwart grease-related blockages in your pipes.
- Exercise food debris caution: Be vigilant about food scraps going down the sink. Use a compost bin for organic waste, encompassing items like coffee grounds and cat litter. Employ a sink strainer to capture small food particles that could accumulate and lead to drain clogs.
- Regular cleaning rituals: Maintain the health of your drains by routinely flushing them with hot water. This simple action can prevent the buildup of soap scum, grease, and other residues. For an extra boost, periodically pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by a dose of hot water, to keep it clear and odour-free.
- Toilet etiquette matters: Abide by proper toilet use etiquette by only flushing human waste and toilet paper. Sanitary products, wet wipes, cat litter, and other items can easily become culprits behind troublesome blockages.
- Embrace gutter guards: If your drainage system is plagued by overhanging trees, consider installing gutter guards on your gutters. These guards serve as a barrier, preventing debris from trees from infiltrating your drainage system.
- Tree root vigilance: If your property boasts trees in close proximity to your pipes, it’s wise to schedule regular inspections. This precautionary measure can help identify invasive roots early on and thwart them from infiltrating your pipes and outdoor drains.
- Professional maintenance: Don’t underestimate the value of periodic professional drain cleaning. This proactive step ensures that any emerging issues are promptly detected and resolved before they escalate into major problems. When dealing with severe blockages, always turn to a qualified professional plumber equipped with advanced tools like a CCTV drain camera and a high-pressure water jetter. They can even perform pipe relining if necessary.
Regardless of your plumbing system’s composition − PVC pipes, metal, or ceramic pipes − implementing these preventive measures can significantly reduce the chances of blocked drains. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your plumbing, you can enjoy a consistently smooth-flowing system and a hassle-free home environment.
30-Minute* Blocked Drain Service
Blocked drains can really interrupt your day, especially if it’s in the kitchen or bathroom. On occasions like this, Mr Emergency Plumbing can save the day. We have licensed plumbers on standby who can be at your door just 30 minutes* after your call.
Our team comes prepared to fix your clogged drain on the spot. Our vans are fully stocked with common parts and tools so we can get to work straight away.
This rapid response time means we can clear your drain blockage and you can get back to business as usual sooner rather than later.
24/7 Drain Cleaning
Mr Emergency Plumbing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So no matter what day or time you’ve found yourself with a blocked drain, we can send someone out for expert drain cleaning services.
Even better, we charge the same prices, 24/7. This means our drain cleaning services are the same price after hours, on weekends and even public holidays. You can rely on us for consistent pricing on clearing stubborn blockages no matter when you need us.
When you need a licensed plumber to help you deal with solid blockages in your shower drain or any other drain pipes, we understand that it’s a genuine emergency.
Don’t put your plumbing fixtures through any more stress. From blocked sinks to a clogged toilet bowl, let Mr Emergency Plumbing get your water flowing again.
So, when the in-laws are coming over for dinner Saturday night and you’ve found yourself with a blocked sink at 2pm, Mr Emergency Plumbing can save the day. No need to rush down to the local hardware store to buy a plumber’s snake.
Unblocking drains is one of our specialties. We’ll clear any drain blockages before dinner and make sure there’s time to spare. No one but you and our team will ever need to know about your blocked drains.
Interest Free** Blocked Drain Services
No one ever plans for drain blockages. That’s why a drain blockage usually happens at a back time for your household finances.
Leaving your blocked drain until you can save up to have it unblocked isn’t a good idea either. The severity of the blockage can get worse and cause even more plumbing problems and costs.
That’s why at Mr Emergency Plumbing, we offer a range of interest free** payment options for eligible customers. No matter the price to unblock your drain, you can get the job done immediately.
Simply choose a payment plan with one of our finance providers, Zip or Humm. Then you’ll have the convenience of making weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments, depending on the plan you select. Some plans even accept a $0 deposit, so you pay nothing upfront.
Your on-site technician can take you through the easy application process and approval usually takes only a few minutes. Then Mr Emergency Plumbing can get on with fixing your blocked drain.
We also accept payment by cash, cheque, direct transfer and credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express).
Ready to clear that blocked sink and get your plumbing flowing again as it should? Contact Mr Emergency Plumbing now and we’ll aim to have a plumber at your door within 30 minutes*.