As interest rates rise and the cost of living continues to soar, it’s understandable that many North Shore residents are hesitant to call a plumber for fear of the associated costs. However, ignoring a blocked drain can lead to even greater expenses down the line. It’s important to be proactive with maintenance to avoid more costly repairs in the future.

Blocked drains are one of the most common issues we encounter as local North Shore plumbers. Whether it’s a sink, toilet, bath, shower, or floor waste drain, we’ve seen it all. We can even help when the worst occurs and you have intrusive tree roots or partially collapsed pipes.

Prevention is key when it comes to blocked drains.

Ignoring the warning signs of a blocked drain can also lead to bigger problems. It’s important to recognize the signs of a blocked drain so you can take action before the problem gets worse.

Look out for these warning signs:

• Slow draining sinks, showers, or baths
• Gurgling sounds coming from your drains
• Foul odours coming from your drains
• Water backing up into your sink, shower, or toilet
• Puddles of water forming around your home and in the backyard.

As the cost of living rises, many people are looking to save money wherever they can. One of the most effective ways to prevent blocked drains is to be mindful of what you put down them. Here are some tips for each room of your North Shore home:

Bathroom Drains:

• Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. Even products that claim to be “flushable” can cause problems.
• Use a hair catcher in the shower to prevent hair from going down the drain.

Kitchen Drains:

• Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps and prevent them from going down the drain.
• Avoid putting fibrous foods, like celery or corn husks, down the garbage disposal.
• Don’t pour grease, oil, or fat down the sink.

Other tips:

• Regularly clean your drains with baking soda and vinegar. Simply pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes, then flush with hot water.
• If you notice any warning signs of a blocked drain, such as slow draining water or an unpleasant odor, don’t wait to call a professional. Ignoring the problem will only lead to more costly repairs down the line.

While there are some simple fixes you can try yourself, such as using a plunger or pouring hot water down the drain, sometimes the blockage is more severe and requires professional help. Chemical drain cleaners can be effective but are often dangerous and not eco-friendly. It’s best to call a licensed plumber to diagnose and fix the blockage before it gets worse.

Procrastinating on calling a plumber for a blocked drain can be counter intuitive. Usually, by the time blockage has become a real problem, it’s too late for an efficient, low-cost fix. Delaying repairs for a blocked drain can lead to even costlier repairs down the line. If the blockage is left unchecked, it can cause the entire sewer line to become completely blocked with sewage and waste water.

This buildup in pressure can cause the sewage to overflow, backing up and spilling out of plumbing fixtures such as toilets or floor wastes in the house or from the ORG (Over Relief Gully) outside. In some cases, sewage may even make its way out of the pipe through a crack or hole, spilling into your backyard or courtyard. Repairing a damaged or collapsed sewer line can be an expensive process as it requires digging up the affected section, which can be a significant undertaking. Don’t let a simple blockage turn into a costly and unpleasant mess.

At Eze-Flow Plumbing, we understand the concerns around cost and strive to offer competitive and up front pricing for our services. We also use the latest equipment, including water jetters and CCTV drain cameras, to quickly diagnose and fix the problem. Don’t wait until it’s too late to call us. We’re here to help with all your Blocked Drain Emergencies

Contact Us Today!

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