Drains are responsible for a range of activities; from disposing of water build up when it rains or snows, all the way to helping to transport household waste. If a drain is ever stopped from performing its tasks, the consequences can often be very unwanted; especially if the drain is responsible for expelling waste. Drain clearance services are normally the way to go, but the type of service required will vary depending on the drain and the type of problem present.
Clearing a Blocked Drain
There are two types of blocked drain; those that suffer with internal blockages, and those that suffer with external ones. In any instance, it’s important to remove the source of the blockage, as opposed to trying to wash it away because it will run the risk of simply blocking somewhere else along the line.
When it comes to clearing a blocked drain, it’s not always a task that can be tackled using standard tools, and the help of a professional is advised. In extreme cases, chemicals may need to be used to help to break down the blockage, but the most common solution is to remove the traces of blockage and dispose of them properly.
Breaking Down Blockages
As briefly mentioned above, it may be necessary to break down the cause of a blockage as opposed to removing it. This is normally the case when a blockage is out of reach, or when it comprises materials that are not easy to collect physically. One of the most effective ways to break down a blockage is by using chemicals – and this should only ever be undertaken by a qualified professional. These chemicals can often be harmful to the environment, so knowing how best to handle them is something that only professionals should attempt. Once the chemicals have been applied, they should be able to eat away at the blockage and a quick flush of clean water should help to carry the remnants away.
Removing Dried Blockages
It’s not uncommon for leaves, branches and other materials to make their way in to a drain and this can cause a significant problem; especially during warmer seasons. As the lack of rain will reduce the speed in which these items can decompose, people are sometimes left with a drain that has been filled to bursting point with dried materials. Even watering them down may not help if the weather is warm enough to dry the location, and attempting to wash the leaves further down the drain isn’t advised as it can cause another blockage as the materials collect. One of the main solutions is to clear the debris using a vacuum device. As this will involve heavy duty equipment and possibly pipe relining and the potential for internal access being required; it’s advised that you hire a professional to take care of the task for you to avoid risk of damage or injury.