Drainage problems can cause a lot of complications in your home, including unpleasant odours, water flowback and general contamination. Therefore, if your drainage pipes are broken, clogged or blocked, it is important to conduct timely repairs. This will prevent escalation of the drainage issues in your house. Consequently, you will spend less on the repairs and avoid plumbing inconveniences. Here are essential guidelines for addressing drain problems.

Determine the Root Cause

If your residential drains are not working efficiently, it is important to identify the cause of the problem. Repairing superficial symptoms will not solve your drainage complications permanently. The drainage issue will most likely recur. For instance, the root cause of your wastewater flow problems could be the accumulation of debris in the pipes. However, in other cases, the cause is more complex. For example, there could be a root growing in the sewer lines, compromising the flow of wastewater.

Unblock Light Blockages

Once the cause is identified, you should determine whether you can resolve the problem using DIY techniques. In some cases, simple home solutions will restore the flow in the drain pipes. For instance, if your kitchen sink is blocked due to the build-up of fats, you can utilise hot water in unclogging the lines. There are also DIY drain cleaners on the bucket. If your bathroom drains are not working efficiently, you can use simple tools such as plungers and drain snakes to clear the pipes.

Consult a Licensed Plumber

If you cannot clear the drain with your home tools, you should consult a licensed blocked drain plumber for assistance. The specialist will identify the course of the problem in your drains. If it is a complicated blockage, they can utilise specialised tools and chemicals to clear out the blockage. Your plumber can also help you diagnose other problems. For instance, inefficient drains and recurrent clogs are often complex. These issues are caused by damage to sewer lines, and a professional is required for detection and repair.

Consider Drain Replacement

If your drains are old and damaged, you will need to plan for repair or replacement of the piping. The level of restoration required will depend on the extent of damage. For instance, if only a small section of the piping is broken, the plumber can patch up this localised area. However, in some situations, the whole affected drain pipe will need to be replaced for the restoration of the plumbing network. If you are uncertain about the right option, discuss your options with the plumber.