How to See the Signs of a Blocked Drainage Pipe
No one wants to clear a blocked drain out of choice. You only take on this kind of job when it's absolutely necessary. But a blocked pipe can be a serious issue caused by many different things.
Ferrous oxide, or rust, often accumulates at the bottom of pipes and can eventually cause blockage. This is especially true of a pipe that hasn't been used for some time. But there are also other causes. For example, a pipe could be blocked because of tree roots that grew into the pipe. In older homes, pipes can be made of clay, and large plants or trees can grow into the pipeline. Blockage can also be caused because of the misuse of sanitary products, or simply because the pipe broke due to age.
Blockage doesn't happen overnight. It often takes a number of years. Pipes crack because of weather or ground movements. A leak begins and gradually washes away the soil underneath the pipe, causing the pipe to eventually collapse. Another reason for a collapse might be extreme root growth of trees that are nearby. Pipes can eventually become completely root filled, and only then will you know it.
Whatever the reason for the blockage, this is usually a job where you need to call in a special plumber. A specialist can clear out an old pipe without having to dig up the entire back yard.
How Do You Know There Is Blockage?
The fastest way to know whether your drains are being blocked is by turning on the faucet in a sink or bathtub and realising that the drainage of the water is slow and sluggish. Blocked drains in the kitchen and bathroom will start giving off noticeable smells. Trust your nose when it comes to blocked sewers in Melbourne. To determine whether the entire sewer is blocked, or whether it might just be a pipe from the kitchen, fill the bathtub with water and then drain it. If you don’t have a tub, empty a large amount of water into the drain. If a wet patch appears around the outer side of an outside sewer drain cover, then there is a problem in the main drain. You can have a drainage issue for months before noticing there is a real problem. However, if you do notice a wet patch outside the drain you want to take care of it right away. The problem won’t go away by itself.
Am I Responsible for This Problem?
If you are the homeowner, you are responsible for all the pipe maintenance up until the pipes cross your property boundary. If the problem is the main drain which services the entire street, then the issue is one for your water supplier or city council to fix. At this point, it is best to call in a professional to handle the blockage and clean out the drainage problem. Call in a reliable and experienced plumber that can handle this type of problem in Melbourne.
