Post By Admin
July 19, 2024Noticed something weird going on with your drains?
Maybe it’s that strange gurgling drain sound or the water taking forever to disappear. The good news is we’ve all dealt with such a situation!
We cannot strongly emphasise enough about the fact that blocked drains are a highly common Melbourne plumbing issue that can turn into a major headache and should be addressed quickly!
In this blog, we’re diving into everything you need to know about signs of a blocked drain.
From exploring the signs you should look out for, what a blocked drain looks like, and what happens when you ignore the issue. Plus, we’ll share some handy prevention tips and tell you who to call when things get out of hand – hint: it is your local trusted plumber in Melbourne!
Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or property manager, understanding the ins and outs of drain maintenance is crucial. By the end of this article, we hope you’ll be well-equipped to handle any drain issue that comes your way.
So, let’s get started and tackle this problem together!
How Do I Know If a Drain Is Blocked?
So, how actually can you tell if you’re dealing with blocked drains or a bathroom blockage?
Do you find yourself constantly reaching for the plunger? Frequent clogging is a sign that there’s a bigger issue lurking in your pipes.
There are several other warning signs to watch out for before knowing how to prevent blocked drain and ultimately how to unblock a drain.
First off, notice your water is draining slowly from your sinks, bathtubs, or showers? That’s a sign.
Secondly, have you heard a gurgling sound coming from your drain? That’s another clue, for sure!
Thirdly, is there an unpleasant odour wafting up from your drains? This is also a strong indicator that you’re dealing with a sign of a blocked drain.
Is that it? Unfortunately, the list still goes on.
If you see water pooling around your drain or backing up into your toilet or sink – this likely is a sign of having your drain clogged.
Foreign objects like kids’ toys, sanitary products, or excessive toilet paper can all lead to blockages.
Furthermore, if several of your bathroom fixtures are clogged at the same time – then, it’s a clear indication of a blocked drain.
These signs often point to common causes such as accumulated hair, grease, food particles, or even tree roots invading your pipes. Identifying these warning signs early can save you a lot of trouble and prevent more serious plumbing issues down the road.
What Does a Blocked Drain Look Like?
The picture above is something you won’t want to see as you walk into your bathroom or kitchen.
Water is pooling around the drain and spreading out across the countertop. It’s clearly not a pretty sight, right?
This is a classic example of what a blocked drain looks like – when the water can’t flow freely through the pipes, it backs up and creates a mess that’s hard to ignore.
In addition to an overflowing sink, you might notice that the water in the sink doesn’t drain at all, or if it does, it happens very slowly.
Sometimes, you can even see debris, such as food particles or grease, floating in the stagnant water. This is a sure sign that your pipes are blocked and need immediate attention.
Blocked pipes can also cause water to back up in other fixtures. For instance, flushing the toilet might cause water to rise in the shower or bathtub.
This happens because the blockage is preventing the water from flowing out through the proper channels, forcing it to find an alternative route.
What Happens When You See Some Signs of Blocked Drain?
So, you’ve noticed quite a lot of signs of a blocked drain. What happens next?
Will a blocked drain clear itself? Well, the answer based on most cases is no.
Hence, ignoring it and thinking it would resolve on its own is definitely what you should NOT do.
Water that can’t drain properly will continue to back up – leading to standing water in your sinks, showers, or even your yard! This standing water can pose health risks as they can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mould.
Moreover, unattended blocked drains can lead to costly structural damage repairs.
The excess water can seep into walls, floors, and foundations, which then will ruin your furniture, carpets, and personal belongings – adding to the stress and expense!
For starters, you can try some DIY methods to clear the blockage – like using a plunger or a drain snake.
If these don’t work, it’s best to call a professional plumber with expertise and tools to resolve blocked drains completely.
Who’s Responsible for a Blocked Drain?
Understanding whose responsibility it is for blocked drain issues can save time and prevent disputes.
To know the right answer, it can depend on whether the property is personally owned, shared, or rented.
Here are three common scenarios to help clarify who should take charge when faced with a clogged pipe.
If it’s a personal property.
As the owner, you’re generally responsible for maintaining and repairing any blocked drains within your boundaries, like handling clogged pipes inside your home and any external drains that fall within your property line.
If it’s a shared property.
It can be a bit more complex for cases with shared properties, such as apartments or condominiums. Typically, individual owners are responsible for blockages within their units, while the property management handles issues in common areas. It’s always a good idea to check your property’s bylaws or contact your property management to understand the specific responsibilities.
If it’s a rented property.
The landlord is usually responsible for maintaining and repairing blocked drains. Tenants should report any signs of a blockage to the landlord or property manager promptly.
However, tenants are expected to take reasonable care to prevent blockages like not flushing inappropriate items down the toilet. And, if the blockage is due to tenant negligence, the tenant may be held responsible for the repair costs.
It’s also beneficial for renters to familiarise themselves with The Residential Tenancies Act 1997, which regulates residential tenancies in Victoria. This legislation outlines the rights and responsibilities of renters, rental providers, and owners of rented premises.
Also read: How to Unblock a Shower Drain
Who to Contact When There’s a Blocked Drain?
When you’re dealing with a blocked drain, it is highly advised that you act fast! Note that a blocked drain is an issue that can escalate quickly. Thus, ignoring the warning signs can lead to a range of problems that go beyond just an inconvenience.
This is when knowing who to call can save you time and frustration.
For those in the Melbourne area, Neighbourhood Plumbing Melbourne is your go-to solution!
Our team of experienced plumbers can quickly diagnose and resolve any drain issues so that your plumbing system is back to normal in no time!
Whether you’ve tried DIY methods without success or you want to avoid the hassle altogether – professional help is just a call away.
Contact us today at 0488 885 122 and we’ll be right at your front door in no time.
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
