Blocked drains are a common problem in every household and can be an embarrassing situation, mainly if it happens during a gathering at your place. When sinks and drains are blocked, they lead to an unsanitary situation riddled with stubborn clogs and stubborn smells. However, in severe cases, these blockages can snowball into more significant issues like a plumbing emergency.

Plumbing emergencies are inconvenient and stressful, especially when they occur at odd hours. Delaying repairs can lead to further damage and costs. Therefore, it becomes fundamental to address the issue promptly before it escalates.

The functionality of drains in a house is straightforward: they carry out the waste and excess water out of the home. But when these drains get blocked, they interrupt this flow, leading to a back-up of water. An emergency blocked drain is caused when there are severe blockages that can result in burst pipes or significant leaks that require immediate attention.

Common Causes of Emergency Blocked Drains

Some typical causes of blocked drains include hair, food waste, tree roots, grease, and fat. Foreign objects, such as toys flushed down the toilet or an overuse of toilet paper, can also lead to a blockage. These elements combine and get stuck in the piping system, resulting in a disaster waiting to happen.

What to Do in the Case of an Emergency Blocked Drain

In case of an emergency blocked drain, the initial step is to turn off the water supply to prevent further damage. If the blockage is causing a leak, it is crucial to evacuate any furnishings or valuables from the area to avoid water damage. Alert everyone in the house to avoid using any showers, toilets, or sinks until the problem is resolved. It's also vital to have at hand the contact details of a professional emergency plumber, who can promptly come and resolve the issue.

How to Avoid Blocked Drains

To avoid future blockages, prevent discarding food waste, grease, and non-disposable items down the sink or toilet. Regular drain cleanings are also essential to maintain the efficiency and health of your pipes. Sustainable practices like using drain unblocking stevenage guards to catch food debris can effectively reduce blockages.

Also, you could consider investing in a drain snake or a plumber’s auger, as they can sometimes clear blockages where a plunger can't. High-pressure hydro jetters, also available for hire, can displace any severe blockages in your drain.

Consider Seeking Professional Help

Despite our efforts, sometimes the issue could lie deeper than a straightforward blockage. It could involve a faulty or a broken pipe. These require professional aid. An experienced plumber will have the necessary equipment to locate and address the problem. They may even use a small, flexible camera to inspect your drains and find the source of the blockage.

Drain emergencies can range from being minor inconveniences to major crises. A small issue today can eventually snowball into a significant problem later. Therefore, it is always wise to keep preventive measures in place and address any slight issues promptly. Regular maintenance checks by a reliable plumber could also help to nip any drain problems in the bud before they become a full-blown crisis situation, ensuring a clean and efficient home.