blocked drain

Blocked sinks can be a major inconvenience in the home, leaving you unable to perform daily household chores like washing up, or restrict use of your bathroom facilities. If the problem is left unattended, blocked sinks and drains can lead to flooding, with the resulting water damage requiring costly repairs. In this blog, we take you through some of the tell-tale signs of a blocked drain so that you can recognise the problem before it gets worse.

blocked drain

Slow draining sink

A slow draining sink is a common sign of a blocked or clogged drain. Soap, dishwashing liquid, food waste and other debris that are routinely washed down the drain build up over time, leaving less space for water to pass through. This will naturally result in slower drainage, which ranges from unnoticeable to a minor inconvenience, however without routine maintenance, a slow draining sink can soon become totally blocked. To combat this, you should periodically clean your drain using either chemical drain cleaner or a homemade solution (half a cup each baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water), manual tools such as a drain brushes or a zip-it, or if the problem is more severe, a plunger.

Black slime coming up from the sink

Black slime rising from your bathroom or kitchen sink is another sign you may have a blocked drain. This black slime is usually made up of a combination of soap scum, clogged hair, bacteria and other debris, so it should always be removed using gloves. The same methods as above can be used to clear this sludge from your sink, and care should also be taken to clean drain accessories such as plugs or stoppers to completely eliminate the problem.

Overflowing

Overflowing sinks are usually a sign of severely blocked drains and should be given immediate attention before flooding occurs. Towels and other absorbent materials should be laid down around the sink to avoid water damage to surrounding surfaces. You should also cease using the drain until the problem is fixed. You may be able to fix an overflowing sink yourself with a drain snake or plunger, this type of plumbing issue is usually best left to a professional plumber.

Gurgling

Although there may not be any visible signs that your drain is blocked, unusual noises like gurgling can also signify a blockage. A build-up of sediment in the drain will cause water to drain more slowly, forcing air bubbles to escape from the nearest vent rather than travelling through the drain as usual. This can result in an unpleasant gurgling noise. If gurgling is occurring throughout the whole house it may be a sign of a larger blockage in the main pipe. Once again, you can try the above DIY methods to fix this problem however it is recommended that you enlist in the services of a professional plumber for proper diagnosis and repair.

JPG Plumbing is a local plumber based in Melbourne, with many years of experience in blocked drain diagnostics and repair. We also offer a 24-hour emergency service to ensure your drain is repaired before any permanent damage may occur. For a free quote, contact one of our friendly staff on 0400 978 442.