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Blocked drains can be frustrating, and in some cases, they lead to costly repairs if left alone for too long. Water pooling in the sink, a slow-draining shower, or an overflowing toilet are all signs that something is clogging the pipes. The good news is that most blockages start small and can be fixed without professional help.
Understanding the cause, knowing the right approach, and using the correct tools can save time and effort.
Water backing up instead of flowing down is the most obvious sign of a blockage. A sink that takes too long to drain, a gurgling noise from the pipes, or a nasty smell coming from the plughole are other indicators.
Some blockages happen gradually as grease, soap, and food waste stick to the inside of the pipes. Others occur suddenly when a foreign object, such as a baby wipe or cotton bud, gets flushed down. The first step in fixing the problem is figuring out where the blockage is located.
A quick test can help pinpoint the issue. Pour a small amount of water down the drain and observe how it behaves. If only one drain is slow, the blockage is likely in that specific pipe. If multiple fixtures are draining slowly, the issue may be deeper in the system.
A slow drain isn’t always caused by a blockage. Some plumbing issues can mimic the symptoms of a clog. A broken pipe, a problem with the main sewer line, or an issue with the venting system may also cause water to drain slowly.
Common false alarms:
If plunging and drain cleaners don’t work, or if the problem affects multiple drains in the home, the issue might be more serious than a simple clog.
Pipes can clog for many reasons, but some culprits are more common than others. Knowing what causes blockages can help prevent them in the future.
Bathroom sinks and showers often get blocked due to hair mixing with soap residue. Over time, this sticky mess builds up inside the pipes, making it harder for water to flow through. Even small amounts of hair can lead to stubborn clogs when combined with oils from soaps and shampoos.
Pouring cooking oil down the drain may seem harmless when it’s hot, but as it cools, it solidifies and sticks to the inside of the pipes. Over time, grease builds up and traps food scraps, creating a blockage that won’t budge with just water. Coffee grounds, eggshells, and starchy foods like pasta and rice also contribute to clogs in kitchen sinks.
Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper, but other items can cause serious problems. Wipes, cotton buds, nappies, and even small toys can get stuck in the pipes, leading to major blockages. Some products claim to be “flushable,” but they don’t break down easily and often get caught in the system.
Outdoor drains face different challenges. Leaves, dirt, and garden waste can build up in stormwater drains, leading to blockages during heavy rain. Underground pipes are also vulnerable to tree roots searching for water. Even a small crack in a pipe can attract roots, which then grow inside and restrict water flow.
In areas with hard water, minerals can accumulate inside pipes, reducing the space for water to flow. This kind of blockage develops slowly and is harder to clear with regular drain cleaners. Descaling treatments may be necessary to remove the buildup.
DIY Solutions for Clearing Blocked Drains
Minor blockages can often be cleared without calling a plumber. A few household items and a little patience can go a long way in restoring proper drainage.
This method works well for slow drains caused by grease or soap buildup. The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar creates a fizzing action that helps break down the clog.
Steps:
This approach is safe for most pipes and works best for mild blockages. It’s less effective for hair clogs or solid objects stuck in the drain.
Grease and soap scum can often be washed away with hot water. Boiling water helps dissolve fats and move soft blockages through the pipes.
Steps:
This method is not suitable for PVC pipes, as extreme heat can cause damage. Lukewarm or moderately hot water is a safer option for plastic plumbing.
A plunger is one of the most effective tools for clearing simple blockages. The suction helps dislodge debris and push it through the pipes.
Steps:
For sinks, covering the overflow hole with a wet cloth can improve suction. If water starts to drain more freely, the clog will likely be broken up.
Chemical drain cleaners can be useful for stubborn blockages, but they come with risks. These products contain harsh chemicals that break down grease, hair, and other debris.
Considerations:
When using a chemical cleaner, always follow the instructions on the bottle and wear protective gloves. If the blockage doesn’t clear after one attempt, avoid pouring in more chemicals, as this can make the problem worse.
DIY solutions can handle minor clogs, but some blockages require professional help. Ignoring a serious plumbing issue can lead to expensive repairs, water damage, and health risks. Knowing when to stop attempting fixes and call an expert can prevent bigger problems.
Graham & Sons Plumbing has years of experience handling all types of drainage issues, from stubborn clogs to major sewer line problems. Our team is equipped with the right tools to diagnose and resolve even the most complex plumbing issues quickly and efficiently.
We, at Graham & Sons Plumbing, have the expertise to clear stubborn blockages, remove tree roots, and repair broken pipes. For cases involving the main sewer line, professional intervention is the safest and most effective way to restore proper drainage. Their team is available for emergency plumbing services, ensuring problems are resolved before they escalate.
A blocked drain can be a hassle, but most clogs can be prevented with a few simple habits. Keeping drains clear and knowing what should never go down the pipes can save time, effort, and money.
A blocked drain is more than just an inconvenience—it can lead to bigger plumbing problems if ignored. Recognising the warning signs, using the right DIY methods, and knowing when to call a professional can prevent unnecessary stress and expenses.
Most clogs can be avoided by being mindful of what goes down the drain. Simple habits like keeping food scraps out of the sink, using drain covers in the bathroom, and regularly flushing drains with hot water can keep pipes running smoothly.
When home remedies fail, or multiple drains are affected, it’s time to bring in a plumber. Fixing a small issue early is always better than dealing with a major plumbing disaster later.
Yes. We work on weekends as well. For us, all of them are working days, whether it's the weekend or weekdays. We are available to facilitate you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 30 days a month. In short, we are available at your service all over the year.
Plumbing emergencies do not see day or night, weekday or weekend; they can occur at any time. Hence, to ensure our customers' safety, we are always available for them.
Since serving our customers is our priority, we will never disappoint you. A few minutes delay during a plumbing emergency can put your and your loved ones’ safety at risk. Thus, to ensure your safety, we are just a call away.
We offer our services even on Christmas, New Year, Easter, and other special holidays.
Grahams & Sons plumbing service offers a top-notch experience to their clients. We guarantee our performance with high-quality results. Moreover, you will also receive a warranty period on everything done by our plumbers.
Since building customers’ trust is our top priority, we ensure that our services last for extended periods making it worth your money. We only hire certified plumbers in our team. Hence, every service they provide will guarantee maximum results.
As we train our plumbers to take care of your every need, we also ensure they perform everything according to the Plumbing Code of Australia. They will follow all the technical and safety standards of plumbing and drainage to deliver a highly qualified service.
Even the Master Plumbers Association recognize us as their member. It’s an industry-level organization that deals in all building and construction-related matters, including installing pipes, drainage systems, etc.
Hence, you can call us if you face any issues even after taking our services. However, the warranty period differs with every service. You can enquire everything about it on a phone call with our representative or visit our website to get further details.
We offer our services at a cost-effective rate. You can avail of all our services on a low budget. Since we prioritize customer satisfaction to build long-lasting relationships, we provide budget-friendly services.
Our company understands your plumbing needs and provides you with all the crucial services at a very affordable price. To ensure customer satisfaction, we also discuss the budget with you before starting the work.
However, the cost of a job depends on the work you need. Although our services are budget-friendly, there are different costs for every service.
You will get an extensive range of plumbing services with reliable work on a low budget by getting in touch with Grahams & Sons. Above all, we can agree on a mutual budget depending on your plumbing needs. We will discuss all the prices with you before starting the work.
Since we value transparency with our customers, there will be no hidden charges. We will discuss everything upfront with you. You can take your time to get satisfied before approving to start the work.
Wearing the company uniform is a necessity for all our workers. They will visit your house in an especially-tailored Grahams & Sons dress, making it easier for you to identify them. Moreover, we train our workers diligently to follow all the essential work ethics.
They will first introduce themselves. They also take proper care of your house’s cleanliness. Hence, they will enter your home by removing their shoes outside.
Our workers are very soft-spoken and will explain everything to you in detail, including the problem and its potential solution. Moreover, they will also provide you with a few valuable suggestions to keep your plumbing system in top-notch condition.
All in all, our workers will follow all the work ethics according to the plumbing code. Since they come in a uniform, you can know whom to trust. It also helps you stay aware of fraudulent people who may want to invade your house with bad intentions.
No, we don’t charge any call-out fee. Moreover, our charges depend on the service you want to take. We never take hourly rates as the final expenses can become unaffordable for you.
We know that many people prefer hourly rates, but we find it easier to keep things transparent in this way.
Since there are hundreds of plumbing issues that can occur with you. If you lack basic knowledge about drain systems and lines, you might not be able to explain the problem adequately. Hence, we won’t be able to send an expert technician if we don’t know about the issue.
To cut down on this problem, we offer free call-out services. You can call our plumber at your house for him to determine the problem deeply. He will then make you aware of the rates according to the workload.
Our every service has a fixed fee, which we can only determine after our plumbers inspect the exact problem.
Yes, we have a genuine license to carry out plumbing services in the country. Moreover, our company and all of our employers also have an authentic license. We don’t hire unqualified plumbers.
Moreover, we also keep training our plumbers according to the latest rules and regulations to ensure the delivery of high-quality services at your end. They go through different types of training, including regular, necessary, and self-development ones.
We understand a worker's behavior is as essential as their plumbing talent. Hence, we also train them regarding the primary communication rules to ensure a perfect experience for you.
Be it repairing the draining issues, installing a new drainage system, or dealing with gas leakages; we hold a license to carry out all the work. Hence, you can trust our services blindly.
We don’t believe in carrying forward the stigma of hiring unlicensed workers who not only deliver low-quality services but can also put your safety at risk.
We ensure to hire only those workers who have studied for at least six years or more before getting a license. It’s our foremost responsibility to keep you and your loved ones safe.
We also ensure that you receive the best results making your investment worth it. You will never get disappointed by trusting our services.
Yes. You can call us at 02 9199 7430 to discuss a quotation for any plumbing service you want. Our customer support representatives will guide you throughout. We aim to form friendly relations with our customers. Hence you can discuss any query without being hesitant.
Providing quotations beforehand is a significant part of our policy. We ensure that you have a clear view of how far the expenses can go before we start the work. It’s totally on you. If you like the prices, you can approve, and other plumbers will immediately begin the work. If you want some time to think, we don’t have any issue with that. Moreover, there is no call-out fee, so you don’t have to worry about spending money.
You can call our plumbers to check everything before starting the work. It’s crucial to ensure we don’t get any last-minute surprises. Since extra work will add to your quotation charges which can affect our transparency. Hence, we don’t charge any amount for calling out the plumbers or for asking the quotations over a phone call.
We understand that having an accidental mishap or property damage is the least expense you would want to deal with. Our company deeply cares about our client's physical well-being and their valuable assets.
Hence, we guarantee full insurance in case of property damage or any accidental consequences caused by our plumbers. Although these types of incidents are rare, we want to be there for our clients in case of such accidents.
We value our customers by providing transparent services to build trust and satisfaction with our work. Customer welfare and satisfaction are our first priority so rest assured you will be insured while we are carrying out your work.
We ensure to properly guide our clients about each procedure for their ultimate satisfaction. In case you have stumbled across a particular plumbing dilemma and require our expert advice, our customer support is within seconds of reach.
No matter the problem, you can always reach out to our customer service to find an adequate response in no time. We have a team of credible and experienced technicians specified for various sectors to solve your every problem in question.
To have effective and swift communication with our clients, our company has set up a skilled customer helpline. You can without hesitation contact our support service and inform them about your plumbing troubles. We will cater to your demands right away.
A plumbing emergency occurs when the drain system of your house is damaged to the extent that it can lead to severe consequences. For example, damaged pipes can let harmful gases enter your home. It is a huge health hazard if you or your kids inhale in such an atmosphere.
You should also treat blocked drains as a plumbing emergency. The dirty water can flow back into the sink and make you and your family members sick. This water is highly contaminated with bacteria, moulds, and other disease-causing microorganisms.
Also, the accumulation of contaminated water inside your house can damage your house’s flooring and property. It could lead to steel corrosion, wood swelling, and delamination of the luxury flooring and walls. Hence, you should treat blocked drains as soon as possible.
Even gas leaks are a dangerous sign of plumbing issues. Delaying it can put the safety of your loved ones at risk. It can cause fire to erupt or natural gas poisoning upon inhalation. You should not wait longer to call a professional plumbing service to resolve this issue.
We aim to give our current high-quality services. For this purpose, we provide the fastest answer. Once you call our landline number, the staff will be there in some minutes to cater for your plumbing needs.
If you give us a call, consider that your work is already done. We value your time; that's why we prefer the fastest arrival of our expert plumbers to your specified location.
The quick arrival facility protects you from any mishap during an emergency plumbing situation. Our plumbers can arrive at your house in a few minutes and can fix the issue very quickly.
A plumbing situation can be susceptible in some cases. If plumbers didn't arrive on time, anything could happen. We ensure your safety and security by offering the fastest arrival facility to keep you secure from emergencies.
As soon as you realize a plumbing emergency has occurred, you should call a professional plumbing company to visit and sort the issue out. However, till then, you can do a few things to reduce the damage it can cause.
Immediately shut off the main valve of the water supply in your house. You can find it outdoors near the water meter. Although it wouldn’t resolve the issue, your home will at least stay safe from flooding and water damage.
You can also try to unblock the drain through a plunger. Moving the plunger back and forth at the blocked drain's opening can eliminate soft blockages. However, it wouldn’t stop the stubborn block, and a plumber could only help.
Moreover, you should never use chemicals to clear the drain as it could corrode the pipes and damage them, which leads to a plumbing emergency. It’s also important to explain the issue on call so the company can send an experienced technician.
Also, you shouldn’t wait upon noticing a minor symptom of a plumbing emergency. You are making a mistake if you think it will sort out on its own. The intensity of a plumbing issue will only increase with time, turning into an emergency.
Although having no water in the house is not a plumbing emergency, it’s one of the worst issues you could face. Many things can cause this problem. However, you must check a few elements before calling a plumbing service to know if the issue is significant or if you can sort it out at home.
Check any other tap in your house to see if they’re working fine. If yes, then the tap is causing a nuisance. It’s a minor issue that you can sort out yourself. However, you should call a plumber to look into the problem if there's no water in any tap.
A blocked tap connection is one of the most common reasons for the no-water problem. Sediments can deposit inside the connection over time and make it subjected to rust damaging the pipe. Similarly, poor-quality water lines or improper drain installation can cause this issue.
Both issues are considered to lower the water pressure leading to a lack of water in taps and showers. It can also occur if your house's pipes are damaged or rusted. A buildup of grime inside the line can interfere with the flowing rate of water.
Toilet leaks are annoying as the contaminated water leaves an unpleasant smell in the entire house. Hence, you need to inquire about what’s causing them, mainly when the leakage is located at the base.
After figuring out the problem, you should contact a plumber to resolve the issue. Knowing the reason behind the leakage beforehand ensures that the plumber has all the right equipment and tools to tackle the toilet leakage.
A damaged or corroded toilet wax seal can also cause water to leak from the toilet’s base. The use of harsh chemicals can lead to this occurrence.
The leakage can also occur if the bolts of the toile have loosened. These screws hold the toilet firmly to the ground. Untightened bolts can lead water to flood out instead of going down the drain as you flush. If fixing the bolts doesn’t stop the leakage, it’s time to call a plumber who can identify and solve the issue.
A noisy toilet is not only annoying but a sign that something is wrong that you must fix as soon as possible. Many things can lead to a loud whooshing sound from the toilet as you flush it. It could be the ballcock assembly’s washer getting loose, or a bad fill valve can lead to it.
This situation can also occur due to calcium particles depositing inside the drain system. However, it’s an infrequent occurrence. Such issues can mostly happen in poor-quality toilets with metal-based valve assembly.
If the vibrating sound comes from the toilet during flushing, it’s most likely due to the fill valve. Similarly, if the noise comes from the tank, the culprit is the washer. You must call a plumber to replace them.
Even a dirty valve surrounded by grime could lead to noisy flushing. In that case, you won’t have to call a plumber as you can fix it quickly at home. Remove the lid of the toilet tank and find the fill valve. Clean the debris and direct water with pressure to clean it. Once it’s cleaned, your toilet will get back to silent flushing.
A toilet can block up for uncountable reasons. It can happen if you’re using a low-flush toilet. Although such a toilet can reduce your water bill charges, their capability to reduce the water pressure would lead to a block up.
Another common reason behind this occurrence is the blocking up of the drain pipes. If your drain system is poor, it will face issues draining hair, papers, and other debris, leading to a blocked toilet.
Moreover, you will most likely experience blocked toilets if your house receives hard water. It is because the minerals in this water type can calcify into a hard rock, restricting the space for water to pass.
A blocked toilet could also occur if you have a habit of flushing baby wipes. You might think they are safe to flush in the toilet, but it’s not true. This mistake is one of the most common causes of blocked toilets.
Similarly, it could happen if your kid flushes any external object, like toys, down the toilet drain. It would get stuck, leading to a toilet blockage. You would have to call a plumber to solve the problem.
According to plumbing studies, the average lifespan of a toilet is at least 50 years. However, it’s only applicable if the toilet is high quality and installed correctly. Maintaining it properly is also essential to avoid early replacement of toilets.
You do need a new toilet after getting some warning signs. The signs include a crack in the tank, a leaking toilet, time taking flushing, and frequent blockage in the toilet.
These warning signs tell you that the toilet can no longer do its work. If you receive one of these warning signs, call our plumber to replace your toilet. The quicker you take an action, the better it would be.
You should fix a pipe immediately if you find it burst. It is much better than spending dollars on the after-effects of it. If you find a burst pipe, consult our plumber as soon as possible.
However, you can use some practical steps for temporary fixing until the arrival of the plumber. It will help lessen the impact of burst pipes. The measures include turning off the main water supply, cutting the electricity, draining the taps, and cleaning the area.
If you turn the main water supply off, it will help to stop further water flow in the pipe. The whole process prevents further leakage.
If the pipe burst in the area with several electrical appliances, immediately cut off the electrical power supply. It will help to prevent any danger, damage, or fire.
You should drain all the water through the taps in your home, either internal or external. It can release all the water pressure in the pipe and prevent the leftover water from freezing.
A burst pipe can cause slow flooding. Thus resulting in moulds and algae on the floors. To prevent it, clean the area affected by it.
These steps can only lessen the impact. To fix it, you should consult our plumber immediately.
A leaking pipe isn't easy to identify as it is located under the walls, sink and ground. However, some warning signs can tell you about a leaky pipe. The signs include a water meter showing a leak, the noise of dripping water, cracks, a musty smell, water bills and stains on the floor.
Nowadays, modern meters are in almost every house. When it identifies a leakage, it will show you an alert about it.
If you notice any sound of running or draining water, identify its location. The pipe burst must be somewhere near the place.
If you find a crack somewhere on your home's walls with some leakage, consider it a sign of a burst pipe.
A leaky pipe can also cause moulds in its area. The moulds can produce foul smells. If you receive this smell, take it as a sign.
High water bills are one of the most relevant signs. If your water bill rises suddenly, a leaky pipe is wasting the water.
A burst pipe can cause stains or discoloration on the floor. It may be a pipe burst if you identify any stains on your flooring.
There are several pieces of equipment we can use to identify water leaks. This equipment can detect any water leakage, which human senses cannot. Equipment to detect leaks is considered very accurate.
The kit includes moisture meters, trace gas, acoustic alarm devices, thermal pipe tracker and image cameras. Our plumbers use these devices to detect the leak. Moisture meters identify the leaks through the moisture and dampness of water.
Heat cameras can detect it through the temperature of the water.
Acoustic leak detectors hear the sound of water dripping and identify the leak.
Trace gas detects small leaks by passing through pipes.
A leaky tap is not a big problem; you can even fix it at home. However, it might be difficult if you lack basic knowledge about the technical standards of plumbing.
In that case, you can call us; our plumber will finish the job in a few minutes with his top-notch experience. Be it bath taps, basin taps, or even the ones that include valves; our trained workers can fix anything.
We don’t discriminate between smaller or bigger problems. Regardless of its intensity, fixing an issue that’s causing you a problem is our priority. Our plumbers will also guide you if repairing the tap would last long or if replacing it is a better option.
You can even call us at midnight to replace or repair a faucet. We can even bring high-quality taps to your place for an urgent replacement.
A leaking tap can be annoying and frustrating. It is often considered a simple issue, but it isn't that simple. Almost every person faces the issue at a time. But it is often ignored by most people because they don't know the consequences of it.
Fixing it should be your top priority. The results of a leaky tap include disturbance in the plumbing system, damage to furniture, wastage of water and high water bills.
If you leave a leaky tap for a long time, it can disturb the entire plumbing system of your house. It can lead to worse water problems.
Additionally, it causes a massive amount of water wastage. Thus, leading to high water bills.
The water leaking from the tap can form a pool in your house. As a result, it damages your furniture, especially the wood.
When you turn on the tap and see a stream of water coming out, it's usually a good sign. However, if that stream of water is coming out faster than it should be, or if it continues even after you've turned the tap off, it's likely that you have a leak. While a small leak might not seem like a big deal, it can actually waste a lot of water and raise your utility bills. So what causes taps to leak?
There are various possible causes behind the leaking of a tap. Identification of the cause is essential to plan out a strategy against it. The reasons include damaged cartridges, pipe problems, loose fixed parts, corroded valve seat and high water pressure.
A tap cartridge controls the temperature and flow of water. If it is damaged, it can cause a sudden leak. Thus, resulting in a leaky tap.
The damaged or cracked pipe can be the reason behind the leaky tap. It can cause irregular water flow resulting in the dripping of the faucet.
Excessive or irregular water pressure can affect the water-flowing process. If the water pressure is high, the water flow will be slow. As a result, it can't find a backup point and starts dripping through the tap.
A tap can leak due to loose fixed parts. The screw and packing nut in the faucet can loosen over time, which can cause leaky taps.
Your tap can leak due to corroded valve seats as well. The water sedimentation can cause corrosion.
The constant sound of water droplets can make it difficult to concentrate or relax. If the leak is severe, it can even cause damage to your sink or pipes. So if you have a dripping tap, it's best to get it fixed as soon as possible.
Yes, our plumbing services include the installation of new taps. Although we have expertise in repairing plumbing issues, the technical plumbers in our team can also install new pipes, lines, and drainage systems from scratch.
Thus, we are a call away if you’re looking to hire a professional and high-quality service provider to install taps in your house. We can install every type of tap regardless of their installation space, including bath taps, basin taps, and any other option that suits your requirements. You can also trust us with high-quality taps.
If you haven’t bought the installation taps, mention them on the call. Our plumber will bring first-grade taps, depending on your installation needs. You can trust us with this as we only use branded products manufactured with leading materials to deliver the best results.
You could be facing frequent drainage issues due to multiple reasons. The primary being a buildup of excessive debris in the drainage pipes. It includes soap scum, hair, food particles, or grease.
If the drainage issue occurs in your yard, it could be due to leaves getting accumulated in the drain. Even clumps of dirt can block the drain. It can also happen if the pipe is broken, as tree roots can enter the drain system and block it.
Overall, a poor drainage system is a culprit behind the recurring overflowing of gutters. It can happen if your house’s plumbing system isn’t robust. The pipes can crack over time, leading to persistent drainage issues.
Even corrosion or ageing of the lines can contribute to this problem. If there are open joints in the pipe, water can leak, causing it to flow inside your house. If unblocking the lines doesn’t help, it’s most likely time to replace them.
Our professional plumbers use a high-resolution camera cable to detect cracks in pipes. It helps decide whether you need to replace them or repair them would be enough.
There are several home remedies to unblock small drains. You can use a solution of baking soda and vinegar, a wire coat hanger and dish detergent.
To apply the baking soda and vinegar to the drain, clean the drain with hot water. Mix a cup of baking soda and vinegar with hot water and pour the solution into the drain’s opening. Clean it after some hours and see whether it worked or not.
The wire coat hanger is another effective remedy to unblock small drains. First, straighten the hanger and leave the hook end. Now hang the hook end in the gutter to pull out any substance blocking the drain. After removing the hanger, wash the drain with hot water.
Dish detergent is a home remedy that is only effective for the toilet or shower drains. Hair can easily block your toilet and shower drains, resulting in a black residue. Dish detergents can break the residue and clean your drains.
Pour a cup of detergent followed by boiling water on the drain. After some time, remove it using your hands, and don't forget to wear gloves.
These home remedies can't remove large drains, so chemicals are better.
As anyone who has ever dealt with a clogged drain knows, it can be a nuisance. Water backs up in the sink, making it difficult to wash dishes or even get a drink of water.
You may consider a blocked drain a minor problem, but it isn't. If you leave a drain blocked, you can face serious consequences. The consequences include leakage, bad smells, and flood /wall damage.
Not treating a blocked drain for longer periods can cause a high-pressure build-up in the pipe. Thus, resulting in serious issues such as moulds, damps and rots.
The waste passing through the drain can produce a bad and irritating smell. A blocked drain affects the pipes of the drainage system resulting in the formation of fungus and other harmful bacteria. As a result, these bacteria’s produce frustrating smells.
Since blocked drains can build up the high water pressure, they try to direct force to the other side of the pipe. The other side can break at any moment. If the pipe is externally connected to your house, it can cause water flooding.
A blocked drain's most severe and dangerous effect is that it can damage property or walls. It can cause cracks and leaks in the walls. As the water enters the space, it expands and then finally cracks. This can result in weakness or even breakage of the walls. Such damages are severe and can cost several hundred dollars to fix.
In order to avoid these problems, it is important to clear blocked drains as soon as possible. There are several things that can be done to unclog a drain, including using a plunger or snakes. However, if the problem persists, it is best to call a professional plumber. Taking care of a blocked drain may not be fun, but it is certainly better than dealing with the consequences of leaving it unchecked.
The insurance policy may not cover some blocked drain expenses. The expenses include drain blockage cleaning, repairing, replacing and other drain maintenance costs. You are responsible for the maintenance of drains, and not your insurance company.
However, most home insurance policies cover the expenses of structural damages like cracks and leakage if they occur due to water damage. It also covers the costs of after-effects due to blockage in gutters.
If your insurance policy covers all these expenses, then you are on the safe side. All these cases apply when it's an accidental blockage in drains. You cannot claim insurance for damages if the backup is caused due to poor maintenance.
If your water heater is with a tank, you should replace it after its expiry date. However, this condition applies when you have regularly and adequately maintained the heater; if not, you should replace it when you start getting some warning signs.
These warning signs include high heating bills, low volume of warm water, and the appearance of reddish color inside the heater. It indicates that the period of the water heater has finished.
Other warning signs include noisy pitch and leakage in the heater. If you receive one of these warning signs, call a plumber to replace it.
On the other hand, an Instantaneous water heater has a longer lifespan than heaters with a tank. There are no specific warning signs for it. However, some indications can tell you that the time has come to replace your heater.
Warning signs like irregular water temperature, deteriorated water quality, and leakage are enough to determine that your heater is no longer in its usable position.
If you receive one of these signs, you should replace your heater as soon as possible with the consultation of the plumber to prevent any mishap.
The lifespan of a water heater depends on its type. If your water heater is with a tank, it can last about 8 to 10 years with regular services. The lifespan of Instantaneous water heaters is about 15 to 20 years if serviced regularly.
If it is a gas-type heater, it can last about ten years. Similarly, an electric gas heater has a larger expiry time frame than a gas type. It can last for almost 15 years. These are some general lifespans of heaters taken as an average.
Some factors affect the lifespan of water heaters. The factors include whether the heater is with a tank or Instantaneous, the quality of water, the location of the heater, and daily usage.
The lifespan will be shorter if you use it more than once daily. Also, hard water in the tank can lessen your heater's lifespan by about two years.
Moreover, the location of your heater is a significant factor in its lifespan. It would affect your heater badly if it is located in the basement, where it takes more time to heat the water.
It is crucial to consider some factors to select a good water heater for your home. These factors can tell you which water heater is best for your home. The factors include cost, fuel type, home space, and size.
The heater can affect your heating bill positively or negatively, depending on the fuel type. For example, if it is electrical, the bill charges will be higher than the gas type. Similarly, tank water heaters consume higher energy than Instantaneous ones.
You should focus on the size of the heater and compare it with the size of your home before selecting it. If your house is small, consider choosing an electrical water heater, while the heat pump or hybrid water heater is the best for a large home.
The cost of a water heater varies according to its type. If your budget is low, choose an Instantaneous water heater. In case of a high budget, you should buy a solar or hybrid type heater.
Before buying a heater, know its size. You should select a heater tank depending on the people in your house. For example, a 50-litre tank is enough for 2 or 3 occupants. Similarly, a 315-litres tank is adequate for 5 to 6 occupants.
The time depends on whether you want to install or replace a new water heater. If you install a new heater in your bathroom, it will take less time than replacing it. A licensed and certified plumber can install a new one in just 1 hour with a safe process.
If you want to replace it, he can take some more time as the process includes the removal of the old heater. The old heater's drainage, disconnection and removal method takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes.
After removal, he can take 30 minutes to safely unbox the new heater and place it in the correct position. The connection of lines and power supply isn't easy and quick, but a certified plumber from Grahams & Sons plumbing can do it in just 50 to 60 minutes.
In the end, the plumber will set it according to your demand, which can take 10 minutes. The whole process of replacement can take up to 2 to 3 hours, even with an expert plumber.
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