Blocked drains in Oxford can be a persisting issue due to the city’s historic and ageing infrastructure. Although it might seem tempting to handle these problems yourself, it’s often more effective and safer to hire professionals who have the necessary tools and experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss both ways of handling blocked drains and when to call for professional assistance.
The first thing that you should do when your drain is blocked is to identify where the blockage is coming from. The source of the issue might be a minor one, based in blocked drains oxford your home, or a bigger issue coming from the city’s waste management systems.
If your drain is slow but water is still flowing, it’s likely to be a simple blockage within your home. In the case of a complete blockage, the problem could be on the external side of your property.
The first step in handling a blocked drain is trying to unblock it yourself. A household plunger can often dislodge minor blockages. Hold the plunger over the drain and pump it up and down several times. You may have to do this a few times to get results. If the blockage is stubborn, a plumber’s snake or handheld drain auger can help. Insert the tool into the drain and then crank it to dislodge the blockage. Remember to wear gloves and goggles as the process can be messy.
For kitchen sink blockages, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can be effective. Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar into the drain. Let it sit for about an hour before rinsing with boiling water.
However, there are instances when DIY attempts do not manage to solve the problem, and it’s time to call for help. This includes recurrent blockages, foul odours coming from the drains, slow draining sinks, flooding, or when you can’t identify the source of the problem.
When it comes to blocked drains in Oxford, calling a local professional drain unblocking service is recommended. They are equipped with specialist tools such as a high-pressure water jetting system. These experts would diagnose the problem, unblock your drains, conduct CCTV surveys to investigate stubborn blockages, and provide guidelines to prevent future issues.
Opting for professional help ensures the least disruption to your routine, especially when dealing with blocked sewers, and keeps your home hygienic and safe.
In Oxford, you’ll find several drainage services offering emergency 24/7 assistance, meaning that they can help you any time, day or night. They will have all the relevant public liability insurances in place, giving you peace of mind.
Prevention is also a vital part of drain maintenance. Avoid flushing items such as wet wipes, sanitary products, or food waste down the toilet. This can reduce the chances of experiencing a blocked drain.
In conclusion, while minor drain blockages can be addressed with DIY solutions, many instances require the expertise that professional drainage services offer. This comprehensive guide should help Oxford residents in understanding how to effectively handle blocked drains. And above all, the best way to keep your drain system in perfect shape is to follow good disposal practices and schedule regular checks.