18Aug

Signs Your Home Plumbing Needs Replacing

18th August 2020Plumbing, Projects

Your home plumbing is an important aspect of your property, and requires regular maintenance and checks in order to stay in good condition.

How To Spot If Your Home Plumbing Needs Replacing

It can be difficult when you are not qualified and do not understand plumbing to notice when something is up. In most cases, plumbing issues are often undetected until it’s too late, this is because sometimes they do not always portray warning signs which you can pick up on.

Although it’s most likely one of the most overlooked home issues by homeowners as it’s more external and out of sights, it’s one of the most important parts of your home, and if left damaged or faulty, it can have a negative effect on your property, causing issues such as water damage and severe deformation of your belongings or warped flooring. Although water may seem harmless, it can start destroying your property within minutes and can have devastating effects, that if left long enough may even be beyond repair.

So if your worried that your plumbing system may be slightly dated, or if you’ve been seeing any warning signs that it could be outdated or damaged then its time to call gas services Leeds to assist you with checking your boiler and the rest of your plumbing. If you want to look out for any potential warning signs that there could be any issues with your home’s plumbing, then keep reading! We’ve devised a list of the most common signs that your plumbing system needs replacing.

Slow Drain Drains

This can happen in any of the rooms in your house, whether it be your bathroom sink or your kitchen sink. If you notice that your drains are taking a while to drain out any water or liquid, this could be an indication that there’s a problem. If you often tip things down your sink that you shouldn’t or have been putting small chunks of excess food down your kitchen sink, this could be what’s causing your drain to drain slow.

The food or excess liquids could have become clogged up if this is the case you can put drain cleaning chemicals down your drain to break up the blockage. Or you could use a drain snake to break up and pull out all of the blockage. If you have done all of this but still find your pipes blocked up, then this could be an indication that there is a more complex issue that needs a plumbers attention.

water draining

Polybutylene Pipes

This kind of pipe was used widely in plumbing between the years of 1970-1990, so if you have a new-build home, then you should be exempt from this problem. This material was widely favoured by plumbers all over the UK due to its flexibility within plumbing and the fact that it was more affordable than other plumbing materials.

As well as this it was easier to use due to its flexibility. Although, it was later discovered that Polybutylene is toxic and can have a negative effect on the human body over a prolonged period of time. If your home has Polybutylene pipes, then the water that flows through them into your drinking taps can be contaminated and toxic. You may not notice it at first, but if you are feeling general unwellness, then it could be down to this.

Get a plumber to check your home’s pipework, especially if you live in a slightly older house. Polybutylene is commonly found, and it could be affecting your health, so be sure to get it looked at.

Bad Smelling Drains

Bad smelling drains can affect the overall scent of your home. If you are having guests over, then this smell can be extremely off-putting, especially in somewhere like the kitchen. Often it can be simple to diagnose the cause of a bad smelling drain; it is usually food that has clogged up in your pipework that has begun to rot.

To avoid this, you should refrain from putting any food scraps down the sink; you should only be pouring liquids down your drain – excluding fats and oils. If your drains smell like egg, this can be the sign of a more serious issue. This often means that you have a blocked up drain vent, which is backing up sewer gas into the pipes in your home. Although this is not necessarily dangerous at this point, when left it can become hazardous. So it’s essential that you contact a qualified plumber to address the issue.

water in sink drain

Low Water Pressure

We often replace plumbing work in clients homes due to low water pressure issues. Low water pressure is when the water that comes out of your showers or bathroom and kitchen taps drizzles out at a slow pace, even when turned on full power. Your taps should shoot out high-pressure water, but if it’s become trickling or barely comes out even when on the highest power setting, you could have a problem.

This is a more frequent issue in older properties in which the plumbing and pipework has become damaged and faulty. Although it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact cause, it is often down to a leak, poorly sized pipework or a clog.

Noisy Taps

The only noise your tap should make should be the noise of water gushing out. If you hear any abnormal or gurgling noises coming from your kitchen or bathroom taps, this often indicates a problem. A gurgling sound in a tap usually means that there is air trapped in the pipes, which should not be happening and can mean that there is a problem with your bleed off system.

If this is the case, this is not a simple fix, and we would definitely recommend calling out a plumber to come and address the issue.

water filling glass

Fix Your Home Plumbing

Even if you do not have an indication of any problems with your home’s plumbing system, it’s always worth a professional giving it a checkup just to ensure that there isn’t the potential for something to break or go wrong. We recommend yearly plumbing maintenance in order for a healthy, leak-free home.

For any more information on boiler servicing Yorkshire, or any of our other services, please feel free to contact a member of our staff today.

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18Aug

10 Ways To Detect Common Plumbing Issues

18th August 2020Plumbing, Projects

As a new homeowner, or even experienced, it can be tricky recognising telltale signs that indicate a problem with your plumbing system. Some warning signs are considerably more visible and easy to notice than others, which makes it hard to understand when it’s time to enlist the expert advice of a professional plumber.

To ensure that your water and heating system remains intact and to avoid serious, costly repairs in the future, we have devised a list of the top ten common plumbing issues and how to detect them.

Most Common Plumbing Issues

There are many different plumbing problems within the home that can be solved through a little DIY and elbow grease. When moving into your first home, it is important to invest in essential plumbing tools to use in the event of an emergency. Tools such as a plunger, pipe wrench, seal tape and set of screwdrivers are all ‘must-haves’ to keep tucked away in your garage or under the sink for the future.

Always look out for the signs of a plumbing issue, the earlier that you can detect that something may not be right, the earlier that you can resolve the issue. We strongly recommend to keep your eye out for the following signs:

1. Rise In Water Bills

If over time, you begin to notice an unusual rise in your water bills, then it is most definitely worth investigating whether the case is an internal fault. Various different plumbing issues can quickly start to have an impact on the price of your bills such as a leaking toilet, dripping faucet or leaking pipes; all of which we will explain in detail within the next few paragraphs.

Remember always to take into consideration the time of year when contemplating the reasoning behind a high water bill. During the Summer, there is always a slight increase, especially if you are a keen gardener and use a sprinkler or hosepipe to water your garden. Similarly, over the Christmas period, if you have regular visitors and guests staying at your home, additional water will be used for showering, drinking, eating, flushing the toilet, etc.

water bills

2. Unusual Noises

Strange noises coming from your pipes or drain is one of the easiest ways to tell that there is a problem brewing. There are five different types of sounds you may hear: banging, humming, gurgling, ratting and whistling.

Banging noises occur when there is an issue with the water pressure either due to trapped air bubbles or water hammers. If you notice the sound only when you turn on the faucet, then it is likely to be air bubbles; however, a water hammer will cause noise when you turn the faucet off.

Humming noises are a good indication that you have your water pressure higher than your system can handle, meaning that your pipes will begin to vibrate and cause a noise. Luckily, this is an issue that you are likely to be able to solve independently by making a few adjustments.

Gurgling is one of the most common unusual noises to hear when draining water and is due to a blocked pipe. There are tonnes of culprits for blocking pipes from soap to hair; it will just take some drain un-blocker, a plunger and some elbow grease to clear. For a guide to successfully clearing blocked pipes, take a look at the B&Q website.

Rattling pipes will require the help of a professional plumber to solve, as it is a problem that is hidden behind walls, ceilings or floors. We have many clients who call our plumbers Yorkshire to solve rattling pipes, and although it is easy to solve, cannot be done alone. A rattling noise is simply due to a fastener, securing pipes to the surface becoming loose or falling off.

Lastly, a whistling noise comes with age when particular components start to wear out, meaning that the faucets or valves are unable to function efficiently.

3. Slow Drains

As mentioned above, a common plumbing related problem is blocked pipes. These not only cause a gurgling noise, but make it harder for water to drain after, for example, a bath. The extent of the blockage differs between a partial and complete clog.

Although a plunger can help to loosen up the blockage and make it easier to flush through, it is incapable of removing it altogether; you will also need to use a drain cleaner afterwards.

There are many different tips that can help to avoid pipe blockages, the main of which is to invest into a sink strainer, which will collect all dirt, debris and hair, only allowing water to filter through. Always ensure that a strainer is used in the bath or shower, along with the kitchen sink. Also, when it comes to disposing of oil after cooking, do not pour it down the sink. Instead, use a jar or disposable coffee cup to store all old oil, which can then be taken to your nearest waste recycling centre.

plunging sink

4. Pipe Corrosion

Every few months, spend some time inspecting the condition of your pipes. Take a look under kitchen and bathroom cabinets for any signs of pipe corrosion and rust on the outside of pipes. Corrosion is a key sign of a water leak, which means if left unfixed, can begin to damage the floor and any surrounding surfaces.

Many different factors contribute towards a corroded pipe including oxygen in the water. Oxygen is known for, over time, causing the metal to rust and it means that impurities will start to build in the water, eventually creating a blockage. Another cause of rust is when the pipe is continuously holding water with a low pH. Although this problem is only common in copper piping, a low pH, similarly to oxygen, eats away at the protective layer of the pipe, making it easy for rust to form.

5. Low Water Pressure

Although the term ‘water pressure’ seems relatively complex, it actually simply relates to how fast the water comes out of the tap. If you notice that instead of a steady flow of water, droplets are just trickling out, it means that you have low water pressure.

It is essential to ensure that you check all taps in the house before determining whether you have low water pressure. One by one, run water, both hot and cold, in each room to identify whether the problem is only in a particular location or in all rooms. If there is only an issue when running hot water, it is likely to be a fault in your water heater rather than the pipework itself.

In some cases, when the low water pressure is only apparent in particular rooms rather than all, it is likely to be caused by a clogged faucet. This is something that you can solve through removing the faucet and cleaning out the aerator through soaking it in a combination of water and vinegar. Once re-assembled, if there is still a low water pressure, then you will need to purchase a replacement aerator.

dripping tap

6. Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets can be incredibly annoying, especially when you are trying to fall asleep at night and all you can hear is a constant dripping noise. No matter how tight you secure the faucet, it does not seem to work, which also means that you are continuously wasting water, therefore increasing water bills.

Solving the issue of a dripping faucet is, again, relatively simple and is commonly caused by a damaged washer caused by wear and tear. Washers are a vital component in all taps and essentially stop water from being able to push itself out when turned off. Most washers are made from rubber or silicone, which means that, with age, they quickly become either stiff, dislodged or start to tear. This allows even the smallest trickle of water to seep through the tap, which is what causes a constant drip.

7. Leaking Pipes

A leaking pipe is the most costly of all plumbing problems as the pipe will have to be replaced to solve the issue. There are temporary repairs you can make such as fitting compounds, but ultimately, eventually, you will need a professional plumber to replace pipework on your behalf. Avoiding a leaking pipe can be quite tricky as some of the most common causes are things such as cracking, excess water pressure and corrosion, which are often unnoticeable until the damage has already been done. Leaks are easily noticeable because you will immediately be able to spot a puddle under your pipe or there will be dampness under your sink.

Water pipes often burst and cause a leak during the Winter due to freezing temperatures. During the colder months, the water will begin to expand as it freezes, increasing the pressure within the pipe. Over time, the pressure will worsen causing the pipe to rupture. Frozen pipes, luckily, can be avoided through correctly insulating the pipes and water tanks. For more information on avoiding frozen pipes, head over to SSE.

burst pipe

8. Mould On Walls

Mould is caused by a build-up of excess moisture and condensation; it is a good indication of a plumbing leak. Although mould can be unsightly, causing green and brown spots to appear across walls, it can also be incredibly harmful to your health.

Consistently inhaling mould spores can have a negative impact on the respiratory system and starts to inflame the airways. Short term exposure to mould will cause coughing, tightness of the chest, wheezing and throat irritation. Whereas, long-term exposure will make it harder for your lungs to function effectively, eventually causing health problems like asthma.

9. Pungent Smell

The pungent smell of a blocked drain is unmistakable and can be spotted from anywhere, so is most definitely not a scent you want in the home. One of the most common causes of a blocked drain, as unappealing as it sounds, is trapped food. Trapped food will begin to rot as it decomposes, therefore, causing a bad odour.

If you do notice that your drains have become blocked due to excess food, it is easy to resolve. All you will need to do is fill your sink with hot water and bleach, then allow the mixture to drain through the pipes until the food is loosened.

draining food in sink

10. Running Toilet

If after you flush the toilet, there is a continuous flow of water trickling down, then it is more than likely that you have a running toilet. A running toilet can become just as annoying as a dripping tap and means that you will have to replace some inner components. Toilets often start to run due to a problem with the flapper valve. The flapper valve allows water to pass from the water tank to the bowl and when imbalanced or loose, is incapable of stopping the water from flowing.

Stop Future Plumbing Problems

Through regular maintenance and taking time to research and understand the different potential problems your water system may have, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of an expensive fault. Always keep an eye out for any changes in your plumbing and ensure that you investigate the problem as soon as it becomes noticeable. The longer you leave an issue unresolved, the more serious it will become!

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18Aug

8 Ways To Save Money On Water Bills

18th August 2020Plumbing, Projects

Boiling the kettle for a cup of tea, putting a second load of washing on and relaxing in a lovely warm bath; all things that we do every day, but don’t think twice about. While there’s nothing wrong with these daily occurrences, it’s easy to forget just how much water they require and the effect this can ultimately have on our water bills.

It’s easy to forget how much these day-to-day acts all add up until our water provider presents us with the dreaded bill. Only then does it become apparent that water can, in fact, cost quite a bit of money! It’s common for water to be used carelessly, with it being quite literally on tap, but it’s vitally important to consider your usage in order to save money on water bills and keep your monthly costs down.

Easy Ways To Save Money On Water Bills

While some of these easy ways to reduce your water usage may seem trivial; when applied to everyday life, it’s incredible just how much of a difference they can make.

Before you put some of these tips into action, it’s worthwhile looking at the way you pay your water bill. Depending on where you live, it could be beneficial to be on a water meter as opposed to being charged a rateable value per month. As detailed in this article from uSwitch, domestic water rates can fluctuate depending on water availability in your region. This means that being on a water meter may sometimes prove to be a cheaper alternative. Why not use the water usage calculator tool on United Utilities and see if making the switch would be worthwhile? They also offer advice on how to go about getting a water meter installed if you do decide to go down this route.

Whichever option you decide is best for you, the following steps will definitely help you save money in the long run. By reducing your water bills, you’ll have spare cash for holidays, cars or even a new house – as every little amount saved will help towards other expenses. Take a look through our article and try to implement them wherever you can in your day-to-day life.

  • 1. Fix Leaky Taps
  • 2. Shower Instead Of Baths
  • 3. Tap Off While Brushing Teeth
  • 4. Keep An Eye On Leaks
  • 5. Only Do full Washes
  • 6. Dishwasher Over Hand Washing
  • 7. Store Water In The Fridge
  • 8. Change Your Flushing Habits

leaky tap

1. Fix Leaky Taps

It may not seem like a big deal, but leaky taps can actually waste a great amount of money if left. To give you an insight into just how much wastage we are talking; if your tap leaked a droplet of water every second of every day, one gallon of water would be wasted every four and a half hours. This means that every day, 5 gallons of water would be wasted, amounting to 2.082 gallons per year!

Apart from the crazy amount of water they waste and being really annoying to listen to, a leaky tap generally indicates that a part needs to be replaced. While this is often just a small fix, such as a new washer, if nothing seems to work, it may be worth calling in an emergency plumber to sort the problem out right away.

Having offered emergency plumbing in Yorkshire for many years now, we have fixed many leaky taps in our time and can testify as to how much water they can waste if unresolved. While a leaky tap may seem like a simple problem to sort out yourself, we would always recommend calling in a professional to identify the underlying cause and sort it out efficiently.

2. Shower Instead Of Baths

While having a nice bubble bath every so often is a nice treat, you should try and avoid doing this regularly as the water use is huge compared to a shower. To fill a bath, around 70 gallons of water is required, whereas a five-minute shower uses around 10-25. Seeing this statistic alone is enough to prove how much water you could save by switching your bath for a shower.

To go one step further and save even more money, why not consider installing a low flow shower head? By buying a shower head with a flow of less than 2.5 gpm, your shower will work very efficiently, and you’ll undoubtedly save water. Ecocamel have a great selection of low flow shower heads for you to choose from. Our plumbers in Yorkshire and surrounding areas regularly install special fittings if this is something you’d be interested in trying out.

shower head

3. Tap Off While Brushing Teeth

When brushing your teeth twice a day, you’ll probably leave the water running while the toothbrush is in your mouth – like many of us do! This, however, will waste a large amount of water, particularly if your household comprises of many family members.

Turning your tap off while cleaning your teeth is something that you can start doing immediately, which will help to save money off your next bill. While it isn’t for everyone, why not consider buying a toothbrush holder for your shower? This way, you can kill two birds with one stone and clean your teeth while showering. Many places, such as UK Bathroom Store, have wall mounted and suction toothbrush cups for people who like to combine their showering and teeth cleaning!

4. Keep An Eye On Leaks

Leaks can come from numerous places and are sometimes hard to spot, which can be a nightmare when it comes to water waste. A burst pipe, for instance, can occur within a wall, causing water to leak profusely. Not only will this create a lot of costly damage but the water waste will make your bill spike. Leaks can also come from appliances or radiators and are only noticeable once a puddle or flooding has occurred.

Some broken appliances are more serious than others, one of which includes boilers; becoming quite dangerous when leaking. Water and electrical components are never a good combination, so it’s essential to have your appliances tested on a regular basis. This way, you’re more likely to stop a leak before it has the chance to happen, as your fixtures will always be in a good working order. We carry out boiler servicing in Yorkshire regularly to ensure that leaks never occur.

5. Only Do full Washes

It may be tempting to wash a top on its own if you desperately need it for a night out, for example, but by doing this, you’ll waste a huge amount of water. It’s definitely worth waiting until you have large loads of washing, so you’re using your washing machine as efficiently as possible.

If your current machine is on its last legs, you may want to consider buying an energy-efficient washing machine, to use as little water as possible. The Spruce have a handy article, listing the differences between high efficiency and traditional washing machines and things to consider.

loading a dishwasher

6. Dishwasher Over Hand Washing

Although this may sound completely the wrong way round, using a dishwasher saves much more water than continually hand washing your dishes. Similar to keeping your tap running while cleaning your teeth, you’re likely to do this while washing dishes in the sink. The amount of water use by doing this will be huge and will add up to much more than a full dishwasher would need to do its job effectively.

This is particularly so if you wash dishes in the sink more than once throughout the day, as your tap will be running needlessly on one more than one occasion. Instead of doing this, fill up your dishwasher during the day and pop it on when you go to sleep; this way, you’ll only be using water that is absolutely necessary. Similarly to the washing machine, you can buy energy-efficient dishwashers, to use as little water as possible. Take a look at this guide from sust-it for the best energy-efficient dishwashers on the market.

If you don’t own a dishwasher, there are still ways in which you can save water. Make sure you fill up a washing bowl within your sink, so there isn’t the need to keep hot water running over your dishes as you clean each one.

7. Store Water In The Fridge

How often do you let the tap run a little to let is get cold before filling up a glass of water? No one likes to drink tepid water that has been sitting in the tap for a while, but unfortunately, this also adds to your water wastage.

Again, while this is a little fix, it soon adds up and can save a considerable amount off your water bill if you make a conscious effort to stop. Instead, why not invest in a good water filter which can be kept in the fridge? This way, you’ll have access to lovely cold and filtered water whenever you need it.

flushing a toilet

8. Reduce Toilet Flushing

Did you know that toilet flushing accounts for a whole third of a household’s entire water usage? That’s a massive amount, so to end our list, we highly recommend taking a look at how you use your toilets.

It sounds weird, but how many times have you popped a tissue, wet wipe or even hair down the toilet and used it as a bin? It’s likely that at least someone in your household does this occasionally, but it should be stopped as soon as possible, as this uses a large amount of water unnecessarily. Toilets can use up to 7 gallons of water per flush, especially if they are old, so by flushing when it isn’t needed, you will, unfortunately, be adding to your water bill.

Another thing to consider when it comes to your toilets is the installation of a water displacement device. These are easily placed inside the cistern of each toilet, and retain water when the toilet is being flushed, saving around 3 litres of water each time. You could also think about replacing old toilets with new ones that have a dual flush system, which is proven to save money on your monthly water bill. For information on both of these and more water saving ideas, take a look at Save water Save money; a great site if you’re looking to save money on your water bill.

Save Water and Save Money

There’s no doubt that by reducing your water usage, you’ll save money on your water bills. By following these pointers, the next time your bill hits the doormat, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much lower it is to normal. Even the smallest of actions, from turning your tap off while cleaning your teeth and reducing toilet flushing, will make a huge difference, so it’s well worth putting some into action.

We hope you’ve found this helpful and have gone some way to helping you save money. Help your family and friends do the same by sharing this article on social media; they will all definitely thank you for it when their next bill arrives!

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28Aug

How To Prevent Blocked Drains

28th August 2018Plumbing, Projects

Drains are designed to remove unwanted water or waste liquids effectively, so when they become blocked and cannot perform this function, it can be very frustrating and inconvenient. For this reason, it is important to know how to prevent blocked drains and keep your home in working order.

All you need to know about how to prevent blocked drains

If you don’t know the warning signs that indicate your drain may be blocked, it could result in unwanted costs to fix the issue and cause unnecessary stress. Warning signs to look out for include:

  • Unpleasant odours – Blocked drains have a tendency to emit unpleasant odours, especially as a result of food debris build up. As food slowly decomposes, it creates a noticeably bad smell, which is worsened when the tap is turned on.
  • Slow drainage – This is the most common indicator that your drain may be blocked. When water has to filter through or around a blockage, a sluggish flow is created.
  • Raised water levels – If you flush your toilet and notice the water level rises higher than normal, this typically means there is a blockage. However, if the water rises to the point of overflowing, you should contact OMR Plumbing as there could be a more serious issue.
  • Gurgling sounds – Strange gurgling sounds from your drains or plug holes should be treated as a potential blockage. These sounds occur when there is trapped air in the drain, and it escapes when you run water.

Of course, these are warning signs that indicate your drain is already blocked, but there are many methods you can utilise to prevent things from getting to this stage. Keep reading to find out what they are and how you can save yourself the hassle of dealing with a blocked drain.

Hot water

Pouring boiling hot water down your drain is possibly the easiest and most cost-effective solution to preventing a blockage. If you think any fat or oil has made its way into your kitchen sink, you need to act fast before it solidifies and blocks your drain. Pouring hot water down the sink will melt the unwanted fat and oil so it can exit your drain without causing any issues. However, it should be noted that if you have PVC pipes, the hot water could cause their joints to loosen. Moreover, if you have a porcelain sink bowl, you should never pour boiling water directly onto it as it could cause it to crack. The best way to stop this from happening is to pour the water directly down the drain.

Be cautious of what you flush

Flushing the wrong items down your toilet could be disastrous and not only lead to blocked drains but flooding of your home. To avoid this, we have devised a list of the most common objects that people flush down the toilet which causes major damage:

  • Feminine products
  • Baby wipes/wet wipes
  • Q-tips/Cotton balls
  • Nappies
  • Paper towels
  • Cigarette butts
  • Dental floss
  • Gum
  • Medication

Put simply, the only things you should flush down your toilet is human waste and water.

Invest in a sink strainer

If you don’t already know, a sink strainer is a type of perforated metal sieve that filters out solid debris in your water system. In your household, you can use a sink strainer as a drain cover for your kitchen sink, shower or bath.

Clean and maintain regularly

Whether you decide to use DIY methods or cleaning products bought from the shop, there are so many ways which you can effectively clean your drains to prevent blockages. As natural products are safer than toxic chemical-based cleaners, here are some DIY drain cleaning solutions you can use:

Baking soda and vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are a classic combination when it comes to household cleaning, and the dynamic duo will effortlessly keep your drain clear and fresh. All you need to do is combine 70g baking soda with 30g table salt and pour it down the troublesome drain. Then, take 250ml of heated vinegar and pour this down the drain too – it should foam and bubble. At this point, it is worthwhile to cover the drain with a plug or duct tape to prevent the mixture from escaping. After letting it sit for 15 minutes, you should then run the hot tap or pour boiling hot water down the drain for approximately 30-60 seconds. If your drain has a stubborn clog, repeat the process until you feel it has been removed.

If you perform this method once a month on a regular basis, your drain is less likely to become blocked in the future and will remain in pristine working condition.

Cream of tartar

Safe to use in the bathroom or kitchen, this homemade drain cleaner will have your sink, bath or shower flowing freely in no time at all. All you will need is: a paper towel. 55g bicarbonate of soda, 75g salt, 40g cream of tartar and 500ml boiling water.

Firstly, remove the drain trap and clean as much as you can – using a kitchen roll to wipe around the drain and remove any bits of food or collections of hair. Next, mix together the bicarbonate soda, salt, and cream of tartar in a small container. Once well shakes, sprinkle the mixture down the clogged drain. You should then pour the boiling water down the drain and let the solution work its magic for around an hour. When an hour has passed, simply rinse with cool water. This mixture is useful as the salt and bicarbonate of soda work together to help scour pipes and break up any blockage, while the cream of tartar naturally cleans metals.

The salt and bicarbonate of soda work together to help scour pipes and break up buildup, while the cream of tartar naturally cleans metals.

If these methods don’t appear to work, you may want to opt for a commercial cleaning product. To find the best one, read these reviews of the 5 best drain cleaners in 2019.

Collect your food waste

As previously stated, a common cause for blocked kitchen sinks is the buildup of food waste. Foot waste in your drainage system can be very problematic, so to avoid this, you should make a conscious effort to collect as much food waste as possible. Not only will this prevent your drains from clogging up, but it is exceptionally good for the environment. You could opt to create your own compost from your food waste, or recycle it by taking it to your local food waste collection point.

Call a professional

Sometimes, our knowledge and creative DIY methods just aren’t enough to solve the problem. Luckily, there are a plethora of experts on hand to help restore your blocked drain to its original, working condition. Plumbing is very complicated, and if you are not well informed of how to fix a plumbing issue, it is best to leave it to the professionals. As well as having a dedicated and fully qualified team of plumbers that can effectively repair your blocked drain, here at RA Heating and Plumbing we offer many services that will keep your homes plumbing working to the best of its ability.

Just like new!

We understand what a nuisance a blocked drain can be and the disruption it can cause to your daily life. By using the ideas and methods above, we hope you will not have to suffer the wrath of a clogged up drain, but instead use your kitchen sink, bath and shower at any time with ease.

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