Though some homes experience more drainage issues than others, almost every homeowner has to deal with an emergency drainage problem at some point. Some drainage issues, like gutter blockages, can wait for some days, but others, like a clogged toilet, require immediate attention.
If you have some plumbing skills, you can solve some of the issues yourself, but hiring a professional for a deeper assessment is always advisable.
Below are some common drainage emergencies and what you should do when you experience them at home.
Clogged Sink Drains
Clogged kitchen and bathroom sink drains are a common issue, primarily due to the accumulation of muck and debris, like human hair in bathroom drains and bits of food in the kitchen drain line. You can use a plunger to correct the situation in some blockage cases, but some severe clogs would be challenging to handle without professional help.
To avoid the tough clogs, you should fix the drainage problem as soon as you notice that your kitchen or bathroom sink is draining slowly. For sink drain issues, one can use a chemical drain cleaner to dissolve the clog. However, it is not advisable to use such chemicals frequently as they can damage the drainpipe and cause leaks.
The most effective way to solve sink drain blockages is using a drain snake or a plunger to dislodge the stoppage. These tools will unblock the drains, but some tough clogs may need sophisticated plumbing tools only used by professionals. If you find that your tools are not clearing your sink drain, then it is time to contact a drain unblocking company.
Clogged Toilet
Nothing is as stressful as having a toilet that is not draining, especially if it is the only toilet in your house. Clogged toilets are a common drain emergency, and it can have several causes. Most toilets get clogged by a build-up of toilet paper and waste, but it can also be caused by flushing other solids down the drain. Some people can flush sanitary towels, baby wipes, condoms and a host of other items thinking that they will also go down the drain.
Toilets can also get clogged due to a compromised sewer restricting the free flow of the toilet drain. If more than one drain is clogged, then the problem is in your home’s sewer connection.
The solution to a clogged toilet is to use a plunger. A plunger may restore function by dislodging the clog, but you should contact a local plumber if the clog reoccurs. Also, avoid an overflow situation by not flushing a clogged toilet before the issue is solved.
Basement Flooding
Your basement can easily flood because of drainage issues, and if you don’t solve the problem, you risk damaging the walls and floor. In most cases, basement flooding results from backed up sewer lines, which, in most cases, is out of your control.
Since you cannot deal with basement flooding on your own, the only solution is to call an emergency plumber. The plumber will tell you if there is anything you can do to prevent further damage before they arrive.
