Sometimes, a few basic plumbing tools and an online tutorial can be enough to solve teething problems without calling in a pro.
Unfortunately, not every problem has a quick fix. Even minor issues you might not think twice about initially can quickly spiral into costly, damaging repairs if they’re not handled correctly. The challenge is knowing when you roll up your sleeves — and when to call in a blocked drains specialist.
1. Persistent low water pressure
Has your once-strong stream of water turned into a disappointing slow trickle? This is a telltale sign of low water pressure. One of the most common offenders is the tap aerator — the small, screw-on device at the tip of the faucet. It can be a haven for all sorts of dissolved minerals from water, which build up over time and eventually restrict the flow.
If you spot this early enough, you can remove the aerator and soak it in a cup of vinegar overnight to dissolve the deposits. However, if this doesn’t solve the problem, it’s probably time to contact the pros. The low water pressure might be caused by a bigger issue that could damage your home if left unchecked.
2. Dripping or leaking faucets
A dripping tap might not seem like a major problem. But it wastes thousands of liters of water a year. It’s bad for the environment and can drive up your water bill at a time when utilities are already going up in price.
Drips are usually caused by worn or damaged washers. While replacing a washer seems pretty straightforward in theory, it can be trickier than expected, especially if parts of the faucet have started to wear down or are corroded. Quite a few modern taps don’t even have these washers, which means the repair might require very specific parts and expertise.
Not everyone has the tools or confidence to tackle these intricate jobs. If you want peace of mind that it will be done right, it’s best to get a drain specialist in. They’ll be able to stop the dripping and double-check the rest of your plumbing for other hidden leaks.
3. Frequently slow or clogged drains
When water starts to pool around your feet in the shower or takes ages to drain in the sink or bath, it’s a sign that something’s partially blocking your pipes. There are all sorts of things that can build up: food scraps, hair, soap scum, grease. A plunger or shop-bought drain cleaner might do the job for occasional clogs, but it won’t pass muster for bigger obstructions.
Chronic blockages are indicative of serious issues like tree roots digging into your pipes or even sections of older drains collapsing. These problems require high-tech tools like robotic cutting and hydro jetting. As you are unlikely to have these on hand (or know how to wield them), it’s a job best left to blocked drain service providers.
A drains specialist will be able to locate and clear the most stubborn of blogs without damaging your pipes or your home.
4. Signs of a blocked sewer line
If you’re flushing the toilet and noticing the water line is staying higher, or that dirty water regularly bubbles up in your sink, it’s a sign that your sewer line isn’t optimal. This is definitely not the time to lean on DIY fixes. Sewer line blockages are typically caused by a big build-up of grease and oils, or tree root intrusion and pipe damage.
The consequences can be awful. Raw sewage can enter your home, which is horrible to deal with and very expensive to clean up. If you have the slightest inkling that your sewer line is backed up, don’t hesitate, call a specialist for blocked drains repairs immediately. They can use CCTV cameras to carry out an inspection remotely to pinpoint the problem and fix it.
5. Unpleasant smells from drains
Finally, if bad smells from drains are part of your daily life, then it’s a sign that something isn’t quite right. Rotting food and debris caught in pipes are a common culprit, but it could also be caused by a dried-out water trap or sewer line problem.
While bleach and hot water can mask the smell in the short term, it won’t tackle the root cause deeper in your system. Don’t worry. A blocked drain specialist can locate the source of the odor, do a deep clean, and complete any other fixes to bring your drain system back to full health.
Find the best blocked drain services in Melbourne
If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs listed in this blog, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Taking action now will prevent costly headaches in the future. Calling in a professional with expertise and a tool kit to match will fix issues and get your plumbing back to 100%.
Got blocked drains in Melbourne? DrainFixers offer fast and affordable blocked drain services. Our team of specialists can tackle everything from a sewer line blockage to persistent kitchen sink clogs. We’ll use advanced diagnostic tools and proven drain repair methods to get your drains flowing again.
Contact us today to book your inspection.