Wondering if you need to call in the experts with your drains? Or considering a new bathroom or kitchen renovation and want expert advice regarding your drains? Cowan Building catches up with the drain professionals from Optimised Plumbing Services to take an important look at drain health and how to spot a problem before it becomes too costly.

 

The main reason why most experts encourage a bit of breathing room with your bathroom or kitchen renovation is plumbing. Particularly with bathroom renovations, once you remove those old tiles, you will not see the extent of any problems lurking behind the walls. For DIY enthusiasts, this can be an absolute nightmare of a situation, not only for your budget but also your skill level.

 

With all plumbing work – unless you are a registered plumber – taking on the job yourself can be a costly situation, this can include blocked drains. Understanding that if your ‘handy’ work does cause any damage to your home, chances are your insurance company will not cover you for the damage. For this reason, it is vitally important you only work with the experts. 

 

Blocked drains are a big one. Homeowners tend to think this job can be done themselves, however without the correct advice, you could do far more damage to your drains leading to expensive repairs and completely ruining your renovation budget.

 

How To Unblock A Drain

 

Let’s be honest most of us have had a blocked drain issue and gone to all matters of extremes to fix the problem ourselves. However, the experts agree – store-bought drain cleaners not only contain incredibly harsh chemicals that can affect your health and well-being, but they can also make the problem worse, leading to costly pipe damage!

 

The blocked drain specialists agree…

 

“Plumbing systems can be complex, and it can be difficult for someone without proper training to properly diagnose the issue and fix it effectively,” Joseph Lahoud, Director of Optimised Plumbing Services - the expert plumber in Sydney, says. “Using store-bought drain cleaners can cause more harm than good, as they often contain harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes and lead to more expensive repairs.”

 

It can also be dangerous – working with blocked drains can also mean working alongside raw sewage or other unsanitary materials. Expert advice and treatments can protect you and your family from contamination. Professional plumbers have specialised tools and equipment, such as drain snakes and hydro-jetting machines, designed to effectively clear blockages without causing damage to your plumbing system.

 

How To Tell Something Is Wrong With My Drains?

 

So, you’ve cleaned out the shower drain, the hair, the hairbands, and the rest of the gunk, and you still think there is a problem? Perhaps it is your stormwater drain - the leaves have gone, but you still have an inclining something is not, right? Or the trusty toilet is no longer flushing correctly and making funny noises? Common signs to call in the experts include:

 

1.     Foul smell omitted from the drain.

2.     The drain always overflows.

3.     The drain has become slow with draining.

4.     Gurgling sounds.

 

The emergency plumbers in Sydney agree that neglecting routine maintenance, such as regular drain cleaning and inspections, can lead to problems. Regular maintenance can also help prevent blockages from occurring in the first place.

 

“Failing to address a blocked drain promptly can cause further damage to your plumbing system,” warns Joseph. “Attempting to fix the problem yourself without proper knowledge or tools can lead to further damage and costs.”

 

How Can You Tell If You Have A Sewer Drain Problem?

 

 Luckily most homeowners will not attempt to fix a problem with their sewer drains. However, it’s a good idea to take note of possible signs and symptoms to indicate that trouble is brewing. Getting on top of sewer drain issues early can save homeowners thousands in repairs. The top signs you may have a sewer drain issue include the following:

 

1.     Slow-draining sinks, toilets, and tubs throughout your home.

2.     Gurgling sounds coming from your drains, especially after flushing a toilet or running a washing machine.

3.     Foul odours coming from your drains or outside your home.

4.     Water backing up into multiple drains at once or even coming up through floor drains.

5.     Lush patches of grass in your yard, even during dry spells, can indicate a leaking sewer line underground.

 

What Should You Consider When Installing Drains?

 

 Always consider the size and location of the drains.

 

“The size and location of the drains will depend on the type of fixtures you're installing, such as sinks, toilets, and showers,” Joseph recommends. “You'll need to ensure that the drains are properly sized and located to handle the expected flow of water and waste.”

 

It’s also important to consider accessibility for maintenance and repair when installing drains. This may include installing cleanouts, access panels, and other features that allow your plumber to access and repair your plumbing system if needed quickly.

 

If you have damaged drains or pipes, speak to your professional blocked drain experts about pipe relining. Pipe relining can save homeowners serious money when renovating. The process allows you to use your existing pipes without all the costs of digging and excavations.