Blocked drains are a common and annoying problem experienced at some stage in most homes and businesses. There are a number of reasons that drains will block and often the immediate symptom of the block is treated but not the underlying cause which is what the team at RiverCity Maintenance endeavour to investigate and fix.
It used to be quite difficult to find a blockage and often a large trench needed to be dug to find the problem area. Today we use modern technology for example we feed a camera into the drain to find exactly where the blockage is making the job quicker to repair.
We have over 50 years’ experience in the plumbing industry and can tackle your most challenging sewage problems.
Public or Private
There are two types of sewer blockages:
- Blockages in the main sewer line
- Blockages in the private line that goes from your home to the main line
If other residences in your area are experiencing the same backup of sewer, then the cause is public and is the responsibility of the local Council to take care of.
If sewage is backing up through a sink, toilet or other drain then the cause is somewhere in your sewage line and you’ll need to contact our team at RiverCity Maintenance Service to help fix the problem.
Foreign Objects
The most common reason for sewage backing up are items being flushed down the toilet.
Many people are unaware of the consequences that flushing foreign objects down the toilet may cause. There are many reasons why blockages occur, but the most regular culprits of blocked drains are:
- Diapers and baby wipes
- Menstrual pads, tampons and sanitary napkins
- Cat litter
- Oil and Grease
- Clip on toilet freshener holders
- Children’s toys
- Cotton balls
- Hair
With any backup or blockage issue, the focus needs to be on prevention. These items need to be thrown in the trash. The stink the bin will generate is nothing compared to the stench of a backed up toilet. If the damage has already been done, our team at RiverCity Maintenance can find the cause and fix the problem.
Tree Roots
If roots of trees are large enough they can get inside the pipes either by breaking the older style pipes or growing into the joins in the pipe to form roots inside which block the pipeline. There are chemicals that can be used to remove the root, although this may also kill the plant. This problem can be prevented by ensuring trees are planted a reasonable distance away from the sewer lines/ If you have had a root penetrate or block your drain, RiverCity Maintenance can assist you to remove the root and repair the pipe.
Grease and Oil
A drain backup generally occurs suddenly with little to no warning. When you wash the grease and fats from cooking down the sink, it washes down fine with hot water. But when the hot water cools, typically about 25 feet into your sewage line, the grease and oils harden. If this occurs, you will require the team at RiverCity Maintenance to clear the blockage. We offer various programs for drain maintenance to suit your needs. The benefits are reduced costly emergency call outs and reduced downtime from trading. We also offer a bio-chemical to reduce odour in your trade waste and sewer system.
Other items such as coffee grindings, orange peels and eggshells coagulate with the grease and contribute to the problem so these should go in the bin as well. Blockages of this type have been known to block up to 10 feet of the pipeline. This problem can be prevented by ensuring scraps and oil-based waste is disposed of correctly into the trash.
Deteriorated or Broken Pipes
There are many older pipes which are continually deteriorating and corroding. Underground pipe repairs can be disruptive and costly depending on how difficult it is to access to the problem area. This deterioration can be prevented from eventuating into a blockage or leak by contacting RiverCity Maintenance who can discuss maintenance, repair and what type of pipe is best for your home.
Incorrect Pipe Installation
With the dramatic increase in popularity of do-it-yourself (DIY) repairs and home renovations, there has been an increase in poorly installed plumbing and drainage pipes. Pipes may have become misaligned or completely collapse if installed incorrectly. Choosing the right pipes in an integral part of any plumbing job so it is vital that have a full understanding of the pipework required to do the job. Incorrect installation is not only dangerous but could also damage other parts of your or your neighbour’s property, causing great expense.
Drainage is based on gravity, and that water will flow downhill. Incorrect pipe installation with inadequate falls could contribute to the build-up of particles and debris in the pipe and could eventually result in blocked drains. It is vital that pipes are installed correctly to ensure adequate water flows. Blockages can build up over time and you may get some early warning signs that there are some obstructions to water flow. These include gurgling sounds after you flush a toilet, the water level in your sink or bath draining slowly, and bad smells from sinks or drains. Some blockages can be easily cleared using a plunger; however treating the symptom may not address the underlying causes of the drain blockage. If you have ongoing drainage problems or need repair or lay drains, call RiverCity Maintenance and we can get one of our qualified plumbers out to investigate the problem. Using a professional plumbing service will ensure the job is done properly and save you money in the long run. For larger jobs we can provide you with a quote.