Category: Blocked Drain

  • Tips to Prevent Frequent Drain and Sewer Blockage Issues

    Tips to Prevent Frequent Drain and Sewer Blockage Issues

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Drain and sewer system has become a very important part of modern domestic and commercial properties that we cannot live without. Our homes, hotels, offices, and institutions rely on them to dispose excess water and waste in an effective and hygienic manner. Unfortunately, drain care and maintenance has never been a priority for most property owners and occupants. As long as water is flowing out of the kitchen sink or the bathroom, drainage is the last thing to be bothered about.

    But wait until when something goes wrong with your drain, and things get out of hands. Faulty drain system can be a major source of stress and commotion in your home. If you have ever experienced clogged or blocked drains, you know how devastating and costly it can be, not to mention the safety and health risks. Though BDS Drainage can instantly help you in event of drain blockage emergency, preventing such problems is much better as it saves you from panic and future occurrences.

    The good news is that you can forget blocked and clogged drain problems, if you take the appropriate preventive measures. We have prepared simple tips to help you care for your drains and ensure that your family or tenants are safe at all times. But before we get there, it is important to understand the common causes of drain and sewer system blockage.

    Common Causes of Drain and Sewer System Blockage

    1. Unsuitable objects in the toilet drain and kitchen sinks

    Flushing materials that do not break or dissolve in water such as wipes, diapers and female hygiene towels is one of the major causes of toilet blockage, as they build up in the drain clogging the drainage pipes. Fat, grease, food particles and soap scum can accumulate on the walls of the kitchen drainage pipes eventually blocking them.

    2. Dirt, Hair, Soap Scum and skin Flakes in Bathroom Drain

    When you bath, the dirty, hair particles and soap scum flows through the bathroom drain, and can create a major problem when left to accumulate, reducing space for water passage.

    3. Foreign Material in the Drain

    These include object such as debris, stone particles, and leaves. They may find their way to the drainage. Also pouring paints and other litter into the drain system can clog the pipes and result to blockage.

    4. Tree Roots Penetrating Drainage pipe

    Roots of big trees can force their way into your drain damaging the pipe resulting into clogging and eventually blocking the drainage pipes.

    5. Pipe Freezing

    During winter, water can freeze in the pipes blocking the passage either partially or completely. If the appropriate maintenance measures are not taken on time, this freezing and melting process strains the pipes and may lead to permanent damage.

    6. Wear and Tear

    With time your drainage pipes wears out, especially if the proper maintenance is not done. This can lead to a fault within the system resulting to blockage.

    Six Simple Preventive Drain Blockage Care Practices

    [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”8193″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]

    Want to Prevent Blocked Drains?
    Check this – 4 Ways to Prevent Blocked Drains

    • Use Plug Screen over the plughole

    This is simply some sort of a filter that traps items that can cause blocked drains. The plug screen can be used in kitchen sinks to prevent food particles and other debris and bathroom to prevent soap, hair and dirt from entering the drainage system. They are available in different sizes, so you need to purchase one that can fit on your plughole.

    • Avoid Washing Fats or Oils into the kitchen sink

    Unlike water and other liquids, oils and fats, though may be in liquid form, will quickly solidify and stick on the walls of the drainage pipes trapping more wastes. You therefore need to avoid such from getting down into the drain to prevent potential blockage. You may use a fat trap to dispose your waste fat and oil products.

    • Dispose used fibrous material appropriately

    You should use a bin to dispose other wastes such as baby diapers, feminine hygiene wastes, cotton wool and cotton wipes among other items instead of flushing them down your toilet.

    • Restrain from Pouring Chemicals into the drains

    Paints, solvents, used engine oil and pharmaceutical products can corrode the drainage pipes resulting to damages. Thus, you need to dispose such items appropriately in compliance with the local environmental laws.

    • Water Softening

    In some places, water may contain natural minerals such as calcium and magnesium (hard water), which can accumulate inside the drains restrict passage. You may use electronic softeners of sodium to dissolve these naturally occurring minerals. You can talk to BDS Drainage for low cost sodium softener installation or fix an electric softener by yourself.

    • Keeping the drainage line clear

    Avoid planting trees near the drain/ sewer system to prevent root damages. This may also minimize chances of falling leaving getting down to your plumbing system.

    What if your Drain/Sewer System Still Blocks?

    The above six practices will minimize chances of experiencing drain blockage in your premises, but this doesn’t mean that blockage is not possible. Your drainage pipes can still block due to other causes ranging from poor maintenance to installation errors. Inspecting your drain system whenever you suspect a potential blockage, quick repairs and routine maintenance can help you further reduce the risk of block drains.

    Early Indicators of Drain or Sewer Blockage

    In most cases, your will observe early blockage warnings before it grows to a serious and uncontrollable problem. If you notice any of the following indicators, it can be a warning of an impending blockage:

    • Poor Water Drainage

    If water is taking longer to drain from the sink or the bathroom floor, it can be an indication of clogged pipes which could lead to blockage problem.

    • Bad Smell from Your Toilet and Sinks

    If you notice an odour coming in the premises, around the drain; the smell of sewage around the sewer outdoors could mean your drainage is about to block. However, you need to establish that the smell is not caused by anything else.

    • Small pool of water in the shower

    If you notice a small pool around your feet when showering, it is a strong signal of poor drainage which could be as a result of blockage of collapsed pipes.

    • Damp and Mould

    A block pipe may restrict flow of water forcing it to flow outside the pipe causing moulds on walls and floor surface around the drainage line or making the surfaces moist. You should always be keen to observe such occurrences.

    Regular Drain Maintenance Tips

    When was the last time you inspected or cleaned your drain? Maintaining your drain is one of the most effective steps of preventing blockages, giving you peace of mind and a sense of safety. Drain maintenance involves:

    1. Routine inspections

    Examining the condition of your drain and sewer system can help you identify potential problems to counter them before they occur. It is therefore important to always observe any abnormality in your sinks, bathroom, septic tanks, and other parts of the drain system or schedule regular inspection with a professional plumber.

    2. Drain CCTV Survey

    The bigger part of your plumbing system is hidden in the wall or underground, making it hard to notice a developing issue. Fortunately, with CCTV survey you can have a view of the whole system to spot any fault that needs your immediate attention. Drain CCTV survey may be useful under the following circumstances.

    • If you are living in an old property which is more vulnerable to drain blockage.
    • When you are buying a home which has had blocked drains in the past.
    • In case of recurring drain/ sewer blockage.
    • If you have not had any professional drain inspection for a long time.

    BDS Drainage CCTV survey can help you discover budding problems as well as keep an eye on previous repairs to avoid more damages and drain leaks, which can really mess up your property.

    3. Regular Draining Cleaning

    I know drain cleaning is an exciting task for you. It is not for every property owners, but it is vital to enhance safety, comfort and health in your home. Cleaning your drain can help in many ways such as:

    • Prevent future clogs and blockages.
    • Neutralize any unpleasant smells from the drains.
    • Make your home clean and safe for human living.
    • Prevent potential drain damages.
    One more important thing, how do you clean your drain?[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”8194″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]• Using hot water – Fill the sink or the bath tub with hot (boiling water) and open the drain, so that the water can drain down the pipes with more pressure washing away stick substances on the pipe walls.

    • Using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar – You can mix around 50 ml of each substance and pour the fizzing mixture down the drain. Allow the mixture to last for at least 3 hours or overnight. Use hot water to wash down the accumulated substances which has been removed by the fizzing reaction.

    • Clearing mould, hair and food disposals – Using a drain brush, remove hair and mould on the visible area of the drain to prevent build ups which can cause serious problems. Also remove any food particles from the sink plug screen and flush down some cleansers such as caustic soda, baking soda and vinegar followed by a hot-water-rinse.

    • Cleaning the pipes – Though cleaning drain pipes should be left to professional plumbers, you can easily clean the pipes beneath your kitchen sink by opening the U-shaped pipe and removing any debris or dirt trapped in the pipes.

    • Professional draining services – For a thorough drain cleaning, you may need the services of a professional plumber once in a while to ensure that the whole system remain clean and fresh.

    4. Act on any issues as soon as possible

    Another key maintenance step is to take immediate actions as soon as you identify any signs of drainage issues. It is advisable to call a reliable plumber to help you determine the root of the problem and rectify the issues to prevent messy situations as well as repair any damaged part of the drain.

    Also Check:
    How to Unblock a Drain

    Conclusion

    In summary, though your drainage system is mostly out of sight, it should never get out of your mind. You need to observe signs of blockages to prevent more costly repairs as well as maintain your home safety and healthy. Additionally, learning and teaching your kids what to or not to flush down the drain can go a long way in reducing blockage risks, as well as save you money and time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Top 5 Plumbing Emergencies that requires professional plumber | Infographics

    Top 5 Plumbing Emergencies that requires professional plumber | Infographics

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]At one point or another, most of us will come across a plumbing emergency at our homes. It is nothing but an uninvited trouble which can incite mental and physical pain and eat up your huge time and money if not handled properly. In addition, they can be a major embarrassment in front of your guests in the middle of your party or function. Taking pre-emptive measures will keep the trouble at bay, for instance, cleaning your kitchen drains regularly, insulating the going through the basement, so on and so forth.

    Need help? Speak to an expert now:

    08081 689 112

    These plumbing emergencies can surprise you anytime in the bathroom, kitchen sink, or in the toilet which can cause you major inconvenience if not diagnosed properly. You may enjoy taking up a DIY plumbing project but do not hesitate to seek professional help if you think it’s beyond your control, because it can cause major damage to your walls or expensive fittings.

    Having some plumbing tools like adjustable wrenches duct tapes, teflon tapes, at home is highly recommended as it can help you fix the problem temporarily until you find the permanent solution. Forced cup plunger and a plumber’s snake are another tools that will help you in case of blocked drains and toilets. In case of any major plumbing issue do call the nearest professional plumbing services at the earliest.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”8029″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • How to Unblock a Clogged Shower Drain?

    How to Unblock a Clogged Shower Drain?

    None of us like to have dirty bathrooms and blocked drains in our house and prefer cleanliness and hygiene over anything else. But keeping up with our expectations of having clean shower rooms is not that easy. Often it is seen that people in the UK have complained about clogged drains and need to look out for services to clean the drains and save them the despair.

    Although cleaning and removing the blockage from the drains can be done through drainage expert service providers, we still need to know the small tricks which can save us the harassment of dealing with clogged drains at the first place.

    And so, before proceeding to the ways of unblocking a drain, we must know in brief about what causes the blockage and how we can prevent it from occurring. Let us know more about it below

    Need help? Speak to an expert now:

    08081 689 112

    What are the Causes of Drain Blockage?

    In most cases, the drain blockage occurs due to mishandling or improper maintenance of the drainage system. For example, people throw solid wastes in the shower or do not build a strong pipeline foundation when they make a drainage system. Also, the continuous usage of the shower essentials causes the clogs to double, like the soap scums or the skin flakes, etc.

    The hairs of both men and women still top the list of reasons of drain blockage as they are almost non-degradable and hence get stuck on the pipeline for a longer period. When you use a low-quality pipeline or do not take proper care and maintenance of it, the rusts also become responsible for preventing the water from passing moderately through the drain.

    Another very strong reason for less water inflow through the drain pipes is that the water strength is very low to push the wastes out of the pipeline. For that to stop, you must ensure heavy and strong water passage through the drainage so that it doesn’t clog the passage to entirety.

    How we can prevent it?

    The prevention of drain blockage includes not throwing such items in the shower which later on can create blockage problems. Also, one must focus on easy and simple techniques to carry on proper maintenance of the drains so that they don’t have to break their heads to find ways to unblock a drain.

    Ways to get rid of Blocked Shower Drains!

    If at all the drains of your shower gets blocked, here are some effective ways to get rid of it.

    • If you are comfortable with natural cleaning methods then you always have the option to opt for it. You might need a few natural substances like baking soda, boiling water and vinegar for the purpose. First, you need to pour the baking soda down the blocked drain followed by double the amount of boiling water. And then you should again pour baking soda, this time accompanied by vinegar of almost 1-2 cups. Also, ensure these mixes travel as far as possible so that they can naturally dissolute the clogs and free the drain of the blockage.
    • Apart from the natural means, there are chemical means through which the clogs can be removed. This is considered as one of the most common methods of sewer cleaning as because most of the times the blockage occurs due to the formation of heavy grease on the pipeline and when you use such chemicals or liquids that dissolute the grease, it becomes easy to get rid of the blockage faster.
    • Of late, the compressed air method has also become popular in and around the UK for unlocking the drains. The power and force that compressed air is comprised of have great ability to free the drain of the clogs that generally consists of hard wastes. When you know the compressed air through the opening of the pipe. It allows you to blow the accumulation of wastes to free the passage of water through the drain.
    • Much like the power of the air, we also know about the force of water and so, the option to use jet sprays for cleaning the drains of the clogs is also something that is preferred by the drain cleaners to unblock the drains.
    • When the blockage is not heavy and can be dealt with easily then you can use drain rods all by yourself to clean the garbage or solid wastes from the pipeline and make it free of the blockage.

    It is recommended that you opt for regular cleaning of the drains even if there is no sign of blockage as it ensures the prevention of blockages by a greater extent. Also, the natural means of cleaning must be carried out once a month or at least in alternate months to be sure of any kind of wastes accumulation on the pipeline. It is better to prevent the drains from getting clogged rather than finding ways to unblock it when it gets clogged.

  • How to Unblock a Drain

    How to Unblock a Drain

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Is your sink draining slowly? Or does a pungent smell come from your drains? Well, this may be due to a blockage of your drain. The outdoor drain pipe performs an essential function in transporting sewage and wastewater from your home to the sewer line. So, when this vital pipe becomes blocked, a lot of problems can surface. This post will help you understand how to unblock a sewage drain and identify the ways you can go about it.

    Blocked drainages are what most homeowners dread. Most people start by searching ‘how to unlock a drainpipe’ on every search engine or contacting an outside drain unblocker. But you should know that there are several DIY methods you can use to clear a blocked drain services. You will surely get your hands dirty and smell terrible things, but if it saves a couple of pounds in the process, then you should not turn your nose up at it (pun intended).

    Need help? Speak to an expert now:

    08081 689 112

    And if you are pondering on how to clean outside drains, then this is a guide you will find useful. Now, let us explore how to clear a blocked drain outside by yourself.

    “My outside drain is blocked!!”

    We get a lot of calls from frustrated people saying ‘My outside drain is blocked!’. But to unclog an outside drain by yourself, you would need to find out what the cause of the drain blockage was in the first place.

    It is important to do this because each drain blockage has a different cause. For example, kitchen sinks get clogged with grease, food particles or oil, for a bathroom it may be soap or hair, and a toilet drain can be blocked by something that seems so harmless like toilet paper.

    The drain outside the house is not exempted either. It may be blocked by soap, grease, domestic items or combinations of those items. Your leaves, silt, grease, dirt or other outdoor debris can cause your external drain to get blocked.

    So how does one decipher whether their outside drain is blocked by soil, mud, dirt or any other outdoor debris?

    Things You Will Need to Unblock the Drain

    Before we learn more about how to fix a blocked drain, there are a few things you’ll need for the purpose. These include,

    • Rubber gloves: Drains are dirtier than what you have imagined them to be. It is also as smelly as it is dirty, and that is why a good pair of rubber gloves would always be handy when going through a drain.
    • Rope: A rope is quite useful in removing a drain’s cover when you need to unblock a drain pipe.
    • Waste bags: Transporting the debris to the waste bins is also very important. That is why you will need some waste bags.
    • Drain rod: Another important piece in the ‘how to clear a blocked drain puzzle’ is the drain rod. They are used to dislodge a drain blockage and are available in local stores. You might want to get two or more, just in case something happens to the first.
    • Bleach: After clearing the blocked drains with your drain rods, it is necessary to clean up the drain. Bleach is an excellent outdoor drain cleaner, and it helps to remove the drainage smell as well.
    • Caustic Soda: Chemical drain unblockers are useful substitutes to the conventional manual process of unclogging a drain with a drain rod. However, you will never know when your blocked outside drain will require caustic soda, but homeowners use it as their last resort.
    • Garden Hose: After removing dirt from your drain, you may need to use water to clean it up more. Garden hoses will help you transport the water from the source to the drain.

    How to unclog an outside drain (Removing The Drain Cover)

    • Remove the drain cover: Every outdoor water drain has a cover used to secure it. You could use a screwdriver or other strong metal tool to open it forcefully. Some covers have a handle for you to grab when removing them quickly. However, if the drain has been closed for an extended period, then it will be difficult to remove the cover. In those cases, you could use a rope to open the drain.

    • Take a look at what is happening inside

    When you take a look inside your drain and begin to ask yourself questions like ‘Should there be water in my outside drain?’. Then we have got a problem. If the chamber is holding water instead of draining it away, then you can conclude that somewhere after the drain chamber is clogged. Usually, a clogged soil pipe is the cause, but other things can also cause a blockage. But, there’s just one way to be certain. Search for a full chamber on a side and an empty chamber on the other side and when you find it that is the location of your blockage.

    • Use Drain Rods

    Manually using a drain rod is perhaps the best way to clear blocked drains. It is a useful outside drain unblocker tool that you can easily purchase in local stores or online. After locating the blocked chamber (which is where your blockage is), thrust the drain rods into this chamber until the blockage is removed. When pushing the drain rod, rotate it clockwise because this helps to dislodge the blockage properly. Nevertheless, try not to turn it anticlockwise because the plunger attachment may be unscrewed. Repeated thrusting of the rods will loosen the blockage and cause it to dislodge.

    • Clean all that is left

    Even after clearing the blocked external drain, there may be some debris that could lead to blockage again. Therefore, clean all that is left of the debris and blockage. An easy tip you can use is to water the debris. To check if the drain is now working correctly, open all taps in your house for a while. If the water is draining, then you have done an excellent job. Before you close the taps, put the drain cover back and pour a small amount of bleach into the drain. Bleach is an excellent outside drain cleaner as it removes all grease and muck, and removes the smell of the drain. A close substitute you could use instead of bleach is an external drain unblocker liquid that is readily available in local stores.

    While this process should rid-off most exterior drainpipe blockages, others might prove stubborn to remove. If you have such blockage in your drain, then it’s time to bring out to the big guns. Get in touch with our specialists if you are fighting a losing battle against your blockage, BDS Drainage operate all throughout the South East of the UK;

    External Drain Unblocker

    Caustic soda is one of the best chemical drain unblockers to use when unblocking a drain. After mixing, pour the solution in the outside blocked drain or any other place in the house where there is a blockage. It is that simple.

    Another alternative outside drain unblocker method that is available is to remove the drain pipe and thoroughly wash it with CCTV Drain Surveys to detect the problem. Also, you could contact a professional plumbing service if you do not feel capable of unblocking your drain alone.

    How to unblock an outside drain with caustic soda?

    Caustic soda is a useful external drain unblocker that can be bought at a low price from local stores. It is also an excellent chemical that is used to unclog outdoor drain systems. But how does this chemical unblock drains?

    Caustic soda is a very corrosive chemical. It will react vigorously with hair, dirt, food and any other material it comes in contact with. After the vigorous reaction, it will dissolve the debris leaving only particles behind. With the chemical having such destructive effect in indoor drains, it is quite obvious what it will do to the debris of an outside drain within minutes.

    Unblocking drains with caustic soda is simple, and can be carried by following these steps;

    • Dilute cups of caustic soda in a large bucket of cold water.
    • Stir the mixture of water and soda with a stirrer or wooden spoon. Do not use a metal spoon as the caustic soda will react with it.
    • As a precaution, do not utilise these stirrers or containers for cooking, other related purposes. Be cautious, and do not use your hand to stir the soda-water mixture.
    • As you stir and mix the two components, a fizz and heat should be noticed.
    • Next, pour the solution into the blocked outside drain
    • After a couple of minutes, the debris should rise to the top.
    • Remove the debris from the pipe and pour water to rinse the drain.

    Are you have trouble unblocking your drains with caustic soda? Contact us below for more help.

    How to clear a blocked kitchen drain outside?

    Kitchen drains are the most common drains in any homes to get blocked. Most people prefer to outsource the unblocking of these drains because of the debris they usually find in them. Nevertheless, you may still choose to unblock the kitchen drain yourself if the smell or dirt wouldn’t bother you. A few methods you can take unblocking your outside kitchen drain yourself are;

      • Pour water: Fat is the most common debris people find in their kitchen sink. When they solidify, they can cause a blockage. Pour a bucket of hot water into the sink to melt the blockage.
      • Use power washers: Power washers can be used to blast right through any kitchen blockage. But a power washer would not be useful if the obstruction is too deep down the sink or too strong.
      • Use baking soda: This chemical is one of the best methods in every ‘how to unblock waste pipe guides,’ and the reason is apparent. Baking soda is a natural, readily available and safe chemical for unblocking kitchen drains. Add a few cups of baking soda to vinegar and then pour down the drain. Leave the mixture for about thirty minutes, then pour boiling water. This should remove the blockage.

    Need help? Call our office and we can have a engineer out to you quickly at an affordable price.

    08081 689 112

    • Don’t use your hands: It sounds quite obvious, but most people do not know that an easy and effective way of removing clogs from the sink is by using a rubber-gloved hand. Do not forget to use your gloves because you wouldn’t want your hands to get dirty. Pour in some power wash later to remove the debris.
    • Use Caustic Soda: The should be your last resort before calling a professional if all other methods above fail. Make use of the chemical following the steps outlined above.

    How To Prevent Drains Clogging?

    You can ensure that the drain pipes outside your house do not get clogged by protecting the entrance of the following into the drainage system;

    • Fats, oils & grease (FOG)
    • Nappies & pads
    • Wet wipes
    • Applicators, tampons & wrappers
    • Sanitary products
    • Condoms
    • Bandages & plasters
    • Razor blades
    • Medicines & syringes
    • Dental floss
    • Hair
    • Cotton buds

    Best Drain Unblockers

    Some drain unblockers with the best reviews on Amazon include;

    • Caustic Soda Powder
    • Buster Bathroom Plughole Unblocker
    • Hair Grease Remover for Drains
    • Hg Liquid Drain Unblocker
    • Mr Muscle Kitchen and Bathroom Drain Gel

    We will take no responsibility for the failure or success of the products we have listed above. They have only reviewed highly rated by customers on Amazon. (We highly recommend that you call us to get the best drain unclogging service that you can get).

    You could also buy a drain-screener or a drain-gate which blocks debris like scum, food particles, soap, and grease going down the drain. Lastly, ensure that your pipes are frequently cleaned. Once in a while, pour hot water, drain cleaners or even some detergent down the drain. As simple as this routine task is, it will keep the drain clog-free and clean for several years. You may also use bleach to keep the sink smelling fresh. Minimising the debris that gets into the drains helps to decrease the possibility of outside pipes from getting clogged.

    Always keep in mind that prevention is better than cure. It is better to do that the things that you can prevent than to pay a lot of money and still get the same effect.

    Lastly always use a professional if you are unsure on how to unblock a drain and need a professional drainage company then feel free to contact us today for more advice:

    [contact-form-7 id=”6″ title=”Contact form 1″]

    Not Sure Where Your Drain Blockage Is? – It Might Be Time For A CCTV Drain Survey!

    Our specialists can diagnose your drainage problems using state of the art drainage camera equipment, call us today for;

    CCTV Drain Surveys London | CCTV Drain Surveys Essex | CCTV Drain Surveys Kent | CCTV Drain Surveys Surrey 

     

    how to unblock a drain

    Blocked Drains London | Blocked Drains Kent | Blocked Drains Surrey | Blocked Drains Essex

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_section disable_element=”yes”][vc_row el_class=”blog-popup”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]

  • How to Unblock a Drain Using Caustic Soda?

    How to Unblock a Drain Using Caustic Soda?

    Although fairly common, a blocked drain is enough to drive most people to their wit’s end. An obvious recourse in such cases is to call on the plumber and while that’s a sensible option, there are certain things that you can do yourself to unblock a drain.  The vast majority of blocked drains are caused by jammed up debris like hair, food particles and other unwanted materials. Natural drain cleaners are often ineffective at removing this debris completely, which means chemical-based cleaners are your best option. Here we look at one such cleaning agent, caustic soda, and how to use it to unblock drains in your house.

    Need help unblocking your drain? Speak to an expert now:

    08081 689 112

     

    What is caustic soda?

     

    The chemical name of caustic soda is sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and it’s also known as lye. The name caustic soda is derived from the material’s origins as a sodium hydrate and it’s called caustic because, well, it’s highly corrosive in nature. It’s the last bit that is of most interest when we talk of unclogging blocked drains.

     

    Caustic soda causes a chemical reaction when it comes into contact with organic materials like dirt, food, hair etc. These are also ingredients that account for a majority of drain blockages. Caustic soda can also be easily dissolved in water, which is one reason why many drain cleaning services use it as the first line of offence in the battle against blocked drains. Commercial grade cleaners, however, have a higher concentration of caustic soda compared to the ones meant for domestic use.

     

    How to use caustic soda for cleaning & unclogging drains?

     

    In its purest form, caustic soda is available as a white coloured waxy solid. However, it’s the powdered or liquid form that is used for clearing a blocked drain. You can buy powdered/liquid caustic soda at any neighbourhood hardware store. Once you’ve bought it, follow the below-explained steps.

     

    • Take a large bucket and dilute 3 cups (750 ml) of caustic soda in 3 litres of cold water.
    • Use a wooden spoon or stirrer to mix the soda and the water.
    • Do not use these containers and utensils for any cooking-related purpose later on. Also, avoid using your hands to stir the mixture.
    • As you mix up the two, you should see a bit of fizz and some amount of heat.
    • Now pour this solution straight drown the blocked drain and let it sit undisturbed for 30 minutes.
    • Now boil 4 litres of water and use it to flush the drain.
    • If the block persists, you can repeat this procedure a couple of times.

     

    Considerations when using caustic soda

     

    Although highly effective, using caustic soda to clear blocked drains is not without its share of challenges. The biggest risk it poses is to your health and safety. Caustic soda’s corrosive nature, while a boon when trying to get rid of difficult blockages, can lead to vision impairment. At the very least, direct contact can create a burning sensation and swelling in the eyes and the skin. The consequences of ingesting it are far more serious. From chemical burns to gastrointestinal ulceration and even death, caustic soda’s effects on health can be devastating. If you have decided to use caustic soda to clear a blocked drain, do so after wearing full protective equipment. When you are done using the caustic soda, secure it properly and store it out of the reach of children.

     

    You can procure caustic soda from most hardware shops or stores that specialise in selling commercial-grade cleaning products. The concentration of the caustic soda sold by these stores ranges from 50% to above. However, you don’t need such a high concentration to dissolve the average drainage debris. But if you still intend to buy highly concentrated caustic soda, be careful of its corrosive nature and use and store it appropriately.

     

    If you are faced with a blocked drain, do not go for caustic soda as the first measure. Most drain cleaning products contain just enough caustic soda to get the job done. Periodically using these products is more than adequate to keep your drains flowing freely. Having said that, do consult a professional plumber once before buying high concentration caustic soda if conventional drain cleaning products fail to clear your drain blockage. Often, the risk of using something like caustic soda far outweighs the price you’d pay for a professional and efficient plumbing service.

    Caustic Soda method didn’t work? – Call our Drain Unblocking Specialists Today!

    Drain Unblocking London | Drain Unblocking Essex | Drain Unblocking Kent | Drain Unblocking Surrey

     

  • Clogged Drains and Terrible Smell Fixes

    Clogged Drains and Terrible Smell Fixes

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

    Nothing is more disgusting and frustrating than to have your kitchen smell like garbage because of a drain. For one, it’s hard to fix without calling in professional help, and two, no one likes bad smells in their kitchen. But of course, there are ways to take care of such issues without having to spend a lot of money on professional help. In fact, there’s a good number of fixes for situations like these, and you get to learn them right now free of charge.

    What Is That Horrible Smell

    Sometimes solving a disgusting smell issue is as simple as flushing the drain with boiling water. Smells are often created by hair and other small substances getting stuck in the lining of drains with soap scum. Pour boiling water down the drain first, then pour in cold water five minutes later to make most of the waste you want to get rid of congeal. After that you can pour in hot water again to wash it away. Still, you should always have a plunger ready in case this isn’t wholly effective.

     

    Need help unblocking your drain? Speak to an expert now:

    08081 689 112

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”Need A Professional To Get Rid Of Those Smells ” color=”primary” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fbdsdrainage.co.uk%2Fcontact|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

    Some Solutions To Unblock The Drain

    Believe it or not, white vinegar can be a solution to your problem. Four cups of boiling white vinegar may solve your problem. Pour two down the drain, follow it with cold water, then send two more to potentially power through any small blockages, which is usually the source of foul smells.

    If you haven’t figured it out yet, a lot of these techniques rely on hot water. Coincidentally, so does scouring the drain. This is a combination of the first two tactics with baking soda added to the fray. Run hot water down the drain, dump a cup of baking soda in after it, and pour two cups of hot vinegar down last. After about half an hour, you rinse the drain out with boiling water and hopefully get to call it a day.

    Of course, there’s no guarantee that these tactics will be an end all method for your smelly drains. Sometimes you need to combine them, and sometimes whatever is stinking up your drain will just be too powerful to handle with DIY remedies. Remember, if you want to be absolutely certain that the smell is eradicated no matter what, professional help will always get the job done. It may not always be cheap, but you’ll nevertheless solve your issue without fail.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]bad smelly drains[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

    Need A Professional Drainage Company

    When it comes to getting professional help for cleansing your smelly drains, consider BDS drainage, one of the UK’s most reliable companies when it comes to matters like these. If you want a guaranteed fix to all of your drain problems, whether or not they have anything to do with smell, they’re sure to set you up and have you on your merry way as soon as possible. Just do yourself a favor and try some home remedies first. It sure would be unfortunate if you paid a lot of money to solve a problem a little bit of hot and cold water could have rectified just as easily.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Who is The Best Drainage Company in London?

    Who is The Best Drainage Company in London?

    With decades of experience in emergency drain unblocking in London and the surroundings areas we would say that we offer the best drainage service.

    We pride ourselves on the ability to offer an expert drainage service for a competitive price. Our reliable and prompt drain unblocking service is utilised by domestic and commercial drainage clients throughout London and the surroundings.

    drainage

    Need help unblocking your drain? Speak to an expert now:

    08081 689 112

    Here at BDS Drainage we pride ourselves on a guarantee of unbeatable and efficient service, whether it is drain inspections and clearing, CCTV Surveys or toilet repairs. Our company is Council and Health Authority checked,DBS checked and with domestic or commercial drainage work undertaken from just £19.50, our fully insured and qualified service is certainly the one for you! We offer FREE QUOTES 24 hours a day in which we can guarantee a fast response to emergency calls. There is no call out charge and decades of experience allow us to investigate, diagnose and solve the issue promptly. Our engineers have broad, extensive and detailed knowledge, allowing a wide range of plumbing services including CCTV drain survey, no-dig drain technology, unblocking, cleaning, tunnelling and gutters or down-pipes.

    We also offer our drainage services in Essex, Kent & Surrey.