A blocked drain gets worse the longer you leave it. Here's what you can safely try yourself, when to call a plumber, and Benoni plumbers who clear blocked drains.
Common causes
- Fat and food in kitchen drains
- Wipes and sanitary products in toilets, even "flushable" wipes
- Tree roots in older outside sewer lines
- Sand and leaves in stormwater drains after heavy rain
What you can try first
- A plunger for a single blocked sink or toilet.
- Hot (not boiling) water and dish soap for slow kitchen drains.
- Avoid strong chemical drain cleaners. They can damage older pipes and are dangerous if a plumber then has to open the drain.
When to call a plumber
- More than one drain is blocked at the same time (usually the main line)
- Sewage is coming up in a shower, bath or outside gully
- Blockages keep coming back
- You suspect tree roots
Ask about camera inspection
For repeat blockages, some plumbers offer a CCTV camera inspection to see exactly what's wrong inside the pipe before digging.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use chemical drain cleaner?
Avoid strong chemicals on stubborn blockages. They rarely clear tree roots or solid blockages, they can damage older pipes, and they're dangerous for the plumber who has to open the drain afterwards.
What causes repeated blockages in older Benoni homes?
Tree roots in old clay sewer pipes, grease build-up from kitchens, and wipes or sanitary products flushed down toilets are the usual causes. A camera inspection shows exactly where and why.
Who is responsible for a blocked sewer line?
Pipes on your property are your responsibility. A blockage in the municipal sewer in the street is the City of Ekurhuleni's to fix. If neighbours have the same problem, report it to the municipality.
What is drain jetting?
High-pressure water jetting clears grease, silt and roots from drains. It's often more effective than rodding for recurring blockages.