Blocked drains are a common issue in apartment buildings. Grease, hair, and debris can clog pipes, causing backups and overflows. Professional drain cleaning and pipe maintenance are the best solutions to clear blockages and prevent future clogs. 189 chars
Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing issues faced in apartment buildings.
When drains become clogged with hair, grease, debris and other materials, it can cause messy backups and flooding in units. Not only is this an inconvenience, but it can also lead to unsanitary conditions and damage to the building if left unchecked.
As a plumber servicing the Blakehurst area, we understand the unique challenges apartment dwellers face when it comes to plumbing problems. And determining responsibility for paying for repairs gets complicated since blockages can occur both inside individual units or in main sewer lines.
Getting to the source of the issue can be difficult when dealing with shared drain lines.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide insight into the causes of blocked drains in apartments and steps you can take to help prevent them.
We’ll also outline effective solutions to clear clogs, whether they are in your kitchen sink or the building’s main line. We’ll also outline effective solutions to clear clogs, whether they are in your kitchen sink or the building’s main line.
There are a few usual suspects that tend to cause blocked drains in apartment buildings. Let’s examine some of the most common culprits.
Showers and baths produce a lot of excess hair that goes down the drain. Over time, this hair can accumulate into a dense mass that blocks pipework. Hair combines with soap residue to create an especially tough clog that’s difficult to clear.
Bathroom sinks are prone to this issue.
Food particles like cooking oils, fats, and grease can stick to pipe walls when washed down kitchen sinks.
Food waste can also collect in drains. These materials clump together and harden, eventually blocking the flow of water. Kitchen sinks commonly get clogged for this reason.
Sometimes residents discard unsuitable items down the toilet like wipes, paper towels, dental floss, sanitary items, and kitty litter. These solids don’t break down and can get snagged in bends of drain pipes. Toilets should only be used for waste and toilet paper.
Small amounts of silt, grit, and sediment enter drains during everyday use. Over time these particles accumulate and restrict water flow, especially in basins with faulty drain screens. Regular maintenance helps prevent this gradual buildup.
By staying mindful of what goes down drains and implementing good cleaning habits, many clogged drains can be avoided. But even with diligence, blockages still occur. If you’re experiencing backed up drains in your apartment, contact our team for professional drain cleaning and maintenance.
When a drain blockage occurs in an apartment building, determining who is responsible for paying for repairs can get complicated. In general, the liability falls into one of these scenarios:
If a clog occurs within the boundary of an individual unit, such as in a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or toilet, the tenant is usually responsible for clearing the blockage and paying for a plumber. The lease agreement should stipulate maintenance duties that fall to the tenant.
When the blockage is located in a shared drain line or the main sewer line of the building, responsibility typically falls to the building owner or body corporate. They must cover the costs of drain repairs. However, building policies may vary, so check your agreement.
To find out if the clog is inside your unit or in a shared line, a plumber can run a drain camera inspection. Contact our team if you’re unsure - we’re happy to provide advice and get your drains flowing freely again.
This locates the blockage and determines the appropriate solution and responsible party.
When it comes to clearing blocked drains in apartments, plumbers have several methods at their disposal to get things flowing freely again:
Also known as plumber’s snakes, these coiling metal cables can dislodge clogs in pipes. The snake is fed down the drain and uses twisting action to break up debris. It’s ideal for sinks, tubs and laundry drains.
Powerful high pressure water jets are used to scour the inside of pipes and force out accumulated gunk. This method works well for tough main line clogs. Care must be taken not to damage pipes.
A tiny camera on a flexible cable is inserted down drains to provide a video view of the blockage. This helps determine the exact location and nature of the clog for targeted clearing.
For professional drain assessments and cleaning, the plumbers at Blakehurst Plumbing have the latest tools and expertise to get apartment drains flowing freely again.
Snaking is one of the most effective methods plumbers use to clear blocked drains in apartments. It involves using a flexible metal cable called a drain snake that is fed down into the pipework.
Drain snakes are ideal for removing obstructions like accumulated hair, soap scum, grease, food waste and other debris. The snake is equipped with a rotating metal tip that latches onto the clog and breaks it up as the cable twists and turns.
To perform snaking, a plumber will first run a camera down the line to locate the exact position of the blockage. Then the flexible snake is inserted into the drain opening and extended to the problem spot. The snake is rotated and manoeuvred to scrub the pipe walls and dislodge the debris.
Snaking works well for clearing sink, tub, shower and floor drains where a clog is accessible. It’s less effective for main sewer lines which require tougher methods like high pressure jetting. But for most apartment drain clogs, this simple mechanical clearing technique gets things flowing freely again.
High pressure water jetting is an effective method for clearing stubborn drain clogs, especially in main sewer lines. It involves using specialised jetting equipment to blast high pressure water through the pipes.
The jetting machine connects to the drain opening and pumps water out at up to 4000 PSI. This creates a scouring effect that scrubs the pipe interior and forces debris out. The high pressure water can penetrate standing buildup and grease deposits that other methods can’t.
High pressure jetting requires specialist equipment and training to be performed safely. The intense water pressure can damage pipes if not used correctly. Experienced plumbers will routinely inspect the pipes with cameras before and after jetting.
For severe main line clogs or backup flooding situations, high pressure water jetting is often the go-to solution. The powerful blasting action scrubs away whatever is blocking the line to restore proper drainage.
CCTV drain inspection is an invaluable tool for diagnosing blocked drains in apartment buildings. A plumber will use a special drainage camera on a flexible cable to get a close-up view inside the pipework.
This enables the exact location and cause of a blockage to be identified. The camera shows buildup inside the pipes, collapsed or broken sections, pipe defects, root intrusions and more. It provides vital information for targeted drain clearing.
CCTV inspections help determine whether a clog is within an individual unit or situated further down the line. This assists in assigning repair responsibility between tenants and building owners.
Routine CCTV drain checks are recommended to proactively spot potential problems before they turn into major blockages. Annual inspections give peace of mind and help prevent costly emergency callouts.
For expert CCTV drain inspections, the team at Blakehurst Plumbing have the latest camera technology to diagnose tricky apartment drain issues. Contact us for professional drain assessments.
Consistent maintenance and cleaning are crucial for preventing blocked drains in apartment buildings. Small drain issues can snowball into major blockages if left unaddressed.
We recommend tenants perform light monthly maintenance like pouring boiling water down sinks and running baking soda and vinegar to keep drains clear. Annual inspections by a plumber are also wise to catch any problems proactively.
For common lines, building owners or strata should institute routine drain cleaning and camera inspections. Any defects found can then be repaired before causing a disruption. Being vigilant about maintenance drastically reduces the chances of experiencing a blocked drain emergency.
At Blakehurst Plumbing, we’re here to support apartment owners and tenants with all their drain servicing and cleaning needs. Get in touch to learn about our professional maintenance plans.
Being proactive with preventative plumbing maintenance can help avoid many common issues in apartment buildings. We recommend a comprehensive inspection at least once per year to identify leaks, blockages or other problems in their early stages before they worsen.
An annual plumbing inspection by a qualified professional will check water supply lines, drain pipes, fixtures, valves and more. Advanced diagnostics like CCTV cameras can spot hidden leaks and obstructions inside pipes. Any necessary repairs or replacements can then be performed.
Preventative maintenance greatly reduces the chances of emergency callouts for flooded or backed up drains. It also provides peace of mind to residents and helps apartment owners control costs. Contact our team about scheduling your annual plumbing inspection - keeping problems at bay before they arise.
Educating apartment residents is crucial for avoiding many common sources of drain blockages. By learning proper waste disposal habits, tenants can play an active role in preventing clogged drains.
We recommend building owners or property managers implement an education programme focused on best practises such as:
Informing residents about what should and should not go down drains reduces avoidable clogs and plumbing issues. Supplement education with appropriate signage in problem areas. An ounce of prevention goes a long way - informed tenants can help keep drains flowing freely.
Although routine maintenance and proper waste disposal can prevent many drain issues, there are times when a professional plumber is necessary in an apartment building.
We recommend contacting a licenced plumber immediately if you experience:
Our team of qualified plumbers are available 24/7 to respond to apartment drain emergencies. We have the expertise and equipment to diagnose issues and undertake necessary repairs. Don’t hesitate to call for urgent plumbing problems that require professional attention.
Blocked drains can present safety hazards in apartment buildings if not addressed promptly. One concern is sewer gases entering units because of a clogged main line.
Gases like hydrogen sulphide, methane, and carbon monoxide can accumulate in pipes and permeate into living spaces when drainage flow is obstructed. Exposure to these gases poses health risks like nausea, headaches, and fatigue.
A clear sign of a gas leak is an unpleasant rotten egg odour emanating from drains or toilets. If smelled, open windows immediately for ventilation and contact the building owner and a plumber urgently.
Another safety issue is overflowing sewage due to a complete main line blockage. Sewage backup allows disease-causing bacteria to spread throughout the building. Any overflow requires hazardous material cleanup.
Preventative drain maintenance and rapid response to clogs are vital. Our team is ready 24/7 to inspect for gases and resolve any blocked drains promptly. Don’t hesitate to call if you have any safety concerns related to plumbing issues.
Dealing with blocked drains in an apartment building can be frustrating, but being proactive is key to avoiding major headaches. Implementing preventative maintenance, educating residents on proper disposal habits, and addressing issues promptly can keep drains free-flowing.
As your local plumbing professionals, we’re here to help apartment owners, property managers, and tenants. We have the expertise to tackle drain blockages, determine repair responsibilities, and provide routine maintenance. Don’t hesitate to contact our team if you’re experiencing any drain problems.
By following the tips outlined in this guide and leveraging professional plumbing services when needed, your apartment building can minimise troublesome clogs. We’re your partner in keeping your plumbing healthy and your residents happy.
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