Building a new extension

We loved our house from the first time we went through, but it really didn't have enough living space. We have worked on improving the layout of the home and increasing the living area of the home to create a modern and more pleasant layout to the home. We are really proud of how the job has turned out and we wanted to share some of the details of how the extension and layout changes where designed and constructed. This blog has some of the photos of our extension as well as tips that we have learnt along the journey,.

Blocked Drains? 3 of The Most Common Offenders

Construction & Contractors Blog

Blocked drains are one of the most common reasons why Australians need to call their local plumber. Whether you are a homeowner or renting, you will most likely have experienced, or will one day experience, the inconvenience of having a blocked drain. Whilst your plumber will be able to assist you in unblocking your drains, prevention is the best remedy. Here are the three most common offenders when it comes to blocking up domestic drains.

1. Foreign objects

Imagine just settling down for the evening, or you are about to go out with the family, and one of your children approaches you and tells you that the toilet is not flushing properly. Upon inspection, this turns out to be an understatement, and you find putrid sewage is pouring out of your toilet bowl. The culprit? Too often it's a toy or other un-flushable item that has been inserted into the toilet by a curious child.

Other foreign objects which commonly cause drain blockages, both in the toilet and sinks, are pieces of jewellery, hair ties, and baby wipes. These items may be small, but the shape and consistency of them make them prime suspects for getting caught in u-bends, creating a dam-like effect for other debris that flows by.

2. Grease and fat

Grease and fat are one of the most common causes of blocked drains in kitchens. When fatty substances are washed down your drain they solidify as they cool and stick to the sides of the pipes. The solidified fat also acts as a magnet for food scraps and debris that goes down the kitchen drain. Over time the build-up will keep getting thicker until liquid will no longer be able to pass through.

Fortunately, with a bit of time and effort, you can minimise the likelihood of this happening. You should be mindful of what greasy substances you put down your drain. Greasy pans should be scraped clean and then wiped over with newspaper to remove as much as possible before you wash them.

3. Human hair

Another common cause of blocked drains is hair. When you wash your hair, or even just have a shower, hair finds its way down the drain. Over time, the hair can become caught up in the drain, creating a hairball which grows exponentially with the number of household members and the length of their hair. The buildup can be intensified by the use of hair products such as waxes, hairspray, and oils, which liquify as you wash your hair but solidify like grease when the hair becomes trapped in the drain. 

When there is enough hair built up in your drain, you'll first notice that the water is not draining as quickly while you're showering.If the issue isn't dealt with quickly, you'll soon be faced with a complete blockage. 

It's a good idea to keep an eye on your drains before these issues do arise. However, if you're guilty of drain neglect, book in a drain health check with your local plumber to find out what sort of conditions your drains are in before they cause you problems.

Share

24 January 2017