If you’re experiencing problems with your drains, it might be time to call in a professional. While there are many ways to unblock drains on your own, doing so can cost you plenty of money. Here’s a look at the various costs associated with this kind of service:
– Drains can cost between $60 and $120 to unblock professionally.
– Additionally, you may have to pay for tools and supplies necessary for the job.
– If the blockage is severe, you may need to call in a professional plumber.
Cost for each drain
The cost of a plumber to unclog a lavatory, sink, or bathtub ranges from $100 to $275. A Roto-Rooter plumber charges $225 to $500 to snake a drain. Drain snake rentals cost $30 to $80 per day. DIY drainage snake installation instructions cost approximately $15 to $100.
Significant causes of blocked drains
- Toilet paper
- Grease
- Foreign objects
- Tree roots
- Cracked, damaged, or broken pipes
- Incorrect installation
Toilet paper
One of the most common reasons is because of young children overloading the commode with an excessive amount of toilet paper. Thankfully, this is typically a minor job that can be quickly and efficiently resolved.
Grease
Grease buildup within the drain is often the source of these problems. Rather than costly or time-consuming work, it’s just a problem for commercial kitchens and restaurants. This can cause heavy fines by local authorities.
Foreign objects
You’ll be amazed by what the professionals cleared from blocked drains. Some objects include beer cans, children’s toys, socks, strings of silicone, tools, air fresheners, tampons, and even underwear. Clearing the drains that become blocked as a result of foreign objects often requires the use of a CCTV drain inspection camera to identify the blockage, and then identify the best way to tackle the drain problem.
Tree roots
Tree roots are one of the most common causes of pipe blockages. Tree roots seek water, and as they do so, they literally break anything down to obtain it. Frequently pushing over retaining walls, tree roots can also burst pipes underneath the ground.
Cracked, damaged, or broken pipes
As the age of the pipes, they become more likely to break or crack, as the ground settles, tree roots develop, or it is caused by digging or earthworks. As a result, cracked or damaged pipes are typically the best option to replace, rather than repair. Home repair specialists often propose replacing old clay piping with contemporary PVC pipes during the upgrade.
Incorrect installation
Particular blockages may also occur if drains are put in place without adequate grade or if the grid is too low. Australian Standards require a distance of at least 20 millimetres in any piping of 1 meter to transport the liquids safely. Pipes installed with a negligible fall may be susceptible to build-up, which can cause blockages.
Summary
If you have a blocked drain and don’t know how to unblock it, call a professional. A plumber can run a number of tests to determine the root of the problem and provide the necessary steps to unblock your drains.
