Quick and Easy Fixes for Common Drain Blockages

Oct 10, 2024 | Drain Clearing

Since 2007, Drain Blasters has been at the forefront of innovative and environmentally-friendly solutions for clearing drain blockages and managing liquid waste. We understand the frustrations and risks associated with blocked drains, which can disrupt daily operations in commercial and industrial settings like restaurants, hotels, and large facilities. Our expert team specializes in resolving drain blockages quickly and efficiently while ensuring minimal impact on the environment.

Common Causes of Drain Blockages

Blocked drains can occur for various reasons, many of which stem from improper disposal practices or external factors beyond your control. One of the leading causes of drain blockages in commercial kitchens and food service environments is the accumulation of fats, oils, and grease (FOG). When hot grease is poured down the drain, it cools and hardens, forming a sticky residue that clings to the pipes. Over time, this residue builds up and blocks the flow of water.

Tree roots are another common cause of blockages, especially in outdoor drainage systems. These roots seek out moisture and can infiltrate pipes through tiny cracks, causing significant damage as they grow. Foreign objects, such as sanitary products, wipes, or food debris, also pose a major threat to drainage systems. These items do not break down easily and can create serious blockages if they are flushed or washed into the pipes.

Natural debris like leaves, dirt, and twigs can also clog outdoor drains, particularly during rainy seasons. Keeping outdoor areas clean and ensuring that gutters and drains are cleared regularly is essential for preventing these kinds of blockages.

The Dangers of Drain Blockages

Ignoring or delaying the resolution of a blocked drain can lead to serious consequences for both your facility and the environment. A blocked drain may cause water to back up into sinks, toilets, or outdoor spaces, potentially leading to flooding. This flooding can damage property, disrupt business operations, and result in costly repairs.

Beyond property damage, blocked drains pose a significant health risk. Standing water in blocked drains can harbour harmful bacteria and attract pests, creating an unhealthy environment for staff and customers. Blocked sewer lines can also result in wastewater contaminating clean water supplies, leading to serious health issues.

Drain blockages can also have environmental impacts. When untreated wastewater seeps into surrounding soils and waterways, it can contaminate the local ecosystem, harming aquatic life and polluting rivers and oceans. As a business committed to eco-friendly practices, Drain Blasters is dedicated to reducing the risk of environmental damage caused by drain blockages.

Effective Solutions for Clearing Drain Blockages

At Drain Blasters, we offer a range of professional services designed to tackle even the toughest drain blockages. Our team is equipped with the latest tools and technologies to ensure that we clear your drains quickly and effectively while minimizing harm to the environment.

Eco-Friendly Drain Clearing

We prioritize the use of environmentally-friendly solutions in all of our services. For minor drain blockages caused by grease, hair, or soap scum, natural cleaning methods can be highly effective. One method involves using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, which creates a chemical reaction that helps break down blockages without the need for harsh chemicals. This method is not only safe for your pipes but also reduces the risk of environmental contamination.

For tougher blockages, such as those caused by tree roots or large debris, we employ hydro jetting. This technique uses high-pressure water to blast away obstructions deep within the drainage system. Hydro jetting is an excellent solution for clearing stubborn blockages and ensuring the long-term health of your pipes.

Fat Trap Supply and Cleaning

In commercial kitchens, one of the most effective ways to prevent drain blockages is by installing a fat trap. These devices capture fats, oils, and grease before they enter the drainage system, significantly reducing the risk of blockages. At Drain Blasters, we supply and maintain certified fat traps for businesses of all sizes. Regular cleaning of your fat trap is essential for optimal performance, and our team provides thorough, eco-friendly cleaning services to ensure that your trap operates efficiently.

Canopy Filter Cleaning

Canopy filters play a crucial role in preventing grease and smoke from entering your ventilation and drainage systems. If these filters are not regularly cleaned, grease can build up and lead to blockages in both your drainage and air filtration systems. Our team offers professional canopy filter cleaning services to keep your kitchen running smoothly and reduce the risk of drain blockages.

Drainage System Cleaning

Routine drainage system cleaning is one of the most effective ways to prevent future blockages and maintain the overall health of your pipes. At Drain Blasters, we recommend scheduling regular inspections and cleanings to remove any accumulated debris before it becomes a problem. Our drainage system cleaning services include the use of advanced technology, such as CCTV drain inspections, which allow us to pinpoint the exact location and cause of blockages. This ensures that we address the issue at its source and prevent further complications down the line.

Organic Cleaning Solutions

In line with our commitment to sustainability, we provide certified organic cleaning materials for all our cleaning services. These products are not only effective at clearing blockages but are also safe for the environment and your staff. By using organic solutions, we help reduce the harmful effects of chemical cleaners on your pipes and surrounding ecosystems.

The Importance of Professional Assistance

While some minor blockages can be cleared using DIY methods, it is always advisable to seek professional help for more severe or persistent issues. Drain blockages, if left untreated, can cause significant damage to your property and the environment. Our professional team at Drain Blasters has the expertise and tools to identify the cause of your blockage and provide a long-lasting solution.

We also understand the importance of minimizing disruption to your business. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling options and rapid response times to ensure that your operations are back to normal as quickly as possible.

Preventing Future Drain Blockages

Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining the health of your drainage system. At Drain Blasters, we offer advice and services to help you avoid future blockages. Installing fat traps, regularly cleaning canopy filters, and scheduling routine drainage system inspections are just a few of the proactive measures that can significantly reduce the likelihood of blockages.

By implementing these strategies and staying vigilant about what is disposed of down your drains, you can keep your drainage system functioning smoothly and avoid the headaches that come with blockages.

For more information on how Drain Blasters can help you clear drain blockages and maintain the health of your drainage system, contact our team today.

Why use Drain Blasters?

Cutting edge technology

Drain Blasters only works with the latest technology and equipment, using high pressure water-jetting.

Portable equipment

Our portable equipment can be carried into buildings and lifts in order to access those hard to reach places.

Scalable Equipment

Our fleet ranges in capacity and size from 1 to 10 tonne waste removal capacity and drain clearing capabilities, suitable for residential and industrial blockages.

 

Highly experienced teams

Our teams are made up of highly experienced individuals who are professional and friendly

24/7 Service

We are on call 24/7 to assist in the case of emergencies and short notice service

Competitive Prices

We offer highly competitive pricing while maintaining a high level of service

Our Services

Drain Clearing

Our experienced experts are available around-the-clock and are equipped with the latest drain clearing tools and technology to get the job done fast and effectively.

Liquid Waste Removal

We offer a professional, socially responsible & price effective solution as a leader in liquid waste management.

Septic Tank Cleaning

We specialize in septic tank cleaning and drainage, whereby we pump out and clean the contents of septic tanks.

Grease Trap Cleaning

Our grease trap cleaning process ensures a free flowing drainage system and alleviates odours in your workplace in a systematic, discreet and environmentally friendly manner.

Grease Traps

We proudly install grease traps into restaurants and institutions which require filtration of grease, fats, and oils from their wastewater.

Sewage Removal

We have extensive expertise and experience in resolving sewerage blockages of all sizes, with special care taken to dispose of sewage safely and effectively.

Areas We Service

Drain Blasters services almost all areas across Cape Town and Surrounding Areas

Airport Industria | Athlone | Atlantic Seaboard | Atlantis | Bakoven | Bantry Bay | Bellville | Bergvliet | Bishopscourt | Blackheath | Bloubergstrand | Bo-Kaap | Boland | Bothasig | Brackenfell | Brooklyn | Camps Bay | Capri Village | CBC | Century City | Claremont | Clifton | Clovelly | Constantia | Crawford | Crossroads | Culemborg | Darling | De Waterkant | Devil's Peak Estate | Diep River | Durbanville | Edgemead | Eersteriver | Elsie's River | Epping | Epping 2 | Epping 1 | Fish Hoek | Foreshore | Franschoek | Fresnaye | Gardens | Glencairn | Goodwood | Gordon's Bay | Green Point | Harfield Village | Heathfield | Hout Bay | Imizamo Yethu | Kalk Bay | Kenilworth | Kenwyn | Killarney Gardens | Kirstenhof | Kommetjie | Kraaifontein | Kreupelbosch | Kuils River | Lakeside | Lansdowne | Llandudno | Lotus River | Maitland | Malmesbury | Mamre | Meadowridge | Melkbosstrand | Milnerton | Montague Gardens | Mouille Point | Mowbray | Muizenberg | Ndabeni | Newlands | Noordhoek | Northern Suburbs | Observatory | Ocean View | Oranjezicht | Paarden Island | Paarl | Panorama | Parklands | Parow | Philippi Industrial | Pinelands | Pinelands | Plattekloof | Plumstead | Retreat | Rondebosch | Rondebosch East | Rosebank | Rugby | Sacks Circle | Salt River | Scarborough | Schotsche Kloof | Sea Point | Simon's Town | Somerset West | Southern Suburbs | SouthField | St James | Steenberg | Stellenbosch | Stikland | Strand | Sun Valley | Sunnydale | Table View | Tamboerskloof | Thornton | Three Anchor Bay | Tokai | Vredehoek | Waterfront | Wellington | West Beach | Wetton | Woodstock | Wynberg | Zonnebloem