Blocked drains can be a real hassle for any business or commercial property owner. Whether you run a bustling food establishment or manage an office with bathroom facilities (and let’s face it, almost every commercial space includes one), proper drainage is absolutely crucial. Unfortunately, most businesses have encountered the inconvenience of a blocked drain at least once, disrupting operations and creating unnecessary stress.
Blocked drains can lead to serious downtime and issues for your business if not addressed and cleared promptly. But no stress, we’ve got you covered! Here are a few tips to get your commercial drains flowing freely again in no time!
Common Causes of Blocked Drains
Knowing the cause is the first step in fixing any problem, the same goes for blocked drains. Many commercial blocked drains are caused by user error, unfortunately, however, normal wear and tear and Mother Nature can have a hand in it too.
The most common causes of blocked drains in commercial spaces include:
- Grease & fats: Whether it’s a slow buildup from washing oily or greasy pans and cooking utensils or from tipping used oil directly down the drain, the most common cause of clogged drains in commercial kitchens is grease or fat. While you should have a grease trap to capture these solids and protect your drains, grease sludge can build up on pipes as it passes through and can cause blockages.
- Foreign objects: Food scraps from dirty plates can also cause blockages in kitchen drains. Whereas in bathrooms, blockages are more commonly caused by hair or small accessories accidentally falling down sink drains. These items are not designed to be washed down the drain and therefore get caught and clog them.
- Tree roots: Nature can also play a major role in blocked drains. If you have any large trees around your business, their roots can infiltrate your drain pipes looking for water. This causes damage to pipes and blockages as the roots grow and fill the space.
- Damaged pipes: Worn, corroded or otherwise damaged pipework is another common cause of blockages. If connections become loose or pipes become damaged it can lead to issues with water flow and drainage. This may be seen through slow drainage or partial blockages as the water searches for a path to drain or gets absorbed by the soil.
Clearing Blocked Drains
Now that you know what could be causing your drainage problems, we can dive into the solutions. The following are a few tried and tested ways to clear blocked drains quickly and safely, so you can get back to business sooner.
Clean the Drain
If you suspect your drainage woes are caused by grease, fat or other small debris such as food scraps or hair that can be moved through the pipes with a little push, then giving your drain a good clean could do the trick!
However, we don’t recommend jumping straight to the chemicals as this can damage your plumbing. Instead, opt for natural alternatives. We recommend pouring a cup of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. This creates a fizzy reaction–think of the volcano experiments we all did as kids–inside the pipes to break down natural blockages and get things moving. You can follow this up with a cup of hot or boiling water to fully flush out your drains.
This method is most effective for partial blockages, however, can sometimes work for complete blockages. These products are also natural and safe–and a great way to clean out your drains regularly–so don’t present any health or safety concerns for your staff or customers.
Plunger
The next most effective method is using a plunger. Plungers are great for creating suction to dislodge blockages and restore proper drainage. This method is highly effective, however, does require a little skill and elbow grease.
Start by removing any drain strainers or covers and ensuring the drain is fully submerged in water. You can then line up the plunger over the drain and press down firmly to create a secure seal. Then, using strong and consistent pressure press down and pull up on the plunger repeatedly to create suction.
You can try doing this in rounds of 2-5 plunges and then breaking the seal to check the drainage and repeating as necessary to clear the blockage.
Call a Plumber
Finally, if the blockage is stubborn and the above methods fail to restore proper flow you may require professional methods. Experienced plumbers have specialised skills and tools to effectively clear stubborn blockages.
Generally, if DIY methods don’t work then the blockage is caused by more significant issues, such as tree roots or damaged pipes. These blockages may require high-pressure hoses to cut through the blockage or roots, or excavating the pipes to replace or reline them.
Whatever the cause, drainage experts will be able to accurately diagnose the root cause and restore proper drainage and water flow, ensuring that you can get back to proper business sooner, with minimal disruptions.
Preventing Blocked Drains
Alternatively, prevention is always 100% more effective than a cure. So, if you can stop the blockages from occurring in the first place then your business will be much better off. There are a few different methods you can try to minimise the risk of blocked drains, such as:
- Promote proper waste disposal: Teach employees how to properly dispose of food scraps, grease, fats and oils to prevent blockages in commercial kitchens.
- Regular cleaning: Clean and flush out commercial sinks regularly with a mix of baking soda, vinegar and hot water to keep your drains free of buildup.
- Drain screens & covers: Install drain screens or covers over sinks in kitchens and bathrooms to catch objects and prevent them from falling down drains.
- Regular inspections and maintenance: Schedule regular professional inspections and maintenance from your local plumbers to keep your plumbing and drainage in top shape.
Ensure Proper Flow with Clear Commercial Drains
So, there you have it, blocked drains don’t have to be a cause for stress or headaches. With the right knowledge and tricks up your sleeve, you can keep your drains–and business–flowing smoothly. Even better if you can prevent ever needing to implement these tricks.
However, if you ever find yourself in a pickle and need a helping hand, we’re just a call away! Our experienced plumbers at Mario’s Plumbing & Drainage can inspect, diagnose and provide affordable and effective solutions for blocked drains.
