What to Do in Case of a Blocked Drain at Night

There’s nothing more stressful than dealing with a blocked drain at night. You can’t sleep on this issue, as it can turn into a bigger problem, such as flooding. If the blocked drain is in your sink, you can’t use it until you get the clog out. If it’s a shower drain, you may need to skip your bath for a while. It’s really a hassle!

And don’t get started on the smell. Clogged drains release harmful gases from rotting food, contaminated water, and cleaning chemicals. These gases may fill your home, making you and your family sick.

Thus, it’s important to know what to do if your drain is blocked at night and to solve the problem before it becomes out of hand.

This guide describes practical ways to unclog a blocked drain. If you cannot access after-hours plumbing services, these techniques are for you.

Assess the Situation

An emergency plumber for blocked drains assesses the issue first to devise an effective solution. So grab your gloves and goggles and evaluate the clogged drain.

Identify the Severity of the Blockage

Inspect the clogged drain by opening the tap and letting water flow through the drain. Find out the following:

• How long does it take for the water to backflow?
• For kitchen sink drains, are there food particles or small plastics coming out from the drain?
• For bathroom shower drains, is there grease, hair or dirt coming out from the drain?
• Is this an isolated issue (only one drain is affected), or is it affecting multiple drains in the house?
• Is there a foul odour coming out from the drain?
• Is this the first incident? Or does the clog happen more frequently?

Try to remove dirt, food and other materials coming out of the drain and turn the water back on. Does the clog persist?

Check for Immediate Risks

If the clog is not removed, water can back up and overflow to your kitchen, bathroom or laundry area, damaging your floor, cabinets, furniture and walls. Perform this simple test to check:

• Remove all standing water from the sink or shower area. 
• Remove all materials such as soap, hair, dirt, food, grease, etc.
• Leave the clog for a while, but remember the water level.
• Come back after 10 to 15 minutes. If the water remains at the same level, it can overflow at any time at night. It would help if you got rid of the clog ASAP.

DIY Steps to Manage the Blocked Drain at Night

How to fix a blocked drain at night? The following are time-tested emergency plumbing tips to clear out clogs ASAP.

1. Try Using a Plunger

The latest Plumbing Industry Statistics released by WebFX revealed that the global plumbing industry earns around $3 million in revenue from smart bathroom services. This market is also expected to grow to $9.5 billion by 2024. However, despite the rising popularity of smart toilets, many Australian households still use traditional S and P-trap toilets.

A plunger can help clear minor blockages, especially in toilets and sinks. This tool is easy to use and can remove clogs without chemicals, cleaners, or decloggers; therefore, it’s the safest. It’s available everywhere and costs less than other plumbing tools.

Instructions

• Remove all backed-up materials from the sink or toilet.
• Place the plunger’s rubber bell directly over the drain or toilet opening, making sure the rubber covers the entire opening.
• Add water to the sink or toilet, just enough to submerge the rubber.
• Push and pull the handle quickly and firmly several times for 20 seconds.
• Do not lift the rubber from the opening.
• After 20 seconds, remove the rubber and check if the clog is removed.
• Repeat the steps if the clog persists.
• Flush the drain with water. Flush the toilet. Check if the clog is gone.

2. Use Boiling Water (for Sinks and Bathtubs)

One of the most common causes of clogs in sinks, shower drains and bathtubs is grease. This could be cooking grease or scum from shampoo and soap. Hair, food and dirt become trapped in grease and, over time, grow bigger, blocking the drain.

One nighttime plumbing solution for clogs is pouring boiling water into sink and bathtub drains. Simply pour boiling water into the drain and let it sit for five minutes. Afterwards, open the tap and check if the clog has been removed. If the drain appears to be sluggish, pour more water. You may use this technique with a plunger.

3. Use a Drain Snake (If Available)

A drain snake or an auger is perfect for removing clogs stuck deeper in the drain pipes. This tool can remove hair, food, grease and other solid materials from the drain without damaging your pipes.

Instructions

• Manually lead the end of the drain snake into the drain.
• Allow the drain snake to move freely through the drain pipe until you feel resistance. 
• Start moving the handle to catch the clog.
• Once the handle becomes harder to crank, pull the drain snake out and examine the end for clogged debris.
• Open the tap to check if the clog is gone. If not, lead the auger back into the drain and repeat the steps. It takes several tries to remove all the stuck dirt and grime finally.

4. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners promise instant solutions to fixing clogged drains. However, the risks outweigh the benefits. These products are toxic to humans. They emit dangerous fumes that can cause respiratory problems when inhaled. They can also cause burns when touched and severe injuries if they come in contact with the eyes. 

Also, chemical drain cleaners can erode pipes as they are acids, oxidisers, or acidic substances. Avoiding these products ensures your home has an environmentally sustainable drainage system, reducing your impact on Australia’s waterways.

When to Call an Emergency Plumber

If a clog persists or becomes a health or safety risk, call a company that handles plumbing emergencies.

Signs the Blockage is Beyond DIY Fixes

You can tell that the clogged drain is beyond DIY when the water level remains or if it continues to rise. This is a sure sign that water could back up at any time and could flood your home at any moment.

Also, if multiple drains are affected in your home and a foul smell comes from the clogged drain, you must call an emergency plumber immediately.

Health and Safety Risks

Poor sanitation, especially in remote areas of Australia, poses significant health risks due to inadequate infrastructure, limited clean water access, and poor waste management. Sewage backups and stagnant water in homes also create similar health and safety risks.

The growth of harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites in sewage water can lead to serious health concerns. To prevent these threats, it’s essential to resolve drain blockages as soon as possible.

Flooding and Property Damage

Anyone may accidentally use or leave the tap open, causing the drain to overflow and flood your home. If you let a clog remain overnight, you may wake up with a flooded house, serious water damage, and costly repairs. 

How Link Plumbing Can Help

Drain blockage at night is Link Plumbing’s expertise. We can help you clear clogs quickly and safely.

24/7 Emergency Plumbing Services

We are available for after-hours emergencies. Whether you need help with a clogged sink or a backed-up toilet, help is just a phone call away. We are available 24/7 for all emergency plumbing needs.

Fast Response Time

We guarantee quick response to emergency calls. This means you reduce the risk of further damaging your plumbing system and avoid safety and health hazards in your home.

Expert Solutions for Blocked Drains 

Link Plumbing has a highly-trained team of licensed plumbers ready to handle blocked drains. We use only advanced tools and the latest techniques to resolve blocked drain issues safely and quickly.

We provide emergency plumbing services to customers in north-west Sydney, including more than 70 suburbs. Our services begin with an inspection of your home, accounting for all the factors that may contribute to your clogging issues. We guarantee the best price and minimal disruption to your home and routines.

Aside from clogged drains, Link Plumbing is your professional plumber for the following emergencies:

• Sewer backups
• Leak detection
• Hot water system repairs
• Pipe replacement
• Gas plumbing issues
• Toilet, sink, bathtub and shower repairs

We will give you a set price for your emergency plumbing job. Contact us anytime!

Conclusion

Use DIY techniques to fix a blocked drain at night. Try using a plunger to remove the blockage, and afterwards, pour boiling water to remove scum and grease. If the clog remains, use a drain snake, but never use chemical drain cleaners, as these harm health and can damage your pipes.

But if water backs up or continues to rise, and foul odour comes from the drain, it’s time to call the experts. 

Contact Link Plumbing for 24/7 emergency plumbing services at 0412 056 027.