A damaged drain pipe can lead to all kinds of trouble, from slow leaks to blockages that keep coming back. Some faults are easy enough to sort out yourself, while others need a trained engineer. This guide to DIY drain repair covers the tools and methods for small jobs, how to tell when a professional is needed, and ways to keep your drains in good order.
Common Problems With Drain Pipes
Pinning down the fault comes before putting it right. The problems that crop up most often are:
- Small cracks and leaks
- Blocked pipes
- Joints that have worked loose
These can look minor at first, but they tend to get worse if they are not dealt with quickly.
Tools for Fixing a Drain Pipe Yourself
If you plan to tackle a damaged pipe yourself, the right kit makes all the difference. These are the tools most people reach for:
Plunger
The humble plunger is ideal for minor blockages. Pushing and pulling creates suction that loosens clogs sitting close to the plughole.
Pipe Repair Tape
Waterproof repair tape can seal a small crack or leak for the time being. It buys you time until a permanent repair can be made.
Drain Snake
A drain snake, sometimes called an auger, reaches further down the pipe than a plunger and breaks up stubborn clogs. It is particularly handy for bathroom basins and shower wastes.
Pipe Clamps
Fitted around a cracked pipe, a clamp holds the damaged part together until a replacement can go in.
Replacement Pipe
Where the damage is more extensive, the broken length of pipe may need replacing. Check that the new piece is the same size and material as the rest of your system.
How to Repair a Drain Pipe
With the fault identified and your tools to hand, you can make a start. These are the usual techniques:
Clearing a Blockage
Small clogs can usually be shifted with a plunger or drain snake. If the blockage sits deep in the system, high-pressure water jetting may be needed, but that is a job for professionals.
Sealing a Small Leak
Wrap pipe repair tape around the damaged area, or fit a clamp, to stop water escaping. It is only a short-term fix, but it will hold until a proper repair is arranged.
Replacing a Damaged Section
When part of the pipe is beyond saving, cut out the broken piece with a hacksaw and fit a new length using pipe connectors and a sealant.
When to Call an Expert
DIY methods will not solve every drain problem. Knowing when to get a professional to repair your drains can spare you time, money and a lot of frustration.
Difficult Blockages
When a pipe is fully blocked, or the obstruction sits far down the system, an engineer can use drain jetting or a camera inspection to find and clear it.
Cracked or Collapsed Pipes
Broken and collapsed pipes need specialist skills to repair or replace without harming the area around them. Some jobs call for excavation, which is best left to trained engineers.
Problems That Keep Coming Back
If your drains keep blocking even though you look after them, a professional can track down the underlying cause and fix it for good.
Why Hire a Professional?
Drainage engineers have the experience and equipment to carry out complicated repairs safely and efficiently. The main benefits are:
- The right equipment: high-pressure jetting and drain cameras find and clear blockages effectively.
- Experience: a seasoned engineer can pinpoint the problem quickly and recommend the best fix.
- Less risk: DIY repairs can sometimes make the damage worse, whereas a professional gets the job right first time.
Preventing Drain Problems in Future
Looking after your drains lowers the chance of damage and blockages. A few simple tips:
- Get rid of waste properly rather than washing it away
- Fit covers over plugholes and outside drains
- Book regular drain inspections
Call Jet Plumb for Professional Drain Repairs
If your own efforts have not worked, or the problem looks serious, Jet Plumb can help. Our experienced engineers deal with it all, from a small leak to a serious blockage, and they bring the right equipment to get your drains working properly again without delay.
For drain repairs in Stroud and across Gloucestershire, call Jet Plumb on 01453 827124 for a free, no-obligation quote.
