How Long Does It Take to Snake a Drain in Perth?

Blocked drains are not just an inconvenience; they can impact your household’s hygiene and overall comfort. The timely resolution of drain issues is essential to prevent water damage, foul odours, and more extensive problems.

When faced with a clogged drain, one of the most effective solutions is snaking or drain cleaning. But how long does it take to snake a drain in Perth?

Let’s explore the specifics of drain snaking, the factors that can influence the time it takes to complete it and why it’s crucial to address these issues promptly.

Snaking a drain is a technique used to remove clogs and obstructions from pipes and drains.

A plumber typically uses a specialized tool called a drain snake or auger. This tool consists of a long, flexible cable with a corkscrew-like attachment at one end. The plumber inserts the cable into the drain or pipe and rotates it to break apart or retrieve the blockage.

A clogged drain may seem like a minor inconvenience at first, but if left untreated, it can escalate into a major problem. Timely drain cleaning not only restores proper drainage but also prevents more severe issues from developing. Here’s why it’s crucial to address drain clogs promptly:

1. Prevent Pipe Damage

A stubborn clog can exert pressure on your pipes, potentially leading to cracks or leaks. The longer a clog remains in place, the higher the risk of damage to your piping system.

Snaking the drain promptly can alleviate this pressure and prevent costly repairs.

2. Avoid Sewer Backups:

In some cases, a clog in one part of your plumbing system can lead to backups in other areas. For instance, a clog in your kitchen sink could lead to a sewage backup in your bathtub.

This can result in unpleasant odours and unsanitary conditions within your home. Snaking the drain can prevent such backups.

3. Preserve Water Quality:

Clogs can cause water to stagnate in your pipes, leading to discolouration and changes in water quality. This can affect not only the taste and smell of your water but also its safety.

Prompt drain cleaning ensures that water flows freely, preserving its quality.

4. Prevent Odour Buildup:

When organic material like food scraps, hair, and soap scum accumulate in drains, they can decompose over time, emitting foul odours. These odours can permeate your living space and be challenging to eliminate.

Regular drain cleaning prevents odour buildup by removing these materials.

5. Reduce Health Risks:

Clogged drains can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and pests. Standing water in drains provides a hospitable environment for bacteria to thrive, which can pose health risks to your family.

Timely snaking of drains can help maintain a sanitary living environment.

6. Save Money:

Ignoring drain clogs can lead to more significant problems that require costly repairs. By addressing clogs promptly, you can save money in the long run by avoiding emergency plumbing services and extensive pipe replacements.

1. The severity of the Clog:

The time it takes to snake a drain largely depends on the severity of the clog. Minor blockages may be cleared in a matter of minutes, while more stubborn or complex clogs can take longer to resolve.

Common culprits for clogs in Perth include hair, soap scum, grease, and tree roots invading sewer lines.

2. Type of Drain:

The type of drain can also impact the time required. Kitchen sinks, for example, are often clogged with grease and food particles, which might be more time-consuming to remove compared to a bathroom sink clogged with hair and soap residue.

3. Access to the Clog:

Accessibility to the clog plays a significant role. If the clog is easily accessible from a sink or shower drain, it may be cleared relatively quickly.

However, if the clog is deep within the piping system or located in a hard-to-reach area, it can extend the time needed for the job.

4. Plumber’s Experience:

The experience and expertise of the plumber performing the job can influence how long it takes to snake a drain. Experienced plumbers are often more efficient at identifying and resolving issues, which can save time.

5. Equipment Used:

The quality and type of equipment used can also affect the duration of the job. Professional plumbers typically have access to high-quality drain snakes and other tools that can expedite the process.

On average, snaking a drain in Perth can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. Simple and straightforward clogs may be cleared in less time, while more complex issues might require additional hours of work.

To avoid dealing with clogged drains and the time-consuming process of snaking, homeowners in Perth can take preventive measures:

1. Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine plumbing maintenance to inspect and clean your drains, preventing minor issues from escalating into major clogs.
2. Use Drain Screens: Install drain screens or strainers in sinks and showers to catch debris before it enters the pipes.
3. Proper Disposal: Dispose of cooking oils and fats in the trash, rather than pouring them down the drain, to prevent grease buildup.
4. Hair Catchers: Use hair catchers in bathroom drains to prevent hair from accumulating and causing blockages.
5. Professional Inspections: Periodically hire a professional plumber for drain inspections to catch potential issues early.

The time it takes to snake a drain in Perth varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the clog and the expertise of the plumber. However, it’s crucial to address drain clogs promptly to prevent more extensive problems, preserve water quality, avoid backups, and maintain a healthy living environment.

Recognizing the signs of a clogged drain and enlisting the help of a professional plumber when needed is a wise investment in your home’s piping system and your family’s well-being.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 08 9496 1800 to keep your drains flowing smoothly and your home free from piping woes.

As a rule of thumb, the larger your project, the more you will need to investigate your plumber. We have a number of accreditations including CM3, WaterWise, and WPCG and is Department of Health accredited for ATUs. We are also licensed and insured, with a six-year workmanship warranty.

In short, we have the accreditations, experience, customer service, track record, and safeguards in place to give you the highest quality service in Western Australia.

If you have an issue or are planning a bigger buildout, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 08 9496 1800.

We have a 1-hour maximum wait so any emergencies are promptly resolved.