Avoid Drain Blockages: Tips to Steer Clear of These 5 Common Triggers
Blocked drains can be a frustrating problem and cause many inconveniences. They can lead to unpleasant odors, slow draining water, and even sewage backups. Understanding the common causes of blocked drains will help you prevent them in the first place.
Blocked drains are caused by different reasons, and if not adequately addressed, can lead to costly repairs for your home or business. These are the most common reasons for blocked drains, and how you can prevent them.
1. Foreign objects
Foreign objects such as food particles, hair, soap residue, and paper products can cause blocked drains. These materials stick together inside pipes forming a blockage that prevents water flow.
These blockages can be prevented by:
- Cooking oil should be disposed of in the trash, not the sink
- Avoid pouring leftover food debris or coffee grounds into the sink
- To prevent hair accumulation, install drain covers in bathtubs, sinks, and shower stalls
- Use minimal toilet paper when flushing
2. Tree roots
Tree roots can often be found growing toward cracked pipes and pipe joints, where they can infiltrate the pipe and eventually block it completely.
To prevent tree root intrusion:
- Professionals can install pipes properly so that they are level.
- Avoid planting trees near sewer lines
3. Grease buildup
Blockages can be caused by grease buildup. Many people pour hot grease down their kitchen sink since it’s liquid form making it easily escapes from dishes but congeals quickly once it cools off deep inside your pipes causing stubborn clogs.
You can dispose of grease-laden oils and other greasy substances in your kitchen sink by emptying the trash into a garbage bin, rather than pouring it into your kitchen drainage system.
4. Structural damage
Blocked drains can be caused by cracked or collapsed pipes, whether they are due to weather changes or age. Signs of structural damage of pipes include:
- Slowly draining water
- Multiple blocked fixtures
- Mold growth
- Foundation cracks
To prevent structural damages:
- Regular inspections of your sewer lines with CCTV inspections are recommended so that professional repair companies can detect and correct any problems.
5. Incorrect pipe installation
Bad pipe design or incorrect installation can cause blocked drains. It is possible for large debris to build up in unreliable areas, causing blockages.
To prevent such occurrences, hire professionals to properly install pipes and ensure the pipes meet the recommended standards for sizes and torques.
Conclusion
Blocked drains can lead to significant problems if ignored for long periods of time. To prevent blockages, take preventive measures such as hiring professionals to conduct regular maintenance checks and following plumbing code requirements when building. You can also place catch baskets in drain outlets or sinks to capture any debris that reaches the drainage system. To ensure your pipes are clear for years to come, take care of them today.
Key takeaways
These are the most important things to remember after you have read this article.
- Blocked drains are often caused by foreign objects such as hair, soap residues, paper products, and food particles.
- Tree roots growth toward water sources such as cracked pipes causing complete blockage within a pipe.
- Grease buildup deep inside your pipes causes stubborn clogs leading ultimately leads to Blocked Drains.
- Cracked or collapsed pipes caused by weather, age or ground shifts can cause structural damage that impair smooth water flow.
- Incorrect Pipe installations may leave very tight bends susceptible for large debris causing accumulative blockages. from the wastes that are going through the drainage system.
- Hire only qualified-professionals plumbers for regular check ups instead of waiting for emergencies.
- Follow standard local plumbing codes during construction.
- Place catch baskets on screen traps at outlets to capture any debris before it reaches the drainage system.
