The Top Causes of Blocked Drains and Their Simple Solutions
Blocked drains are a common problem that can cause a lot of inconvenience and frustration. 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 can be caused by many reasons and, if left untreated, can cause costly damage to your home or business. These are the most common reasons for blocked drains, and how you can prevent them.
1. Foreign objects
Blocked drains can be caused by foreign objects like hair, food particles, soap residue and paper products. These substances stick to pipes and block water flow.
To prevent these blockages from occurring:
- Dispose of cooking oil in the trash and not down the drain
- Do not pour coffee grounds or leftover food into the sink
- Install drain covers in sinks, bathtubs, and shower stalls to prevent hair from accumulating
- Use minimal toilet paper when flushing
2. Tree roots
Tree roots often grow toward water sources such as cracked pipes or pipe joints where they can infiltrate and eventually cause a complete blockage within the pipe.
To prevent tree root intrusion
- Hire professionals to properly install pipes so they’re level
- Avoid planting trees next to sewer lines
3. Grease buildup
Grease buildup is one of the most common causes of residential cookbook problems leading to blockages. 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.
To avoid grease buildup in your kitchen sink dispose off all greasy wast like cook oils via trash bin instead pouring it down into your kitchen drainage system.
4. Structural damage
Cracked or collapsed pipes due to age, weather or changes in the soil can cause blocked drains. Signs of structural damage of pipes include:
- Slowly draining water
- Multiple blocked fixtures
- Mold growth
- Foundation cracks
To prevent structural damages:
- Get your sewer lines inspected regularly with the help of CCTV inspections so that professional repair company could detect any issues and fix it immediately.
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.
Hire professionals to install pipes correctly and make sure they meet all standards.
Conclusion
Blocked drains can lead to significant problems if ignored for long periods of time. Be proactive about preventing blockages by taking preventative measures, hiring professionals for regular maintenance checks, following plumbing code requirements during constructions, placing catch baskets on screen traps in sink an drain shower outlets to capture any debris before it reaches the drainage system. To ensure your pipes are clear for years to come, take care of them today.
The key takeaways
Here are some essential things you should remember after reading this article:
- Foreign objects like hair, soap residue, paper products and food particles are common causes of Blocked Drains.
- Tree roots can grow towards water sources like cracked pipes, causing complete obstruction within the 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 wastes going through drainage system.
- Instead of waiting for an emergency, hire only certified plumbers for routine check-ups.
- 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.
