The Top Causes of Blocked Drains and Their Simple Solutions
Blocked drains can be a frustrating problem and cause many inconveniences. Blocked drains can cause unpleasant odors, slow drainage of 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. Here are five common causes of blocked drains and how to prevent them:
1. Foreign objects
Foreign objects such as food particles, hair, soap residue, and paper products can cause blocked drains. These substances stick to pipes and block water flow.
To prevent these blockages from occurring:
- Cooking oil should be disposed of in the trash, not the sink
- 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
- Toilet paper should be used sparingly 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 near sewer lines
3. Grease buildup
Blockages can be caused by grease buildup. Hot grease is often poured down the kitchen sink. It’s liquid form allows it to escape from dishes, but it congeals quickly once it cools and gets deep within your pipes, causing blockages.
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
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:
- Slow 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
Incorrect pipe installation or poor design can also contribute to blocked drains as it sometimes leaves very tight bends in unscrupulous areas where large debris easily form blockages from accumulated waste.
To prevent such occurrences, hire professionals to properly install pipes and ensure the pipes meet the recommended standards for sizes and torques.
Conclusion
If left unattended, blocked drains can cause serious problems. 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. Take care of your pipes today to ensure that they remain clear tomorrow and in years ahead.
The 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 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.
- An incorrect installation of pipes can leave tight bends that are susceptible to large debris, causing accumulation blockages. from wastes going through 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.
