The Top Causes of Blocked Drains and Their Simple Solutions
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 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 materials stick together inside pipes forming a blockage that prevents 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
- 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 next to sewer lines
3. Grease buildup
Grease buildup is one of the most common causes of residential cookbook problems leading to blockages. 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.
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. The following are signs of pipe damage:
- 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
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:
- 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.
- Blockages can be caused by grease buildup in your pipes.
- 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.
- 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.
