5 Common Causes of Blocked Drains and How to Prevent Them

Blocked drains are an inconvenience that could cause disruption to your daily life. They can result in smelly water damage, bad smells, and even health hazards. If they’re not treated promptly blocked drains can lead to severe problems for the plumbing system, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

Key Takeaways

• The blockage of drains can affect your day-to-day routine and result in the destruction of your home, bad smells and even health dangers.
• Grease, oil and fat accumulation can build up on the pipes’ walls causing blockages. Do not pour grease down the drain, or make use of hot water and soap while cleaning dishes.
• Tree roots naturally extend into the earth to seek nutrients which may cause significant damages and blockages to pipes that can lead to flooding. Regularly maintain trees near drainage systems by trimming them.
• Flushing non-biodegradable items like wet towels, wipes and sanitary pads etc. could cause unpleasant odors emanating around toilets/bin areas; make sure to flush toilet paper down the toilet.
• Hair

In this post, we’ll explore five reasons for blocked drains and how you can avoid them.

Cause 1. Grease, Oil and Fat Buildup

Oil, grease, and fat may appear like harmless materials to pour down the drain but as time passes, they build up within the wall of the pipes, causing the pipes to become blocked. As a result it is impossible for water to move freely through the drainpipes. It is best to avoid the practice of pouring grease in the drain, or use hot water and soap to wash your hands when cleaning dishes since it can help break down greasy substances.

Cause 2: Tree Roots

In time, the tree roots naturally extend themselves into the ground seeking nutrients. This leads to them expanding towards underground pipes. Once they’re inside, the tree roots can cause substantial damage and can completely block them, leading to flooding. It’s crucial, therefore, if you have trees around that you regularly maintain their growth around drainage systems, by trimming the trees regularly.

Cause 3: Items that are soiled

It’s not difficult to conclude that flushing non-biodegradable things like wet towels, sanitary wipes and so on. shouldn’t cause a lot of problems in the long run However, when a lot of these items are put in the toilets, they’ll pile up and push others away, that block pipes. This can cause a bad smell to be released around toilets/bin areas too! Always be aware of what should be flushed away and what should not (i. that only toilet papers should have to be flushed).

Cause 4: Hair

Additional Information

• Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
• How CCTV Drain Inspections Help Avoid Water Damage and Health Hazards
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Expert Tips on Choosing the Best Pipe Relining Material
• The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
• Catching Drain Issues Early: The Benefits of Scheduling Regular Inspections for Your Business
• Tricks for Identifying & Verifying a Clogged Drain
• The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
• The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
• Seeking a plumber to repair your blocked drain issue? This is how
• Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains