5 Common Causes of Blocked Drains and How to Prevent Them

Blocked drains are an inconvenience which can cause a disruption in your daily life. They can lead to smelly water damage, bad odours, and even health risks. If not dealt with promptly blocked drains can lead to serious issues in your plumbing system, resulting in expensive repair or even replacement.

Key Takeaways

• The blockage of drains can affect your day-to-day routine and lead to problems with water, bad smells, and even health risks.
• Grease, oil and fat build-up can clog the walls of pipes, leading to obstructions; try not to pour grease down the drain or use soap and hot water to wash dishes.
• Tree roots naturally extend into the earth to seek nutrients that could cause severe damage to pipes and even completely block them and cause flooding. It is important to regularly maintain the trees surrounding drainage systems by trimming them.
• Flushing non-biodegradable items like wet toiletries, wipes, etc. could cause unpleasant odors emanating around toilets/bin areas; just wash toilet papers down toilet.
• Hair

In this article, we’ll look at five common reasons for blocked drains and what you can do to prevent them from happening.

Cause 1: Grease, Oil and fat buildup

Grease, oil and fat could appear as harmless substances to drain down the toilet, however, over time, they begin to accumulate on the walls of the pipes, causing a blockage. In this case, water is unable to flow freely through the drainpipes. The solution is to stop throwing grease into the drain. Alternatively, use hot water and soap during cleaning dishes because it assists to break down grease-based substances.

Cause 2: Tree Roots

The tree’s roots gradually extend their roots into the earth seeking nutrients. This implies that they expand towards underground pipes. Once inside the pipes, tree roots can cause substantial damage and even block them, leading to flooding. It’s important therefore if you are near trees to regularly monitor the growth of your trees around drainage systems by trimming them regularly.

Cause 3: Items that are soiled

It’s easy to assume that flushing biodegradable products such as wet towels, sanitary wipes and so on. will not cause any major problems in the long run However, when a lot of these items are put into toilets, they can build up, pushing other items aside and that block pipes. This can result in nasty smells emanating around toilets/bin areas too! Always be aware of what should be flushed and which shouldn’t (i. the only toilet paper should be flushed away).

Cause 4 Hair

Additional Information

• Avoid Drain Blockages: Tips to Steer Clear of These 5 Common Triggers
• Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
• Wave Goodbye to Blocked Pipes: Simple Tricks to Apply
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Expert Tips on Choosing the Best Pipe Relining Material
• Ways to Confirm & Detect a Obstructed Pipeline
• CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
• Methods for Fix a Pipe Effortlessly: Guidance
• The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
• The DIY Guide: Clear Your Clogged Drains in No Time Flat
• Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection