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. 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 can be caused by many reasons and, if left untreated, can cause costly damage to your home or business. Here are five common causes of blocked drains and how to 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.
These blockages can be prevented by:
- Cooking oil should be disposed of in the trash, not the sink
- Avoid pouring leftover food debris or coffee grounds 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 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
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.
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
Cracked or collapsed pipes due to age, weather or changes in the soil can cause blocked drains. 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.
Hire professionals to install pipes correctly and make sure they meet all standards.
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. 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 growth toward water sources such as cracked pipes causing complete blockage within a 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.
- To capture debris that does not reach the drainage system, place catch baskets on screens traps.
