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. You can prevent blocked drains by understanding the causes.
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.
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
- Install drain covers in sinks, bathtubs, and shower stalls to prevent hair from accumulating
- 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.
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:
- Slowly draining water
- Multiple blocked fixtures
- Mold growth
- Foundation cracks
To prevent structural damages:
- Get your sewer lines inspected regularly with the help of CCTV inspections so that professional repair company could detect any issues and fix it immediately.
5. Incorrect pipe installation
Bad pipe design or incorrect installation can cause blocked drains. It is possible for large debris to build up in unreliable areas, causing blockages.
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. To prevent blockages, take preventive measures such as hiring professionals to conduct regular maintenance checks and following plumbing code requirements when building. You can also place catch baskets in drain outlets or sinks to capture any debris that reaches the drainage system. Take care of your pipes today to ensure that they remain clear tomorrow and in years ahead.
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 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.
- Structural damages due to cracked or collapsed pipes due to age, weather or ground shifts impairing smooth flow of water.
- An incorrect installation of pipes can leave tight bends that are susceptible to large debris, causing accumulation 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.
