We’ve all been there. Water overflowing in the garden, a foul odour emanating from the sink or a toilet that won’t flush. Blocked drains are a common household problem that can prove a massive headache for any homeowner. However, prevention is better than cure, and it can be helpful to understand what causes drain blockages to help prevent them from occurring in the future.
Here are common blocked drain causes you may come across:
1. Hair
Your bathroom often takes the brunt of drainage issues, especially bathroom sinks and showers. So, what is the biggest culprit when it comes to blocked drains in your bathroom? Hair. A build-up of hair causes more blockages than any other debris and occurs when washing your hair in the shower, the bath, or over the sink. The culmination in hair can lead to slow-running drains and blocked pipes, and while removing hair can be a relatively simple task when done immediately, sometimes this is not always the case. Placing drain covers over the plug holes can be a great way to catch falling hair and help avoid clogged drains in the future.
2. Plants and Dirt
Mother Nature can be another common cause when it comes to blocked drains. Natural debris, such as leaves and dirt, can result in clogged water drains, especially during spring and autumn. Unfortunately, this particular problem does not have a common solution, as it can be impossible to prevent leaves and dirt from making their way into your drains or gutters. However, it can be helpful to ensure your outdoor area is well-maintained and to utilise a drain guard, ensuring drain openings are well-covered.
3. Foreign Objects
You’ve probably heard it before, but certain things should not be thrown down the toilet. Unfortunately, flushing foreign objects such as baby wipes, cotton pads and sanitary items are just one of the many common issues that can cause a blocked drain. While cotton pads may not seem like a far stretch from toilet paper, drains are not built to handle these foreign objects, which inevitably lead to blockages. The solution? Be mindful of the things you flush down your toilet, choosing instead to throw certain objects in a waste basket.
4. Grease and Fat
We’ve all been guilty of throwing excess fat and grease down the kitchen sink, but did you know that this common habit can lead to blocked drains and pipes? Washing fat and grease down the sink can destroy your home’s pipes and sewage systems, forming what is referred to as “Fatbergs.” To avoid blocked drains caused by this rock-like mass of fatty substances, simply pour any excess into a pot, let it cool off and throw it away. Just make sure it’s not down your sink!
5. Food Waste
Sometimes it’s easier to throw food waste down the kitchen sink, but this can lead to problems in the future. Resist the urge to toss leftover food down your sink, as this can eventually lead to a build-up of food waste that can only be solved by calling a professional. Choose instead to gather any excess food from plates and bowls into a rubbish bin or add to a compost heap.
While most causes of blocked drains have a common solution, sometimes you need an expert to help you alleviate the problem. Our team at Clearpath Drainage can quickly help you unblock your toilet, sink or shower drains and unclog your pipes in no time! Get in touch with one of our experts today!