It’s no secret – drains across Reading are getting blocked quite frequently, much to the detriment of residents and businesses alike. For some, it is a minor inconvenience, but for many, it is a major issue that can alter daily routines and significantly add to expenditure when it’s time to get the problem fixed. So, why exactly are Reading’s drains getting blocked, and more importantly, how can we effectively deal with them?
Convenience comes at a cost, and in the case of Reading’s drainage issues, the price to pay is blockages. One core reason behind the blocked drains is our modern lifestyle. Kitchens are outfitted with dishwashers, garbage disposals, and the like, making it effortless to discard waste down the drain. However, the improper disposal of food waste, i.e., fats, oils, or grease, often termed ‘FOG’, leads to major blockages. These materials, once cooled, harden and stick to the inside of the pipes, narrowing them and restricting the flow.
Apart from that, personal care products like wipes (even those labelled ‘flushable’), sanitary items, and diapers being flushed down toilets are significant contributors. Unlike toilet paper, these items don’t disintegrate quickly and often tangle into large clumps, leading to blockages. Throw in a little hair and soap scum from daily washroom usage, and you’ve got yourself a rather stubborn clog.
Apart from these man-made issues, natural factors also play a part. Leaves, tree roots penetrating pipes, or a build-up of silt and debris can block drains. Furthermore, old, damaged, or improperly installed pipework is more likely to suffer from blockages.
So, how can these blockages be fixed and more importantly, prevented?
First and foremost, residents must take cognizance of what goes down their drains. Limit the FOG that go down the kitchen sink, ideally by disposing of it in a sealed blocked drains reading container in your regular trash. Ensure that toilets are used for a limited list of items – primarily human waste and toilet paper, not a regular waste bin.
In case the drains are already blocked, you should consider hiring professional drain services, which have the necessary tools and expertise required for the job. They employ a range of techniques, including drain jetting (high-pressure water jet to clear blockages), drain rodding (manual clearing with drain rods), and more sophisticated methods, like CCTV surveys to identify hard-to-detect issues.
Preventive maintenance is always a prudent approach. Regular check-ups from a professional service will help you avoid significant repairs and inconvenience down the line. It’s worth noting that if multiple drains in your home are clogging repeatedly, this may indicate a larger issue with the sewer line, necessitating immediate professional attention.
Public awareness and conscious efforts are vital in decreasing the instances of blocked drains in Reading. Efficient disposal habits can save not just you, but the entire community, a lot of trouble. After all, prevention is considerably more cost-effective and less inconvenient than investing in repairs after your drains are already blocked. Remember, a proactive approach to your drains can make all the difference!
