Drains are an integral part of our homes and businesses, yet they often go unnoticed until a problem arises. Blocked drains can lead to various problems, such as flooding, damaged pipes, and health hazards. LocalDrains, a leading expert in drain clearing and repair, brings you valuable insights into the top reasons drains get blocked and the potential damages associated with them. Prevention, they say, is always better than the cure, and understanding the causes of blocked drains will help you avoid or deal with this predicetyear.
1. Grease and Fat: One of the most common causes of drain blockage in homes is the build-up of grease and fat. When you wash dishes or cookware that have grease and fat residues, these substances stick to the inner walls of the pipes, cooling and hardening over time. These build-ups can then catch other small particles, progressively narrowing the drain and causing a blockage.
2. Hair: Showers & baths often lead to significant amounts of hair going down the drain. Just like grease, hair can stick to the pipe walls and then accumulate more hair, dust, and debris over time, inevitably leading to a clog, particularly when combined with soap residue.
3. Foreign Objects: Whether by accident or playfulness, objects like children’s toys, nappies, sanitary items, or even too much toilet paper can block drains. This is prevalent in households with toddlers who find flushing things down the toilet a fun game, without understanding the repercussions.
4. Root Infiltration: This occurs when the roots of trees or plants infiltrate the sewer lines, typically through cracks blocked drains localdrains or joints in the pipes. Once inside, they continue to grow, leading to partial or complete drain blockage. It’s a more common issue in older properties with tree-lined driveways or extensive gardens.
5. Structural Damage: Occasionally, structural issues like broken or collapsed pipes can obstruct the normal flow of water and cause blockages. These issues can be due to root infiltration, age, ground movement, or poor quality installations.
6. Soap Buildup: You might be surprised, but soap can be a significant contributor to blocked drains. Traditional soaps often combine with minerals in the water to create soap scum, which can stick to the pipe walls and cause blockage, particularly in areas with hard water.
Experiencing a blockage can be frustrating and potentially costly if it leads to damage. However, effective prevention measures such as installing drain grates to catch hair or food scraps, regular drain cleaning, being careful about what gets washed down the drains, and regular pipe maintenance and inspection can help prevent many of these blockages.
Still, blockages can and do occur. Should you find yourself with a stubborn blockage, it’s recommended to contact a professional like LocalDrains, rather than attempting a DIY fix that could further damage the pipes.
LocalDrains provides expert solutions to blocked drains, ensuring fast and effective service to get your drains flowing smoothly. Their team of highly trained specialists have the know-how and equipment to handle any blockage, from simple kitchen sink clogs to complex mainline sewer stoppages. For those unforeseen blockages or any drain-related issues, LocalDrains is your reliable, local solution.
