Blocked drains are a common issue that can cause significant inconvenience and potential damage to your property. Whether in your kitchen, bathroom, or outside drains, understanding the common causes of blockages can help you prevent costly repairs and maintain your drainage system. Here are the top 10 factors which block your drains.
1. Hair Build-Up
Hair is one of the most common causes of blockages, especially in bathroom drains. When washed down the sink or shower, hair can easily get tangled with soap, grease, and other debris, forming clumps that cause blockages. Over time, this build-up can stop the water from draining properly.
2. Grease and Fat
In kitchens, grease, fat, and oil are frequently poured down the sink after cooking. While liquid when hot, these substances solidify as they cool, creating a sticky coating inside the pipes. This build-up quickly collects food scraps and other materials, eventually causing a serious blockage. This is one of the most common reasons for an emergency callout.
3. Food Scraps
Disposing of food scraps in your sink, even with a waste disposal unit, can lead to blockages. Small particles of food can easily accumulate over time and combine with grease or fat, making a solid clog. Always scrape your plates into the bin before washing them to prevent this.
4. Wet Wipes and Baby Wipes
Despite being marketed as ‘flushable’, wet wipes, baby wipes, and cleaning wipes often don’t break down in water. These items can get stuck in your pipes, causing blockages. It’s best to dispose of them in the bin rather than flushing them away.
5. Toilet Paper Build-Up
While toilet paper is designed to dissolve in water, excessive amounts or thicker types of toilet paper can sometimes cause a build-up, especially in older or narrower pipes. This can create slow-draining toilets or, worse, a complete blockage.
6. Tree Roots
Tree roots growing near underground drainage pipes can invade the system looking for moisture. These roots can break through the pipes, leading to cracks and blockages. Over time, this can cause serious damage to your drainage system.
7. Foreign Objects
Accidental flushing of foreign objects such as toys, sanitary products, or cotton wool can lead to immediate and severe blockages. Always be mindful of what goes down your toilet, and keep small children’s toys away from bathroom sinks.
8. Soap Scum
In bathrooms, soap scum, the residue left behind from soap and body products, can build up over time. It sticks to pipes and can combine with other materials like hair or oils, leading to slow drainage or full blockages.
9. Leaves and Debris
Outdoor drains can easily become clogged by fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris, especially in autumn. When these materials collect in the drains, they can obstruct the flow of water, leading to flooding or drainage issues.
10. Corroded or Old Pipes
In older homes or commercial properties, pipes can corrode, crack, or degrade over time. This can make them more susceptible to blockages. It’s essential to have regular checks on older systems to prevent unexpected clogs.
Conclusion
Blocked drains are frustrating, but many blockages can be avoided with simple maintenance and mindful disposal of waste. Regularly cleaning your drains and being careful about what goes down them can save you time, money, and hassle. If you’re experiencing a stubborn blockage or need professional drain maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact JDrainage.