5 Factors That Are Clogging Your Drains and How to Avoid Them
Blocked drains are a common problem that can cause a lot of inconvenience and frustration. Blocked drains can cause unpleasant odors, slow drainage of water, and even sewage backups. Understanding the common causes of blocked drains will help you prevent them in the first place.
Blocked drains are caused by different reasons, and if not adequately addressed, can lead to costly repairs for your home or business. These are the most common reasons for blocked drains, and how you can prevent them.
1. Foreign objects
Blocked drains can be caused by foreign objects like hair, food particles, soap residue and paper products. These substances stick to pipes and block water flow.
These blockages can be prevented by:
- Cooking oil should be disposed of in the trash, not the sink
- Avoid pouring leftover food debris or coffee grounds into the sink
- To prevent hair accumulation, install drain covers in bathtubs, sinks, and shower stalls
- 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.
You can dispose of grease-laden oils and other greasy substances in your kitchen sink by emptying the trash into a garbage bin, rather than pouring it into your kitchen drainage system.
4. Structural damage
Cracked or collapsed pipes due to age, weather or changes in the soil can cause blocked drains. Signs of structural damage of pipes include:
- Slowly draining water
- Multiple blocked fixtures
- Mold growth
- Foundation cracks
To prevent structural damages:
- Regular inspections of your sewer lines with CCTV inspections are recommended so that professional repair companies can detect and correct any problems.
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:
- Blocked drains are often caused by foreign objects such as hair, soap residues, paper products, and food particles.
- Tree roots growth toward water sources such as cracked pipes causing complete blockage within a pipe.
- Blockages can be caused by grease buildup in your pipes.
- 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.
- To capture debris that does not reach the drainage system, place catch baskets on screens traps.
Additional Information
- The Guide to Finding & Pinpointing a Obstructed Pipe
- D. I.Y Drain Cleaning: The Risks and Benefits Compared to Professional Solutions
- Clean Your Clogged Shower Drain the Green Way without Chemicals
- Bid Farewell to Blocked Pipes: Straightforward Hacks to Follow
- The Science of Unblock: Unveil How Blocked Drain Jetting Works
