6 Common Causes of Blocked Drains

Posted on: 30 December 2016

It feels disturbing when you have blocked drains inside or outside your house, as bad smell begin to linger, and you might even get water flowing back into your house. At times you can feel as though you are partly responsible for the blockage of the drains, but it happens to everyone at one point or the other. Here are some of the common causes of blocked drains.

Grease and Fat

Despite being the major cause of blocked drains, used cooking fat and grease are also the easiest to prevent. Due to their sticky properties, fatty substances automatically attach to the inside of the drains, gradually building up that no liquid can pass through

To prevent clogging, simply keep an eye over the liquids you choose to channel down the drain.

Autumn Leaves

This is another major cause of blocked drains, and most people realise it when it's too late. Although you cannot prevent leaves from falling, you can prevent them from going down the drainage by sweeping them away and collecting up dead leaves around your home. Also, ensure drain grates are clear of foliage to ensure smooth flow of liquid substances.

Toiletries

Certain items shouldn't be flushed down the toilets, but it occurs all too often despite many people being aware of this concept. Only toilet paper will break down when you flush your toiletries down the toilet. Things such as diapers and sanitary towels will only serve to block your pipes and make a base for other waste to attach themselves onto.

Hair

A single hair or two is not a problem for the drains in your house, but if you imagine how much an entire family can produce, especially if several people have long hair, then this can be a different story. Once it starts piling up, you'll begin noticing slow movement of water substances as a ball of hair is very effective in trapping substances.

Foreign Objects

Materials such as foods remains and soaps can build up between the pipes and drainage underneath. Although they may not block the drain, they'll collect other substances that are being washed down and could eventually clog the drainage. Young children are often known to flush anything down the toilet.

Poor Workmanship

Blocked drains can occur as a result of displacement by subsequent works such as an extension of a building. Pipes are brittle, especially vitrified clay pipes can be blocked if not fitted with care and attention.

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