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Blocked drains can be a major headache for homeowners and businesses alike. Not only do they disrupt the normal flow of water and sewage, but they can also lead to expensive repairs if left unattended. In Reading, a reliable drainage company can help you with drain unblocking Reading, drain clearance, drain repairs, and drain surveys. However, it's always better to prevent blockages from happening in the first place. In this blog, we'll explore the ten common causes of blocked drains and provide you with practical tips on how to prevent them.
Grease and Fat Buildup
One of the most common culprits behind blocked drains is the accumulation of grease and fat. When you wash greasy dishes or pour cooking oils down the sink, they can congeal and stick to the inside of your pipes. Over time, this buildup can restrict water flow and lead to blockages.
Prevention Tip: Avoid pouring grease or fat down the drain. Instead, let it cool and solidify in a container before disposing of it in the trash.
Hair and Soap Scum
Hair and soap scum are notorious for creating clogs in bathroom drains. As hair collects, and soap combines with mineral deposits in the water, a sticky blockage can form.
Prevention Tip: Use a drain strainer or screen to catch hair, and regularly clean the strainer to prevent buildup.
Foreign Objects
Objects like cotton swabs, dental floss, and small toys are frequent culprits for blocked drains, especially in households with children.
Prevention Tip: Keep a watchful eye on what goes down the drain and educate your family about what shouldn't be flushed.
Tree Roots
In some cases, tree roots can infiltrate underground drainage pipes, causing obstructions and even pipe damage.
Prevention Tip: Regularly inspect and maintain your outdoor drainage system. Consider planting trees away from sewer lines.
Toilet Paper and Hygiene Products
Flushing excessive toilet paper or hygiene products down the toilet can lead to blockages, especially in older plumbing systems.
Prevention Tip: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Provide a waste bin for disposing of hygiene products.
Mineral Buildup
Minerals in hard water can accumulate in pipes, leading to scale buildup that narrows the pipe's diameter and restricts water flow.
Prevention Tip: Install a water softener to reduce mineral content in your water supply.
Collapsed or Damaged Pipes
Over time, pipes can degrade, crack, or collapse due to age or environmental factors, causing blockages.
Prevention Tip: Regularly inspect your plumbing system, and if you notice any issues, contact a drainage company for repairs.
Inadequate Pipe Slope
Insufficient pipe slope can impede the flow of wastewater, causing it to pool and potentially create blockages.
Prevention Tip: Ensure that your pipes have the correct slope during installation and avoid altering it.
Frozen Pipes
In colder climates like Reading, frozen pipes can lead to blockages as ice obstructs water flow.
Prevention Tip: Insulate your pipes and take measures to prevent freezing during cold weather.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
Ironically, chemical drain cleaners can sometimes worsen blockages by corroding pipes or pushing the blockage further down the line.
Prevention Tip: Use non-chemical methods, such as plungers or drain snakes, to clear blockages, or contact a professional for assistance.
Conclusion
Blocked drains are a common issue that can disrupt your daily routine and incur significant costs. Preventing these blockages is the key to maintaining a healthy plumbing system. By understanding the common causes and following our prevention tips, you can save money and avoid the hassle of dealing with blocked drains. If you ever face stubborn blockages, don't hesitate to reach out to a reliable drainage company in Reading for professional assistance in drain unblocking, drain clearance, drain repairs, and drain surveys. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to maintaining clear and free-flowing drains.
