Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
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. You can prevent blocked drains by understanding the causes.
Blocked drains can be caused by many reasons and, if left untreated, can cause costly damage to your home or business. These are the most common reasons for blocked drains, and how you can prevent them.
1. Foreign objects
Foreign objects such as food particles, hair, soap residue, and paper products can cause blocked drains. These materials stick together inside pipes forming a blockage that prevents water flow.
To prevent these blockages from occurring:
- Cooking oil should be disposed of in the trash, not the sink
- Do not pour coffee grounds or leftover food into the sink
- Install drain covers in sinks, bathtubs, and shower stalls to prevent hair from accumulating
- Toilet paper should be used sparingly 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
- Hire professionals to properly install pipes so they’re level
- Avoid planting trees near 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.
To avoid grease buildup in your kitchen sink dispose off all greasy wast like cook oils via trash bin instead pouring it down into your kitchen drainage system.
4. Structural damage
Blocked drains can be caused by cracked or collapsed pipes, whether they are due to weather changes or age. The following are signs of pipe damage:
- Slow draining water
- Multiple blocked fixtures
- Mold growth
- Foundation cracks
To prevent structural damages:
- Get your sewer lines inspected regularly with the help of CCTV inspections so that professional repair company could detect any issues and fix it immediately.
5. Incorrect pipe installation
Incorrect pipe installation or poor design can also contribute to blocked drains as it sometimes leaves very tight bends in unscrupulous areas where large debris easily form blockages from accumulated waste.
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. To ensure your pipes are clear for years to come, take care of them today.
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 can grow towards water sources like cracked pipes, causing complete obstruction within the pipe.
- Blockages can be caused by grease buildup in your pipes.
- Cracked or collapsed pipes caused by weather, age or ground shifts can cause structural damage that impair smooth water flow.
- Incorrect Pipe installations may leave very tight bends susceptible for large debris causing accumulative blockages. from wastes going through drainage system.
- Instead of waiting for an emergency, hire only certified plumbers for routine check-ups.
- Follow standard local plumbing codes during construction.
- Place catch baskets on screen traps at outlets to capture any debris before it reaches the drainage system.
