Top Causes Of Blocked Drains And How To Prevent Them

Blocked drains are extremely stressful and aren’t a simple problem to handle. They lead to bad odours and can also result in water damage and health hazards. So, it’s crucial to recognise the common causes of blocked drains and understand ways to prevent them. In the following write-up, we will underline major causes of blocked drains and share preventive measures to help you avoid them.  

Hair 

In bathrooms, hair is a major cause of blocked drains. Over time, strands accumulate to create clumps, which cause an obstacle to the water flow. To prevent such problems, use a drain cover or hair catcher to trap your hair before entering the pipes. Routine clean-up of drains and frequent removal of trapped hair can help you maintain a functional plumbing system. 

Soap Scum 

When the residue of soap is mixed with minerals in hard water, it accumulates in your drains, forming stubborn blockages in the pipes. This can limit the flow of water and drain slowly, which can result in water flooding around your feet while taking a shower. To fix such problems, you can opt for liquid soap to prevent the accumulation of soap foam. You also need to regularly clean surfaces and use a drainage cleaner required to remove soap scum from your plumbing system. 

Toiletries 

Flushing toiletries like cotton swabs, wet wipes, and feminine hygiene products can cause severe drain blockages. These items don’t break easily and accumulate in pipes, limiting the flow of water. Avoid throwing non-flushable items inside the commode to prevent plumbing problems and get rid of expensive repairs caused due to clogged drains. 

Food Waste 

Kitchen drains often get blocked due to food waste, mainly grease, oil and food waste. It’s never advisable to pour oil or grease down the sink. And food waste always needs to be placed in a waste bin. These things quickly get stuck to pipe walls, rot, and release poor odour. This is a widespread incident during summer when pipes heat up faster and at a more humid temperature. In order to prevent such blocked drains, you can place a sink strainer to restrict food waste from going down the drain.   

Foreign Objects 

It’s very common that small objects can accidentally fall into the drain, resulting in blocked drains. Whether it’s bottle caps, jewellery or plastic pieces, they can disrupt the water flow and cause blockages. You need to stay more careful when handling small objects near the sink and use the drain cover to catch potential dangers. In case a foreign object is stuck, a drain snake or professional plumbers can help to get rid of it.  

Mineral Accumulated 

Hard water contains minerals, including calcium and magnesium, accumulating inside the pipe and creating obstacles over time. This build-up of minerals restricts the water flow and can cause drain blockages. You can eventually reduce mineral deposits inside pipes by installing a water softener. Consider using a descaling solution or vinegar-based cleaner to dissolve the existing build-up and always keep your drain clear.  

Tree Roots 

The roots of the tree are an important cause of obstacles to external drains as they seek moisture and infiltrate underground pipes. When inside, roots grow and create significant concerns, which may damage the plumbing system. CCTV drain surveys in London can help detect tree root intrusion beforehand. If you have a problem with tree roots, contact an experienced plumber to remove the tree roots and repair the pipes.  

Small Debris 

Outdoor drains are often blocked due to small debris, including leaves, twigs and dirt. These things accumulate and limit the flow of water, resulting in potential flooding. Remove debris from the opening of the drain frequently and install mesh covers or grates to prevent clogs. In order to keep your surrounding area clean, you must maintain an effective drainage system.  

Lack of Drain Maintenance 

Ignoring its maintenance can increase the risk of blocked drains. Pipes can be kept in good condition with simple preventive measures, like flushing drains with boiling water, using natural cleaner and removing build-up regularly. A professional drainage service in London can also help to prevent stubborn clogs. Routine maintenance of your drains ensures a steady water flow and reduces the possibility of expensive repairs. 

Structural Issues 

Blocked drains can even cause structural problems within the plumbing system. Issues like pipes collapsing, cracks or misalignments can disrupt with the flow of water and cause frequent blockages. In case you notice slow drainage despite regular maintenance, you immediately need to contact an expert to examine and get a professional repair instantly. A certified plumber can easily diagnose any concern and offer a practical solution to any underlying pipe damage. 

Final Thoughts 

Knowing the top causes of blocked drains and incorporating preventive measures can reduce the chances of experiencing drain blockages. Taking all the above-listed precautions is comparatively less costly than fixing drain blockages. Also, blocked drains are a common problem and can be easily resolved with professional assistance. In addition to performing regular maintenance, make sure to use drain covers and dispose of waste properly to keep your drains functioning better. By taking such proactive steps, you can avoid unwanted crises and expenses related to blocked drains.  

So, if you are searching for professional drainage services across London, don’t hesitate to consult an expert plumber for the best help today!