The Most Common Causes of Blocked Drains and How to Prevent Them

Blocked drains are a very common but inconvenient issue for homeowners. Blocked drains will get worse over time and lead to strong odours around the home, slow drainage and costly repairs if not dealt with. Understanding the most common causes of blocked drains and how to prevent them is key. With this in mind, here are some of the top causes of blocked drains and how to avoid them.

Hair Build Up
One of the most common issues with blocked drains in the home is a build-up of human hair and if this is not cleaned out regularly will eventually clump together and prevent water from flowing freely in the drains. A simple and cost-effective preventative measure for this is a hair trap or strainer which sits on top of your plughole when you are draining the water from your bath or shower and is emptied after every use. This will catch any stray hair before it goes down the drain and clogs it.

Grease and Fat
Grease, fat and oil from your kitchen is one of the major causes of blocked drains. If you pour fat and oil from cooking into the sink, the fat will solidify as it cools and will stick to the inner walls of your drains and pipes, this will eventually cause a blockage and worsen over time as more grease clings to it. Always wait for grease and fat from your cooking pans to cool and harden and dispose of them in the bin. You can also wipe out greasy pans with a paper towel before you wash them to avoid buildup in the drains from your dirty dish water.

Food Waste
Food scraps are not good for your drains, especially starchy foods like pasta, rice and potato peelings. Even if you have a garbage disposal installed, food particles can still accumulate to cause a blockage. Always scrape your food plates thoroughly into a compost bin or bag before washing them and use a sink strainer to catch any stray particles before they make their way into your drains.

Soap Scum
Soap might seem harmless to your drains, but many traditional soap bars are often made up of fats which bond with the minerals in water over time to cause a hard buildup of soap scum. This soap scum can also stick to the inner surfaces of your pipes and drains and narrow them, eventually causing a blockage. A simple switch to a liquid soap can reduce the chance of soap scum blocking your drains and flushing out your drains regularly with a mixture of baking soda and hot water can help to keep them clear.

Flushing Foreign Objects
Toilets are only designed to flush human waste and toilet paper. Flushing sanitary products, wet wipes, cotton balls or any other non-biodegradable items are a big no-no for your drains and bad for the environment. Some wipes are labelled as flushable but even these ones can take a long time to break down, enough time to cause a blockage! Place a small bin in the bathroom for these items and only flush waste and toilet paper down your toilet.

Tree Roots
Homes that have a garden or outdoor pipes could be affected by blockages caused by tree roots. Roots naturally seek out moisture and could enter cracks or joints in your outside pipes, impacting the flow of water. If you suspect that tree roots are the cause of your blocked drains, always consult a professional to help as preventative maintenance and regular inspections can help banish this problem.

Regular maintenance and cleaning are the key to avoiding blocked drains along with the preventative measures above. For persistent or severe blockages, always call a professional to ensure your drainage system is clear and functioning smoothly. At HandyExperts we have rapid response expert drainage engineers with the specialist equipment and tools needed to unblock and clear your drainage system.  Book with us here.