Why is my drain blocked? 5 main causes of blocked drains

Blocked drains can cause all sorts of trouble whether it’s the sink or toilet or even outside your home. It can be a hassle to unblock so we’ve listed a couple of the main causes for blocked drains to help prevent blockage. 

  1. Grease and Fat

Grease and fat may not seem like substances that would cause a blocked sink as it washes away easily. Fats in food can be sticky and binding which can build up over time, so it’s best not to pour it down the sink. These are some things that contain fat which are better disposed of in the bin; bacon grease, steak or other fatty meat trimmings, butter, cream etc. receive 

  1. Toiletries

The only thing flushed down the toilet should be toilet paper, items like nappies should not be flushed down the toilet and should be disposed of in the dustbin. The same goes for baby wipes as they do not break down like toilet paper does so there is a higher chance of it being built up and clog drains. 

  1. Foreign objects

Foreign objects, such as children’s toys or even a build-up of materials, can clog drains and stop water flow unexpectedly. Soaps and sanitary products might end up in the toilet, clogging drains, so keep an eye out for what’s been flushed!

  1. Tree roots

This may appear to be an unusual object to clog your drain, but it is prevented with a well-kept garden. Tree roots can be pulled to the nearest supply of water, causing pipes to become clogged and broken over time. Ensure that your garden is clear of leaves and debris, as they might also clog your drain.

  1. Mineral build up 

Minerals dissolved in hard water can build up, resulting in insoluble masses that clog your drain. If you reside in an area where hard water is a problem, a water softener can easily tackle the problem. Another method is to descale and remove the build-up on a regular basis; however, if this does not work, it is better to contact a professional plumber!

Hope the tips and tricks mentioned above can help you keep healthy pipes and drains. But if major issues arise its ideal to contact a plumber to fix the issue. Servo Rod specialise in plumbing services covering everything from unblocking drains to drain inspection. Get in touch with our friendly team to learn more about our services by calling us on 0800 358 5995 or filling in our quick contact form

 

 


Posted in Unblocking