What Causes A Blocked Drain?
Drains can cause a lot of inconvenience to homeowners and tenants when they get blocked. The most common sign of a blocked drain is slow water flow or standing water in sinks and bathtubs. The causes of blockages can vary, but the most common reasons are hair, soap scum, food waste, cooking fat, and foreign objects. In this article, we will discuss in detail why drains become blocked and what steps you can take to prevent them.
1. Hair and Soap Scum
The most common cause of blocked drains in bathrooms and showers is hair and soap scum. Hair has a natural tendency to accumulate and clump together, which can cause blockages in pipes over time. Moreover, hair tends to stick to soap scum, causing it to build up over time and create a blockage in the drain.
To prevent hair and soap scum from blocking your drains, you should clean them regularly. You can use a plunger to remove any hair or soap scum stuck in the drain. Alternatively, you can use a drain snake or a wire hanger to remove the blockage manually.
2. Food Waste
In the kitchen, food waste is the most common cause of blocked drains. When food waste is washed down the sink, it can accumulate in the pipes and create a blockage. Common culprits include fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells.
To prevent food waste from blocking your drains, you should dispose of it properly. Use a strainer to catch any food particles that might go down the sink, and dispose of them in the trash. Also, avoid pouring cooking fat or grease down the drain, as they can solidify and create blockages.
3. Cooking Fat and Grease
Cooking fat and grease can cause significant damage to your drains. When poured down the drain, they can solidify and create blockages. Over time, these blockages can lead to damage to the pipes and even require costly repairs.
To prevent cooking fat and grease from blocking your drains, you should dispose of them properly. Wait for the fat to cool and solidify, and then scrape it into the garbage. Alternatively, you can collect it in a container and dispose of it in the trash.
4. Foreign Objects
Foreign objects can get stuck in your drains and lead to blockages. Common culprits include children’s toys, jewelry, and hygiene products. These objects can block the pipes and cause water to back up.
To prevent foreign objects from blocking your drains, you should be mindful of what you wash down the sink. Keep children’s toys away from the bathroom sink and dispose of hygiene products properly. Additionally, make sure that your plumbing system is functioning properly and that there are no leaks that can attract pests.
5. Structural Issues
Blocked drains can also be caused by structural issues in your plumbing system. Over time, pipes can corrode or become damaged, leading to blockages. Additionally, tree roots can grow into pipes and cause blockages.
To prevent structural issues from blocking your drains, you should have your plumbing system inspected regularly. Hire a professional plumber to inspect your pipes and identify any potential issues before they become major problems.
In conclusion, blocked drains are a common problem that can cause inconvenience to homeowners and tenants. The most common causes of blocked drains are hair, soap scum, food waste, cooking fat, and foreign objects. To prevent blocked drains, you should be mindful of what you wash down the sink and dispose of it properly. Additionally, you should have your plumbing system inspected regularly to identify any potential issues before they become major problems.
