Top Causes of Blocked Drains and How to Prevent Them | ACW Draincare
Top Causes of Blocked Drains and How to Prevent Them
Blocked drains are one of the most common and frustrating issues homeowners face. Whether it’s a blocked outside drain or a clogged pipe inside your home, drain blockages can lead to unpleasant odors, water damage, and costly repairs if left untreated. Understanding the main causes of blockages and knowing how to prevent them can save you time, money, and stress. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key reasons for blocked drains and provide practical tips to keep your drainage system in excellent condition.
Common Causes of Blocked Drains
Hair, Soap Scum, and Other Bathroom Blockages
One of the primary causes of blocked drains in bathrooms is the build-up of hair and soap scum. As you shower or wash your hair, loose strands accumulate and get stuck in the drain, combining with soap residue and other debris. Over time, this forms a blockage that restricts water flow.
Prevention Tips:
Use Drain Screens: Install a drain screen over your shower or bath plughole to catch hair and prevent it from entering the drain.
Regular Cleaning: Remove hair and debris from the drain cover after every shower or bath to prevent it from building up.
Flush Drains with Hot Water: Regularly pour hot water down the drain to help dissolve soap scum and clear any small blockages.
For more detailed advice on maintaining your bathroom drains, check out our Blocked Toilets and Sinks page.
Food Waste and Grease in Kitchen Sinks
In the kitchen, food particles and grease are leading culprits behind blocked drains. Even with a garbage disposal, fats, oils, and grease can solidify inside pipes, trapping food particles and creating stubborn blockages. Over time, this build-up can completely block the drain, causing water to back up into your sink.
Prevention Tips:
Dispose of Grease Properly: Never pour cooking oils, fats, or grease down the sink. Instead, collect them in a container and dispose of them in the bin.
Use a Sink Strainer: Install a strainer in your sink to catch food particles and prevent them from going down the drain.
Rinse with Hot Water: After using the sink, run hot water down the drain to flush out any lingering grease and food particles.
For more information on kitchen drain care, visit our Drain Unblocking Services page.
Tree Roots Infiltrating Drains
Tree roots are a more serious and hidden cause of blocked drains, particularly in older drainage systems. Roots naturally seek out moisture, and even the smallest crack in a pipe can attract them. Once they enter the pipe, roots grow rapidly, causing blockages and even breaking the pipe in severe cases.
Prevention Tips:
Regular CCTV Drain Surveys: Schedule regular inspections using a CCTV drain camera to detect root intrusion early. A professional survey can identify and address root problems before they cause major damage.
Professional Root Cutting Services: If roots are already affecting your drains, contact a draincare specialist for root cutting and removal.
To learn more about our root cutting services, check out our CCTV Drain Survey page.
Non-Flushable Items and Toilet Blockages
Flushing non-flushable items like wet wipes, sanitary products, and even excessive toilet paper is a common cause of blocked external drains. These items don’t break down easily and can create large blockages in your pipes, leading to unpleasant odors and overflow.
Prevention Tips:
Use Trash Bins for Non-Flushables: Always dispose of wipes, sanitary products, and other non-flushable items in the trash, not the toilet.
Educate Household Members: Make sure everyone in your household knows what should and shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet.
Install a Blockage Preventer: Consider installing a blockage prevention device in your toilet to catch non-flushable items before they cause problems.
For more tips on maintaining a clog-free toilet, visit our Toilet Blockage Services page.
Leaves, Debris, and Gutter Issues
Blocked outside drains are often caused by leaves, twigs, and other debris that accumulate in gutters and downpipes. During heavy rainfall, these materials can be washed into your drains, leading to blockages and potential flooding.
Prevention Tips:
Regular Gutter Cleaning: Clean your gutters and downpipes regularly, especially during the autumn months when leaves fall in abundance.
Install Gutter Guards: Gutter guards can help prevent leaves and debris from entering your gutters and downpipes.
Clear Debris from Drain Covers: Make sure drain covers and grates are kept clear of leaves and other debris.
For more information on maintaining external drains, visit our Gully Repair Services page.
The Benefits of Professional Draincare
While DIY maintenance can help prevent blockages, some issues require professional intervention. Regular CCTV drain surveys and professional cleaning can provide peace of mind by ensuring your drainage system is free from blockages and in good condition.
Why Choose Professional CCTV Drain Surveys?
A CCTV drain survey involves sending a small camera into your drainage system to inspect the condition of your pipes and identify any blockages, damage, or root intrusion. This service is invaluable for diagnosing hidden issues and planning targeted repairs.
Benefits of a CCTV Drain Survey:
Accurate Diagnosis: Pinpoints the exact location and cause of blockages.
Preventative Maintenance: Identifies potential issues before they become major problems.
Cost-Effective Solutions: Helps avoid costly emergency repairs by addressing problems early.
To learn more about the benefits of a professional CCTV drain survey, visit our CCTV Survey Page.
The Long-Term Cost Savings of Regular Drain Maintenance
Investing in regular professional draincare can save you money in the long run. By preventing major blockages and identifying problems early, you can avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your drainage system.
Conclusion
Blocked drains are a common issue that can often be prevented with the right maintenance practices. By understanding the causes and taking proactive steps to maintain your drains, you can keep your home’s drainage system running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. For expert help, including professional drain unblocking, root cutting, and CCTV drain surveys, visit ACW Draincare today.