Understanding Drainage Systems
Before diving into the causes of a blocked drain, it’s important that you have a basic understanding of how your home’s drainage system works. Essentially, it’s a network of pipes that carries wastewater from your home to the sewer system or septic tank.
Your home’s drainage system is split into two parts – the ‘drain-waste’ and the ‘vent’. The drain-waste part is responsible for carrying away dirty water and waste from your home. This includes water from your sinks, showers, toilets, and washing machines. The ‘vent’ part, on the other hand, helps maintain proper air pressure in the pipes to allow wastewater to flow freely.
The pipes in your home are designed to handle only water, human waste, and toilet paper. However, they can easily get blocked if other items are flushed down the toilet or put down the sink. Therefore, it’s crucial to be mindful of what goes down your drains.
Common Culprits: Hair and Grease
Sneaking down your drains, hair and grease are two common culprits that can cause serious blockages. You might not even notice them at first, but over time, they build up, reducing the flow of water and eventually leading to a blockage.
Let’s start with hair. Whenever you wash your hair, loose strands can fall out and go down the drain. Over time, they clump together, forming a clog. Shampoo and conditioner can add to this problem, making the hair stickier and more likely to clump.
Then there’s grease. You might think it’s fine to pour cooking grease down the sink, but it’s not. As grease cools, it solidifies and sticks to the sides of pipes. Over time, this can form a hard, thick layer that water can’t get through.
To avoid these issues, consider using a drain cover to catch hair in the shower and a grease trap in your kitchen. These simple steps can help keep your drains clear and free flowing. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to blocked drains.
The Impact of Food Waste
In addition to hair and grease, food waste is another major player in causing blocked drains. When you toss leftover food into your sink, you may not realise the potential problems you’re creating. Small bits of food can get stuck in your pipes, building up over time, and eventually leading to a clog.
Even if it seems like the food is disappearing down the drain, it’s not completely disintegrating. For example, coffee grounds and tea leaves may seem harmless, but they can form a dense, sludgy mass that’s tough to dislodge. Similarly, cooking oils and fats can congeal and harden, causing serious blockages.
To avoid these issues, you should dispose of most food waste in the trash, not the sink. Composting is a great way to deal with organic waste. Not only does this practice save your pipes, it’s also better for the environment.
Tree Roots and Outdoor Blockages
While indoor blockages often result from hair, grease, and food waste, it’s tree roots that are the primary culprits for outdoor drain issues. You might be surprised to know that roots of trees and large plants can invade your drain pipes. They’re attracted by the water, nutrients, and oxygen found in the pipes. Over time, these roots can grow and expand, causing blockages in your outdoor drains.
Roots can infiltrate pipes through tiny cracks or joints. Once inside, they can become a real headache, causing slow drainage and even complete blockages. In severe cases, they can damage the pipes, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
But don’t panic. There are ways to tackle this issue. Regular drain maintenance is key. You can keep an eye on large trees and plants close to your drainage system. If you notice slow drainage or gurgling noises, it might be time to call a professional like Progressive Plumbing, we can use a special camera to inspect your pipes and identify if roots are causing the problem.
Unusual Causes of Drain Blockages
Beyond the common culprits, your drain’s worst enemies can sometimes be less obvious and rather unusual. You might be surprised to learn that certain items you wouldn’t think twice about can cause significant blockages in your drains.
For instance, you might not realise that concrete, plaster, or grout can cause problems. If you’re doing home improvements and these materials get washed down the drain, they can harden and cause a blockage. Similarly, if you have children, toys can often end up in the most unexpected places, including drains. A small toy can easily get stuck and cause a serious blockage.
Additionally, hair isn’t just a problem in shower drains. Pet hair can also cause blockages, particularly if you bathe your pet in the sink or tub. Even products designed to go down the drain, like soap or bath oils, can build up over time and lead to blockages.
Blocked Drain FAQ’s
You’ll notice signs like slow draining water, gurgling noises from drains, unpleasant smells, or even an overflow. If you’re experiencing these, it’s likely you have a blocked drain.
You should clean your drains at least once a month. Regular cleaning helps prevent blockages caused by build-up of grease, food particles, or hair. A routine maintenance can save you from serious plumbing problems.
No, professional help isn’t always necessary for blocked drains. You can often fix minor blockages yourself using a plunger or drain snake. However, for severe or recurring issues, you should always call a professional.
Yes, weather can affect drain blockage. Heavy rain can overwhelm your drain system, while frigid temperatures can freeze pipes, causing blockages. It’s important you regularly check and maintain your drains to prevent these issues.
