5 Factors That Are Clogging Your Drains and How to Avoid Them

Blocked drains can be a frustrating problem and cause many inconveniences. They can lead to unpleasant odors, slow draining water, and even sewage backups. You can prevent blocked drains by understanding the causes.
Blocked drains can be caused by many reasons and, if left untreated, can cause costly damage to your home or business. These are the most common reasons for blocked drains, and how you can prevent them.
1. Foreign objects
Blocked drains can be caused by foreign objects like hair, food particles, soap residue and paper products. These substances stick to pipes and block water flow.
These blockages can be prevented by:
- Cooking oil should be disposed of in the trash, not the sink
- Avoid pouring leftover food debris or coffee grounds into the sink
- Install drain covers in sinks, bathtubs, and shower stalls to prevent hair from accumulating
- Use minimal toilet paper when flushing
2. Tree roots
Tree roots often grow toward water sources such as cracked pipes or pipe joints where they can infiltrate and eventually cause a complete blockage within the pipe.
To prevent tree root intrusion:
- Hire professionals to properly install pipes so they’re level
- Avoid planting trees next to sewer lines
3. Grease buildup
Blockages can be caused by grease buildup. Many people pour hot grease down their kitchen sink since it’s liquid form making it easily escapes from dishes but congeals quickly once it cools off deep inside your pipes causing stubborn clogs.
You can dispose of grease-laden oils and other greasy substances in your kitchen sink by emptying the trash into a garbage bin, rather than pouring it into your kitchen drainage system.
4. Structural damage
Blocked drains can be caused by cracked or collapsed pipes, whether they are due to weather changes or age. The following are signs of pipe damage:
- Slow draining water
- Multiple blocked fixtures
- Mold growth
- Foundation cracks
To prevent structural damages:
- Regular inspections of your sewer lines with CCTV inspections are recommended so that professional repair companies can detect and correct any problems.
5. Incorrect pipe installation
Incorrect pipe installation or poor design can also contribute to blocked drains as it sometimes leaves very tight bends in unscrupulous areas where large debris easily form blockages from accumulated waste.
Hire professionals to install pipes correctly and make sure they meet all standards.
Conclusion
If left unattended, blocked drains can cause serious problems. To prevent blockages, take preventive measures such as hiring professionals to conduct regular maintenance checks and following plumbing code requirements when building. You can also place catch baskets in drain outlets or sinks to capture any debris that reaches the drainage system. Take care of your pipes today to ensure that they remain clear tomorrow and in years ahead.
Key takeaways
These are the most important things to remember after you have read this article.
- Blocked drains are often caused by foreign objects such as hair, soap residues, paper products, and food particles.
- Tree roots can grow towards water sources like cracked pipes, causing complete obstruction within the pipe.
- Grease buildup deep inside your pipes causes stubborn clogs leading ultimately leads to Blocked Drains.
- Structural damages due to cracked or collapsed pipes due to age, weather or ground shifts impairing smooth flow of water.
- An incorrect installation of pipes can leave tight bends that are susceptible to large debris, causing accumulation blockages. from the wastes that are going through the drainage system.
- Hire only qualified-professionals plumbers for regular check ups instead of waiting for emergencies.
- Follow standard local plumbing codes during construction.
- Place catch baskets on screen traps at outlets to capture any debris before it reaches the drainage system.