So you currently have a blocked drain and are unsure of why it may be blocked, how it was blocked and if it’s an easy fix? Blocked drains are a common issue which homeowners face, which can disrupt your day with nasty smells, backups and even flooding. Understanding the main reasons why drain blockages happen will allow you to prevent future issues from occurring again, and understand why your drain may be blocked if it’s a current mystery…
In this article, we’ll explore the main 7 causes for drain blockages in homes across the UK, and prevention tips to avoid future issues.
1. Toilet Paper and Wet Wipes
One of the most common reasons for blocked drains that we see as drainage experts is toilet paper and wet wipes. Using excessive amounts of toilet paper, wet wipes and even ‘flushable’ wipes can overwhelm the sewer pipe, not flush properly and cause a backup within the sewer system. While toilet paper is designed to dissolve in water, using too much will promote blockages. On the other hand, wet wipes don’t break down in water so avoid flushing them.
When these materials accumulate in the drain pipe, they can create severe blockages, preventing any water from passing through. This leads to a slow flow of water, standing water and as a result a blocked toilet. When using toilet paper, use it sparingly and avoid flushing wet wipes and even flushable wipes.
2. Food Waste and Grease in the Kitchen Sink
Kitchen sinks are another area where drain blockages occur. The main causes of sink blockages are food waste and grease. Many people make the mistake of allowing small food scraps to be washed down the kitchen sink. However, kitchen sinks aren’t designed to facilitate food scraps, coffee granules, fatty substances and other types of food waste to be washed down them. Over time, food waste will stick to the interior of the pipes, restricting water flow and causing the sink to become blocked.
Even more so than food waste, grease and oil is a major cause of a blocked kitchen sink. When oil and grease are poured down a sink, it solidifies in the pipe once cooled down, restricting water flow, and leading to potential clogs and blockages. You can prevent a blocked kitchen sink by scraping any food waste into the bin before rinsing it off in the sink. When you have oil in a pan, avoid pouring down the sink at all costs. Transfer the oil into a container and dispose of this in the bin.
3. Tree Roots and Outdoor Drains
Outdoor drains are susceptible to blockages caused by tree roots. Over time, outdoor drain systems can develop small cracks due to a variety of reasons such as age, poor installation and general wear and tear. When these cracks form, if they are big enough, tree roots can enter the drain and grow within the drainage system. Tree roots thrive on water so if they find a way into your drainage system, they will grow quickly which will result in severe blockages. Other tree debris such as twigs, sticks, leaves and even dirt can also be a reason for drain blockages if they get inside your drainage system.
To prevent future blockages caused by tree roots, it is important to regularly inspect your outdoor drains for any tree roots and other debris. Planting trees away from any drainage system is also a wise idea if you plan on planting trees. You can also use a root barrier when planting trees, which is a piece of material to prevent large roots from causing damage.
4. Soap Scum and Hair in Bath and Shower Drains
Bath and shower drains are frequently clogged with soap scum and hair. Soap scum forms when soap and hard water combine, creating a sticky residue that sticks to the interior of a pipe. This can build up within the pipe, causing blockages and even allowing hair to stick to the walls, worsening the issue.
When hair is washed down the drain, it can become clumped and tangled with soap scum and get clogged within the drain pipe. This can obstruct the flow of the water, and cause backups and blocked drains. Simple things such as brushing hair before showering or bathing, installing hair traps, and using drain covers can help prevent drain blockages from soap scum or hair.
5. Feminine & Sanitary Products
Foreign objects which aren’t supposed to be flushed down a toilet can be a major cause of blocked drains. These include baby products such as wipes and nappies which will expand when they come into contact with water. Another common cause of this is sanitary and feminine hygiene products. Unlike toilet paper, these types of items aren’t designed to be absorbent and don’t break down in water very well. If flushed, they will get stuck within the drainage system and cause nasty blockages and backups. Whenever using these types of products, always dispose of them in a bin, and never flush them!
How Can Trent’s Drains Help With Emergency Drain Unblocking
Blocked drains are a common issue which homeowners face, causing inconvenience and potentially leading to costly repairs if not treated immediately. Understanding what you can and can’t flush down a drain is important to prevent any future issues with drain blockages.
If you are unfortunate enough to have a blocked drain, Trent’s Drains offers a reliable 24/7 emergency drain unblocking service for homeowners in Bristol and across surrounding South West areas. No matter the time, we don’t charge a call-out fee for your blocked drain, our service is a fixed hourly rate. Whether it’s a toilet, outdoor drain, bath and shower, or kitchen sink blockage, Trent’s Drains have you covered. Simply contact us at 0117 453 8631 for your emergency drain unblockage service.
