You can do a lot to help prevent drain blockages in your home. Understanding what can cause them, and implementing preventative measures, can save you time, money and stress in the long run.
Soap scum, excessive toilet paper, hair and items that shouldn’t have been flushed are common reasons for blocked drains. You can try pouring boiling water down your drains to break down these clogs or use baking soda and vinegar.
Hair
Hair is one of the most common causes of clogged drains. Shower, bath, and sink drains take in lots of loose hairs that wash down with shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and natural oils. Over time, these hairs build up and trap soap scum, dirt, and other debris that slows the flow of water.
To avoid hair clogs, use a mesh screen or drain cover to keep the majority of hair from washing down the drain. Shaving in the sink is also not a good idea, as facial hairs can get stuck in the drain. Rinsing the sink after shaving and removing the hair-covered drain stopper monthly helps prevent blockages.
To quickly clear a blocked drain, try using a chemical drain opener designed to cut through hair and other buildup. Pour the product down the drain and let it sit for as long as directed, before running hot water to flush away loosened debris. If that doesn’t work, a wire coat hanger is a convenient snaking tool that can easily reach dead ends and pull out tangled hairs.
Grease/Fat
If you pour animal fats, cooking oil or grease down your drain, it solidifies as it cools, clogging your pipes. Grease causes sewer blockages that result in raw sewage backing up into your home, your neighbor’s house, a nearby park or the street. This costs local water and wastewater companies millions of pounds a year to clean up, costs which are passed on to you through your utility bills.
Pouring boiling hot water down the drain along with dish soap helps to dislodge and flush away any greasy build-ups. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be highly effective for more stubborn grease clogs. This is a much better alternative to chemical drain cleaners, which are harmful to your plumbing system and may not even clear the clog fully. Also, consider using paper towels to wipe up any grease before throwing it away in the trash. This can help prevent your kitchen drain from getting clogged with fats and oils in the future.
Tree Roots
Tree roots naturally seek out moisture and are drawn to water found in drain pipes. As a result, they will worm their way in through the smallest cracks and crevices and cause blockages. It is more common to see this problem in older homes, however it can happen in newer buildings too.
It is important to keep trees trimmed and away from drains to avoid this issue. Also, it is a good idea to do regular garden maintenance and ensure that any leaves are disposed of properly.
Grease and fat should never be washed down the drain, as it can clog pipes and cause major issues. If you do have a grease or fat build up, you can try and scrape it off with a knife or use a drain cleaner. Also, try to put food waste into the bin rather than the sink to prevent this from happening. This will help your drainage system work better for longer.
Broken Pipes
From children’s toys, soap, toilet paper, food scraps or even electronic waste, items that don’t belong down the drain can get stuck and cause a blockage. Nappies and baby wipes are also known to block toilets after being flushed. These items should always be placed into a bin to avoid them getting caught in your pipes and sewer system.
It’s also important to keep an eye on your plumbing, regularly checking for any signs of blockages. If you spot any leaking water, slow drainage or strange smells, have your drains assessed and cleaned by a professional.
It’s also essential to have your drains and sewer lines properly installed. This will help to reduce clogs and promote healthy pipe function. A licensed plumber will be able to inspect your plumbing and make any necessary repairs. They can also install a range of drain cleaning products that will help to prevent blockages in the future. This will save you money on expensive repairs in the long run. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ can provide you with a lot of resourceful information.
