• 1 February 2023

How Do Drains Get Blocked?

How Do Drains Get Blocked

Blocked drains can be a significant inconvenience and a health hazard. They can cause water to overflow and seep into unwanted areas, leading to unpleasant smells and potential health risks. Additionally, clogged drains can be expensive to repair, depending on the severity of the blockage.

At some point, almost every homeowner will experience blocked drains. Understanding what causes them can help prevent future blockages and keep your drains functioning correctly. In this article, we'll discuss common causes of blocked drains and provide tips on how to prevent them.

12 Most Common Causes Of Blocked Drains

There are several reasons why drains get blocked. Some of the most common include:

1

Soap

While soap dissolves in water, it can still cause drain blockages. This is because many soaps are made with fat, which combines with minerals in water to create soap scum. Soap scum is a hard residue that can build up over time and block drains.

2

Dirt

Dirt is another common culprit for drain blockages. While water can wash away small amounts of dirt, excess dirt can build up over time and clog your drains.

3

Food Waste

Avoid putting food waste down your sink, especially food that doesn't break down easily, like coffee grounds. These can quickly clog your drain and impede water flow. Additionally, wiping oil off your plates before washing them can prevent oil from solidifying in your pipes and causing blockages.

4

Toilet Paper

Too much toilet paper can clog your drains and stop your toilets from flushing. If water can still run through your toilet when flushed, using a plunger may help. But if your toilet fills without draining, it's best to call a plumber.

5

Hair

Hair can easily bind with grease and other substances to form clogs in your drain. Using drain guards to catch hair and regularly cleaning them can help prevent hair blockages.

6

Small Objects

Anything that goes down your drain that shouldn't be there can eventually cause blockages. Some common examples of small objects that can cause blockages include matchsticks, pins, earrings, small metals, wool, glass fragments, plastic, and wood. Seeking the help of a drain specialist may be the only way to remove these objects.

7

Mineral Build-Up

Minerals dissolved in hard water can build up and cause insoluble masses that block your drains. Installing a water softener or regularly descaling and removing sediment and build-up can help prevent blockages.

8

Tree Roots

Tree roots are a common cause of blocked drains. Tree roots can find their way into small cracks or breaks in your sewer line and grow, infesting and blocking your drain.

9

Leaves

Leaves can easily block stormwater drains by settling in gutters and flowing downpipes into the drains. Once in the drains, leaves break down and start blocking the water flow.

10

Heavy Rain and Storms

Heavy rain and storms can overwhelm drains, especially those that are not in great condition. When water can't get away fast enough, it will inevitably block the drain, which can cause property damage.

11

Broken Pipes, Broken or Displaced Pipes

Broken or displaced pipes caused by tree roots or ground movement can catch solids and paper that is flushed through the drains, causing blockages.

12

Poor Workmanship or Installation

Poor workmanship or installation can cause drains to be laid incorrectly or have dips that catch solids and block the drain.

Signs of a Blocked Drain

Knowing the signs of a blocked drain can help you address the issue before it becomes severe. Some signs to look for include:

  • Slow-draining water: If the water in your sink, tub, or shower is draining slowly, it could indicate a blockage.
  • Unpleasant smells: A blocked drain can produce an unpleasant smell due to the accumulation of organic matter.
  • Gurgling sounds: If you hear a gurgling sound when you run water, it could mean there is a blockage in your drain.

How to Prevent Blocked Drains

Preventing blocked drains can save you time and money. Here are some tips to help keep your drains functioning correctly:

  • Use a drain cover: A drain cover can help prevent hair and other materials from going down.
  • Dispose of food waste properly: Avoid putting food waste down the drain, and use a compost bin instead.
  • Dispose of grease and oil properly: Grease and oil should be disposed of in the garbage, not down the drain.
  • Regular maintenance: Regularly cleaning your drains and having them inspected by a professional can help prevent blockages.

How to Unblock a Drain

If you have a blocked drain, there are several methods you can use to try to clear it. Some options include:

  • Plunger: A plunger can be effective in dislodging blockages.
  • Boiling water: Pouring boiling water down the drain can sometimes help clear blockages.
  • Chemical drain cleaners: Chemical drain cleaners can be effective, but they should be used with caution and according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Professional help: If your blockage is severe or you cannot clear it yourself, it's best to call a professional plumber.

FAQs

Soap scum is a hard residue that is formed when fat in soap combines with minerals in water. Over time, this residue can build up and cause blockages in your drains.
Hair can bind with other substances like grease and create a clog in your drain. The best way to prevent hair blockages is to use drain guards to catch hair and regularly clean them.
Yes, dirt can cause drain blockages if excess dirt builds up over time. This can impede water flow and eventually cause a blockage.
Food waste can cause drain blockages if it doesn't break down easily and accumulates in your drain. Examples of food waste that can cause blockages include coffee grounds, pasta, and rice.
Tree roots can infiltrate small cracks or breaks in underground pipes and grow, infesting and blocking the drain. This can lead to significant plumbing problems if not addressed promptly.
Yes, heavy rain and storms can overwhelm drains and cause water to accumulate and block the drain. This can cause property damage and other problems.
To prevent drain blockages, avoid putting food waste down the drain, use drain guards to catch hair, dispose of grease and oil properly, and have your drains inspected and cleaned regularly.
Yes, pouring boiling water down the drain can sometimes help clear blockages.
If a plunger doesn't work, try pouring boiling water down the drain or using a chemical drain cleaner. If those methods don't work, it's best to call a professional plumber.
Chemical drain cleaners can be effective, but they should be used with caution and according to the manufacturer's instructions. They can harm the environment and cause damage to pipes if not used correctly.

In conclusion, blocked drains can be a major inconvenience and can cause health risks if not addressed promptly. Understanding the common causes of blocked drains, recognising the signs of blockages, and taking preventative measures can help keep your drains functioning correctly.

If you experience a blocked drain, there are several methods you can use to try to clear it, but it's best to call a specialist, such as our team at P24 Pipe Relining Sydney, if the blockage is severe or you're unable to clear it yourself. Following these tips can help prevent blocked drains and keep your plumbing in good condition.

A variety of factors can cause blocked drains. When these blockages occur, our expert team at P24 Pipe Relining Sydney is your go-to specialist to help clear your drains and get your plumbing back to functioning properly.

Khoder Dandan -
P24 Pipe Relining Sydney

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