There are few things more frustrating than blocked drains when it comes down to proper maintenance and operation of our homes. Clogs slow down our ability to use the sinks and showers, which can be frustrating and often smell foul. Blockages in drains may be simple to resolve or require a more skilled blocked drains plumber. This list will help you identify the most likely causes of blocked drains.
What Is The Cause Of A Blocked Drain?
Clogged drains occur when residue builds up from either food or substances over time. When the residue builds up to the point that water cannot flow freely, it is called obstruction and must be removed.
Shampoo, Soap And Other Substances
While drains are intended to remove water that isn’t being used, it also means that anything we add to the draining water will also be going down the pipe. If you’ve ever cleaned your shower, you will undoubtedly have noticed soap scum along tile edges and the edges of the tub. This means that the soapy residue is also lining both the bathroom and kitchen sink pipes.
It is possible to clean shampoo and soap residue from a bathtub or shower. However, it is unlikely that you will think about cleaning the pipes below your drain daily. The increased amount of soap and shampoo residue can cause the soap and shampoo scum to build up. This is due to the presence of greasy substances that are used to make cleansers. It also mixes with mineral and calcification deposits which can lead to a buildup in the pipes which can eventually lead to a blockage.
One cannot expect to part with shampoo and soap, and no one would. Regular cleaning of the kitchen and bathroom pipes is a good way to avoid any blockages.
Hair & Skin Cells
Due to the soap residue that can build up in pipes from shampoo, shaving cream, and other cleaners, hair and skin cells may contribute to the development of a blockage sooner. While individual hair strands may not be very dense, they can stick to soap scum over time and cause a stubborn blockage.
Sometimes it is possible to remove trapped hair by using a drainage tube to constantly fish out the hair that is causing the blockage. Drain guards can then be placed on the drains of the shower and sink. These guards will provide enough space to allow water to flow down the drain, while hair is kept in place on top.
Food
While the kitchen sink is supposed to make our lives easier it has a limit on how much the drain system below can take. Kitchen sink blockages are often caused by food. Although you can try to prevent food particles from going down the drains, it’s impossible to stop them from building up in the pipes over time.
You should never dispose of any grease or fatty waste in the sink. This will prevent food from getting blocked. Grease sticks and builds up in pipes, which can cause blockages. Put a note on the top of your kitchen sink reminding you and anyone else to dispose of grease in a large bag that can be immediately taken to an outside bin.
Rubbish disposals can be even more troublesome. Garbage disposal is an efficient way to dispose of food. However, it’s only a matter of time before it becomes clogged. The majority of rubbish disposals cannot handle liquid food with a thick or obstructive consistency. You should not place large amounts of food at your disposal. Also, you should mix any food with hot running water.
Toilet Paper And Baby Wipes
The most common cause of blockages is toilet paper, which is easily recognized by almost everyone. The water that is used to dissolve toilet paper can cause it to not disappear completely. The paper is broken into smaller pieces which can lead to blockages when it coalesces into large masses.
Sometimes, you can fix a toilet tissue blockage with a drainage rod. But it’s best to identify the cause. Although a drainage rod may be able to clear the blockage if the problem is actually due to paper, it will take quite a while. Because of the thick adhesive, baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed down your toilet.
You can always put a lined trash bin near your toilet to dispose of toilet paper if you have recurring toilet paper blockages. While it might not be the most convenient solution, it can help prevent toilet paper blockages.
