A blocked drain is every home owner’s worst nightmare. Thankfully, many of these problems can be avoided with a little bit of precaution and routine maintenance.
The number one cause of bathroom drain blockages is hair, particularly in bathtub and shower drains. Prevent clogs by using a drain catcher or invest in a professional hair removal service.
- Food Debris
Blocked drains in kitchen sinks are often caused by food scraps, including tiny bits of pasta noodles and grease. Even when you have a garbage disposal, this can cause problems if left untreated.
Hair is another common culprit in bathroom and kitchen drains. It combines with soap scum to create a sticky film that reduces pipe diameter and prevents water flow.
Similarly, sanitary items like tissues and baby wipes, lightweight paper towels, and even toilet paper can overwhelm waste disposal systems and clog drains and sewer lines. Encourage your household to dispose of these items properly.
For example, you can save money on costly plumbing repairs by storing excess grease and fat in a can or jar for safe disposal. You can also reduce the risk of clogged drains by performing regular drain cleaning with hot water.
- Hair
Hair is one of the most common causes of blocked shower and bathroom sink drains. While it may seem insignificant, a single strand of hair may be too much for your pipes to handle, particularly when it combines with soap scum and other debris that build up in your drain.
Whether you’re washing your hair, brushing your teeth or getting ready for the day over the sink, it’s nearly impossible to avoid dropping some of your hair down your drain. However, with a few preventive measures and consistent practice, you can significantly reduce the risk of hair-related clogs.
One easy way to avoid a hair-related clog is to install a hair catcher or mesh screen that fits directly over your shower, bath or sink drains. These inexpensive and readily available gadgets effectively trap hair and other debris, preventing it from entering your plumbing system.
- Grease
Nobody likes the idea of clogged plumbing pipes, which can cause problems such as slow drainage and foul-smelling water. However, understanding what causes these issues can help prevent them from occurring in the first place.
The primary culprit for kitchen drain blockages is oil and grease that is washed down sinks. It’s best to collect this fatty waste in a glass jar or can and discard it with your trash regularly to avoid pipe damage.
Toilets are another common area for drain blockage due to foreign objects being flushed down them. This includes children’s toys, soap, sanitary items, and other household debris that shouldn’t be washed down toilets. Using a shower or bathtub strainer can help keep these materials out of your drain pipes.
- Mineral Buildup
Because most of the drains in a plumbing system are out of sight and out of mind, it’s easy to forget about them until they stop working. Clogged sinks, toilets and showers don’t just make a mess; they can also cause health and safety issues.
In most homes, the water supply contains hard minerals like calcium and magnesium that build up over time in pipes. These deposits reduce the diameter of pipe walls and restrict water flow. They can also entrap debris or make soap and detergents less effective.
The problem is especially serious in older homes with metal or clay pipes that react to mineral deposits differently and build up faster. In these cases, a whole-home repipe may be necessary to avoid blockages and improve water pressure.
- Tree Roots
Tree roots are a common cause of clogged drains and sewer lines. The roots are drawn to the water in waste and sewage pipes because they contain the moisture, nutrients and oxygen trees need to grow. Cracks and leaks in the pipes create an entry point for the roots, which can then grow into the pipes and clog them.
If the root growth is allowed to continue, a complete blockage may occur, which can lead to sewage backups into your home. The resulting odors can resemble rotten eggs or other foul smells.
While it’s best to plant trees and shrubs far away from your sewer line, this isn’t always possible. Regular inspections with a drain cleaning service can help identify problems early and prevent the need for costly repairs or replacements. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ have professionals who can help with your plumbing inspections.
