Common Drain Blockage Issues and How to Avoid Them

While taking shower or washing hand, we wait for water to drain but it refuses to do so. One of the most common issue faced by homeowners is drain blockage. However, this issue might seem nothing but it can quickly turn into a messy, inconvenient and costly problem. This is why it becomes important to address these issues on right time. This is why it is important to prevent them with simple steps and a little awareness. With this blog, we are going to dive deep into causes of blockages, their consequences and even how to avoid them. Whether you are facing problem in your kitchen, bathroom or outdoor pipe, we are there to help you. so, make sure to follow this post till the end.

What Causes Drain Blockages?

Before we take a look at prevention tips, we need to consider some root causes of blocked drains. Once you identify these culprits, it will be easier for you to avoid them for future. Here are some of the causes:

1. Hair accumulation: hair accumulation is one of the major causes of drain blockages especially in bathrooms. When hair combines with soap residue and grease it takes a form of clumps which then clog the drain. Over the time, these clogs can becomes stubborn and difficult to remove. So, make sure to wash hair carefully and keep them aside in plastic bag or something.
2. Grease and fat build-up: if you are facing any issues with kitchen drain system then some major causes could be cooking oils, grease and fats etc. However, these substances can be in liquid form but they can solidify on cooling down. This creates a sticky buildup that blocks water flow.
3. Soap scum and detergent residue: how can a soap cause problem? You wouldn’t get any idea on how scum of a soap can combine with hard water minerals to create buildup over time. Not only this, but detergent residue also can have similar effect.
4. Food waste: kitchen sinks can handle small amount of waste food items but there are some of the food items such as coffee grounds, eggshells and fibrous vegetables that are notorious that creates blockages. Not only this, but food particles can get stuck in the pipes which eventually creates a clog.
5. Foreign objects: there are times when you would find some foreign items into the drain such as toys, sanitary products, wipes or cotton balls. These objects can completely block the water flow which then require professional help to remove them.
6. Tree roots: there are outdoor drains and sewer lines at risk because there can be tree roots which creates blockages. Further, plant roots are naturally attracted to moisture which invades underground pipes which creates cracks and blockages.
7. Mineral build-up: if you region deliver hard water to your house then minerals deposits can accumulate inside your pipes. As the time passes it clogs pipe’s diameter by gradually building up. Then it restricts water flow and increasing the likelihood of a blockage.
8. Toiletries: one of the blunder is flushing items such as diapers, sanitary pads and wipes. As these items cant dissolve in water which then creates major blockages in your plumbing system.

These are some of the mistakes that leads to blockages in drainage system.

Consequences of Blocked Drains

Blocked drains are not just minor issues of your house but it can even turn into a serious consequence for your home and even your health. You can get an idea of what could happen because of your clogged drains:

1. Bad odors: immobile water and decomposing debris in a blocked drain can produce unpleasant smells.
2. Slow drainage: when the drain is partially blocked, it can lead to slow movement of water. this makes it frustrating to do daily tasks such as washing dishes or showering.
3. Overflowing water: if you don’t address the problem on proper time then it can cause severe problem. However, it can lead to water overflow, damaging walls, floors and furniture as well.
4. Health risks: quiet water from blocked drains is a breeding ground for bacteria and pests, which invites health hazards.
5. Expensive repairs: when the blockage level becomes severe then it may require professional help and it can be expensive. But if the condition becomes worst then the damaged pipes need to be replaced.

So, these are some of the consequences that you can face while your drain is blocked.

How to avoid drain blockages

There is a good news for you as there are many of the drain blockages can be prevented with little effort and awareness. Here are some of the practical tips that keeps your drains clear and flowing smoothly:

1. Use drain covers: in order to avoid drain blockages, you need install drain covers or screens in your sinks, showers and bathtubs. This can help you to catch food particles, hair and debris before they enter the drain. However, it is also important to regularly clean these covers to maintain their effectiveness.
2. Dispose of grease properly: avoid pouring cooking oil, grease or fat in the sink. Rather, you can let it cool and solidify then dispose it in the trash. You also have another option to collect them in a container and recycle.
3. Watch what you flush: make sure to flush only toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Say no to flushing items such as wet wipes, sanitary pads and cotton balls. Even if you see that they are flushable, don’t do it.
4. Be careful with food waste: in the kitchen, you can install strainer or mesh filter to catch food particles. However, make sure to not wash coffee grounds, eggshells or fibrous vegetables peels. You can compost them instead
5. Clean drains regularly: make sure to build a habit to clean your drains regularly. You can use natural solution such as baking soda and vinegar. You can even build a habit to pour hot water once in a week down your sink which helps to dissolve grease and soap scums.
6. Monitor outdoor drains: make sure to keep your outdoor clean from leaves, dirt and debris. Further, it is important to trim tree roots near your pipes and keep an eye on sewer lines to avoid root intrusion.

When should you take professional help?

There are some of the DIY solution that can give you short time result but for long term results, you need to connect with professionals. Here are some of the time that you need to consider their help:

1. Water backing up in multiple drains.
2. You hear some gurgling noises from your pipes.
3. You experience some foul smells from the drains.
4. Overflowing water or sewage.

As professional plumber have experience and they are well-equipped with correct tools to diagnose and then fix the problem.

Blocked drains are common in a household chores. When you have correct knowledge and put some efforts, you can solve the problem at the right time. Once you understand their cause and develop simple habits to use drain covers, dispose waste properly and maintain your pipes, you can enjoy a hassle free life.