Blocked drains are a frustrating and often unpleasant problem for many homeowners. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink or water backing up in the shower, dealing with a blocked drain can disrupt your daily routine. However, many blockages are avoidable with the right maintenance and knowledge.
In this article, we’ll discuss five of the most common causes of blocked drains and provide practical tips on how to prevent them, helping you avoid the hassle of a costly repair or emergency call-out.
1. Build-up of Hair
One of the most frequent causes of a blocked drain, particularly in bathrooms, is the build-up of hair. Over time, hair can accumulate in pipes, combining with soap and other debris to form stubborn clogs. This is especially problematic in showers and sinks, where hair can easily slip down the drain.
Prevention Tip: To prevent hair blockages, install a drain guard or hair trap over your bathroom plugholes. These simple devices catch hair before it has the chance to go down the drain. Make sure to clean them regularly to ensure they remain effective. Additionally, try to brush your hair before showering to reduce the amount that ends up in the drain.
2. Grease and Fat Build-up
In kitchens, one of the primary culprits behind a blocked drain is grease and fat. When you pour oil, fat, or grease down the sink, it may seem harmless while it’s still liquid. However, as it cools, the fat solidifies, sticking to the inside of your pipes and gradually narrowing the passage through which water can flow. Over time, this can lead to complete blockages.
Prevention Tip: Never pour grease, oil, or fat down your sink. Instead, let it cool in a container and dispose of it in the bin. If some grease does get down the drain, follow it with hot water and a little washing-up liquid to help break it up. For extra protection, consider using a drain cleaner every couple of months to clear out any build-up before it becomes a problem.
3. Food Waste
Even if you have a waste disposal unit in your kitchen sink, large amounts of food waste can still cause a blocked drain. Foods like coffee grounds, pasta, rice, and eggshells can build up in your pipes, creating stubborn blockages. Coffee grounds are particularly problematic because they don’t break down easily in water, and starchy foods like pasta and rice can expand when wet, causing even more blockages.
Prevention Tip: Always scrape food waste into the bin rather than washing it down the sink. Use a sink strainer to catch any leftover food particles that might get rinsed off plates or cookware. Empty the strainer regularly to prevent clogs from forming.
4. Soap Scum Build-up
Soap is essential for keeping things clean, but it can also be the cause of a blocked drain. The fat and oils in soap can mix with minerals in the water to create a hard, soap scum residue that clings to the inside of pipes. Over time, this build-up reduces water flow and can lead to blockages, especially in older plumbing systems.
Prevention Tip: To reduce soap scum build-up, use soap-free body washes or liquid soaps, which are less likely to cause clogs. Additionally, flushing your drains regularly with hot water can help prevent soap scum from accumulating. For tougher build-ups, you might consider using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to break down the residue and keep your pipes clear.
5. Foreign Objects
It’s not just hair and grease that cause blocked drains – sometimes, foreign objects accidentally end up in the pipes. Common culprits include baby wipes, sanitary products, cotton buds, and even children’s toys. These items are not designed to break down in water and can quickly block the flow, leading to more serious plumbing issues.
Prevention Tip: Be mindful of what you flush down the toilet or allow to go down the drain. Only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed – everything else, including wipes labelled “flushable,” should be disposed of in the bin. If you have small children, consider fitting drain covers to prevent toys and other objects from accidentally being flushed or dropped down the sink.
Conclusion
Blocked drains are an inconvenient and often expensive problem, but many of the most common causes are preventable with a little care and attention. By being mindful of what you allow to go down your drains and performing regular maintenance, you can avoid the hassle of a blocked drain and keep your plumbing system working smoothly.
If you’re dealing with a blocked drain and need professional help, Ezy-Plumb is here to assist. Our expert team can quickly and efficiently clear any blockages, and we also offer preventative maintenance to help you avoid future problems. Contact us today to learn more about our blocked drain services in Melbourne and how we can help keep your drains flowing freely.