A blocked drain can quickly turn from a minor nuisance into a full-blown plumbing disaster. Slow drainage, unpleasant odours, and backed-up water are all signs that trouble is brewing beneath the surface. But what causes these blockages in the first place? More importantly, how can you prevent them before they lead to costly repairs?
Let’s break down the most common causes of drain blockages and share practical tips to keep your pipes flowing freely.
Common Causes of Drain Blockages
Understanding what clogs your drains is the first step to preventing future issues. Here are the main culprits behind most blockages:
- Hair Buildup
- One of the most common causes of bathroom drain clogs.
- Hair combines with soap and other debris, forming stubborn blockages.
- Can be prevented by using a drain cover and cleaning it regularly.
- Grease and Fat Deposits
- Pouring cooking oil, grease, or fat down the sink causes it to solidify in pipes.
- Over time, this builds up and restricts water flow. This is when you need to contact www.FSgroup.co.uk.
- Always dispose of grease in a separate container rather than washing it down the drain.
- Food Scraps and Coffee Grounds
- Even with a garbage disposal, certain food particles don’t break down easily.
- Starchy foods like pasta and rice expand in water, worsening clogs.
- Coffee grounds stick to pipe interiors, leading to gradual blockages.
- Soap Scum and Product Residue
- Soap combines with minerals in water to create a thick, sticky residue.
- Over time, this residue narrows pipes and attracts other debris.
- Switching to liquid soap and using water softeners can help reduce buildup.
- Wipes and Hygiene Products
- Wet wipes, sanitary products, cotton buds, and even so-called “flushable” wipes don’t break down easily.
- These products can get stuck in pipes and cause major clogs.
- Only flush toilet paper—everything else should go in the bin.
- Tree Roots Invading Pipes
- Roots naturally seek out moisture, and even the smallest crack in a pipe can invite them in.
- Once inside, they expand and create serious blockages.
- Routine inspections and tree planting considerations can help prevent this.
- Foreign Objects
- Small toys, jewellery, or household items accidentally flushed or dropped down the drain can cause immediate blockages.
- Installing drain covers and being cautious around sinks can prevent these mishaps.
How to Prevent Drain Blockages
A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your drains clear. Here’s what you can do to avoid future clogs:
- Use Drain Covers
- Install mesh drain covers in sinks, showers, and bathtubs to catch hair, food scraps, and debris.
- Clean them out regularly to prevent buildup.
- Be Mindful of What You Flush
- Stick to flushing only human waste and toilet paper.
- Dispose of wipes, hygiene products, and cotton buds in the bin.
- Dispose of Grease Properly
- Instead of pouring grease down the sink, let it cool and discard it in a sealed container.
- Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing.
- Rinse Drains with Hot Water Weekly
- Flushing your drains with hot water can help break down minor grease and soap scum buildup.
- Adding a little baking soda and vinegar can also help keep drains fresh.
- Schedule Regular Drain Cleaning
- Using a professional drain cleaning service once a year can help remove hidden buildup.
- For minor maintenance, enzyme-based drain cleaners are safer than harsh chemical solutions.
- Watch Out for Early Warning Signs
- Slow drainage, foul smells, and gurgling noises indicate a blockage is forming.
- Address minor clogs immediately before they become bigger issues.
Reasons to Get Drain Jetting Regularly
The mistake that a lot of homeowners and businesses make is only getting their drains cleaned when there’s a problem. In other words, they wait for a blockage before they consider calling in the professionals for help. But, regular drain jetting is recommended as a way to clean in the inside of the pipes. This offers many advantages that you should be open to exploring. Let’s take a look at what they are.
Gets Rid of Debris
There’s always going to be debris building up in the pipes. Think about it; all sorts are going down the drains, even if you’re trying your best to avoid it. This can include food debris, oil and grease, as well as hair and soap products. Some of this is going to stick to the pipes, which can impact water flow and even lead to unpleasant odours. Thankfully, regular drain jetting prevents this from happening. You’re going to be blasting and cleaning the drains, which stops debris from clinging on.
Prevents a Total Blockage
Most homeowners fear that they’ll suffer from another total blockage of the drains. This can truly be a nightmare and one that causes a lot of disruption. Well, know that drain jetting on a schedule will stop this from happening. Since you’re cleaning the pipes several times a year, debris doesn’t get a chance to build up and block the pipes. So, you don’t have to go through the emergency procedures that happen with total blockages.
Offers Peace of Mind
In the modern world, there are so many things to worry about and situations that stress you out. You want to do whatever you can to relax and enjoy peace of mind. Know that drain jetting can be part of this process. You can have appointments throughout the year to ensure that your drains are kept in good condition. You can relax and know they’re being attended to often.
Conclusion
Drain blockages are a common but preventable issue. By being mindful of what goes down your drains and following simple maintenance habits, you can avoid costly plumbing disasters. Acting early when you notice warning signs can save you time, money, and frustration.
If you’re dealing with a persistent blockage, don’t wait until it becomes a major problem—call in a professional and keep your plumbing in top shape.
