Drain blockage is a frequent experience in most homes. We’ve all had to deal with it at some point in our sewers or sinks. The frustrating part is the hours we spend unclogging and sometimes the huge repair cost.
Why exactly do I have block drains? This might be the question you keep asking each time you deal with the issue. We’ll discuss five causes you likely aren’t focusing on in this article.
1. Fats and Other Food Substances
Have you wondered why plumbers recommend you don’t dispose of all food through the drain? Well, here is one.
Fats especially are responsible for pipe blockages. Each time you rinse them down your sink, you build a pile of them in the pipe. After some time, this mass becomes big enough to hinder the passage of subsequent fluids.
At first, water drains very slowly as you pour down the drain until it’s completely obstructed. During the winter period, this can be very serious. This is because the absence of heat supports the viability of the fatbergs.
To break up the fat, run hot water down your sink or use liquified detergents.
2. Tree Roots
Root infestation can be a likely reason you don’t have a free flow in your pipe. Common to the outside and exposed pipes, roots can grow into them. Also, if there are cracks in the pipe, this can be an entry point.
If your home has large trees with extensive roots, you may need to check if they’re the cause. To make the job easier, drain cameras are helpful survey options. They give detailed visuals of your pipe’s interior. Likewise, they allow you to see possible ways to rectify the problem.
3. Sanitary Materials
Many tend to dispose of their toiletries by flushing them down the drain. Examples are tampons, sanitary pads, baby wipes, and tissue papers.
These substances don’t decompose this way; hence they’re left whole. With continual disposal, they accumulate to cause blockages later.
Having a toilet bin would help to collect these wastes for recycling instead.
4. Foreign Solid Items
Flushing solid objects isn’t ideal for the drain. However, this may sometimes not be preventable in homes with infants.
A big enough item can get stuck in your pipe. In the end, this prevents the free flow of water. Likewise, a build-up of solids like soaps, hair, and small toys is significant to drainage problems.
Be cautious of all that goes down your drain. And if you have kids, keep them off your toilet area.
5. Poor Pipe Installation
Sadly, the hired individual for your plumbing work might have made a mess of the job. Pipe networking around the house required skill. So, it would help if you got a certified professional for it.
Likely areas of mistake may include connecting larger diameter pipes to smaller ones. If you notice this, it would be best to have it fixed immediately.
Conclusion
Look out for these causes the next time you have difficulty putting liquid down your drain. In addition, a good number of them can be prevented by routine maintenance. So, to optimize your drain use, don’t underplay your role.