Main Reason Why Drains Get Blocked

Blocked drains are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. They can be smelly, messy and cause serious damage to your pipes and drains. 

It’s easy to prevent blockages by being mindful of what goes down your drains. It’s important to only flush toilet paper, and avoid throwing things like cotton swabs and dental floss down the drain. 

Hair 

The main reason why drains get blocked is because of hair. Showers, bathtubs and sink drains take in a lot of shed hair which can quickly build up into clumps that prevent water from flowing properly. This can lead to a nasty blockage that requires professional plumbing services. 

Brushing your hair before taking a shower can help to eliminate a lot of shed hair from making its way into the drain. It is also a good idea to invest in a drain catcher for your sink or tub as this can effectively eliminate most of the shed hair that leads to clogs. 

Using a hair catcher can significantly reduce the amount of hair that ends up in your drains, especially if you have long hair. However, even those with short hair can experience a hair-related clog. It is also a good idea to avoid shaving in the bathroom sink as facial hair can stick to the drain and clog it. 

Grease 

Grease (fats, oils and grease) is a common cause of kitchen drain blockages. When poured down the drain, FOG cools and solidifies, coating the inside of the pipes and narrowing the passage. Left unattended, the build-up can become a dense mass that obstructs the pipe entirely. 

Foul odors from the sink or gurgling sounds from the drain indicate the presence of a grease clog. To avoid this problem, don’t pour fats, oils or grease down the drain, and scrape plates and utensils into a trashcan before washing them. 

If you notice a blocked kitchen drain, pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain. This creates a chemical reaction that breaks down the grease. You can also try flushing the drain with boiling water on a regular basis, or invest in a high-quality garbage disposal that will prevent clogs before they happen. Also, putting a drain basket or strainer in your sink can help. 

Chemicals 

If chemicals are poured down drains, they can cause drain blockages by adhering to the sides of pipes. This can worsen over time and lead to a severe clog that requires professional drain cleaning equipment to resolve. 

If you have children, be careful what they put down the drains. Items such as wet wipes and sanitary products can build up in toilets and clog drains. It is best to flush these items down the garbage disposal instead.

Fats and oils should not be poured down kitchen drains as they can harden. Instead, pour them into a glass container and throw away with your trash. 

Ensure that the slope of your drain pipe is correct to allow free flow of water and air. If there isn’t enough slope, it can lead to a slow-draining sink and possible clogs. Check for breaks and cracks regularly to prevent them from becoming severe clogs that require professional repair. Also, keep trees and shrubs away from the drains as their roots can creep into and crack pipes. 

Hard Water 

One of the most common reasons for clogged drains is hard water. The calcium and magnesium deposits that cause it can clog pipes, especially when they build up over time. When this happens, the smooth surface of the pipe turns into a rough one, ramping up friction and slowing water flow. If this isn’t addressed, it can lead to a blockage and even more serious problems with your plumbing. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ can provide you with help with plumbing problems. 

To prevent this, be careful with what goes down your drains. Don’t pour grease, fat or oils down them and make sure you put oily waste into a can or jar to solidify before throwing it away. Also, avoid flushing wipes, including “flushable” ones – put them in the trash instead! You can also try using products that are formulated for hard water to help reduce the impact on your pipes. Taking these preventative measures can save you money and stress over time. They can also extend the lifespan and efficiency of your appliances.