There’s completely no sugar coating the situation, clogged drains are horrible. Not only is it a huge nuisance in the house, but blocked drains are downright ghastly; teeming with bacteria and encouraging an odour-inducing problem for everyone. It’s a trouble that every owner will experience at least once in their life and if you don’t fix it soon, there’s a good chance it’ll bring some health issues along with them on the ride too.
From foreign objects that have by accident been dropped down the drain to a heavy build-up of hair, oil and other gloop, there are many reasons why your house can be experiencing blocked-up drains. Knowing exactly how each issue is caused can be an opportunity to better lookout against it. And when the drainpipe cleaner just won’t cut it, here’s what you need to recognize to fix the issue for good.
1. Clogged Drain from Hair
We’ve seen it all before, a hair build-up that’s initially clogging your drain. Mainly it’s a fairly easy task to simply ‘remove the hair’, but if it’s not empty up straight away, it can cause a string of issues. Hair falling in the shower or whilst getting ready over the sink and in the washroom is one of the most frequent causes of blocked drains. But whilst it’s a common trouble for many houses, there are ways you can fix your drainpipe and put a long-term answer in place.
How to Fix Blocked Drains from Hair?
What to do: Few strands of hair can be isolated by pulling it out with gloved hands to evade it from getting worse. Drain cleaning tools such as drain spiders can also be purchased to help get rid of the hair from the drain. On the other hand, it’s significant to be careful as some devices and cheap hair removal chemicals can make the trouble worse.
It’s vital to remove the hair before it gets congested into the entry of the drain pipes. If you are unable to reach the hair or the tools aren’t working as planned, it’s time to speak to a blocked drain expert.
2. Blocked Drains from Plants and Dirt
Natural fragments like trees, shrubs, dirt and leaves can be a concern for water drains, particularly after spring and autumn. Your regular garden maintenance that helps keep the outdoor area looking enormous is also essential to the production of your water drains and pipes. Leaves aren’t the only reason, yet – roots from trees are infamous for growing underneath in search of water and will typically head directly to your drains.
How to Fix a Clogged Drain from Plants and Dirt?
What to do: To avoid plants, leaves and dirt from jamming the drains, keep the outdoor area clear of fallen leaves and remains. If this problem is left long enough, it will cause the drains to become relentlessly blocked. Keep the trees well-watered so they are less drawn to the drains as a resource for moisture and away from clogging plants where possible; like willow trees, oak trees, magnolias, boxwood shrubs, palm trees and gum trees.
Whilst ensuring your yard is liberated from leaves and dirt is a great way to prevent build-up, sometimes the actual issue lay under the surface. Tree roots can fracture your drain pipes underneath your house – causing blockages and leaks. Specialist pipe relining tools can be used to clear the blockage and give a long-term structural repair.
3. Blocked Drains from Grease Build-up
Like hair in the washroom, grease and fat will build-up in the kitchen sink over time. These fatty substances are a very usual cause of clogged drain and pipes and can be an annoyance to clear out. Any grease or fatty material that is washed down the sink will stick within the pipes and sooner or later build up to a point no fluid can pass through. It’s significant to be aware that this grease doesn’t leave the pipes as effortlessly as you would expect.
How to Fix a Clogged Drain from Grease Build-up?
What to do: Refrain from washing these fatty ingredients down the drainpipe as much as possible. Grease that has been washed down the drain will cool and solidify in the pipes. A smart way to stop this build-up of grease is to start collecting all glass jars that you purchase at the supermarket. Then, as an alternative of pouring this oil or kitchen grease down the drain, put it in a small glass or plastic containers to throw away with your garbage.
4. Blocked Drains from Toiletries
As more and more people get into the habit of getting rid of toiletries down the drain, bigger problems are being caused in our sewers and pipes. Napkins and baby wipes are the most common items known to block drains after being flushed down. Such items become wrapped up with water; they absorb the moisture and increase, quickly blocking access to water drains and pipes.
How to Fix Blocked Drains from Toiletries?
What to do: This way of discarding toiletries is terrible for the surroundings and everyone should be encouraged to dispose of toiletries the immediately. In the home, these items should be disposed along with the garbage, just as people should make use of the elected bins when using public changing rooms and toilets. If it’s too late, book a competent plumber to come and clear the obstruction – but make sure it doesn’t happen again in the future.
