Drainage blockages are one of the common reasons people call a plumber. A clogged drain, whether in the toilet, bathtub, or kitchen sink, can cause serious disruption. Clogs are not only inconvenient but can also cause flooding, corrosion, and even sewage backups in severe cases.
Substances that are allowed to enter our drains primarily cause plumbing clogs. By identifying the common reasons for clogged drains, you can avoid damage and costly repairs to your plumbing system.
Let’s discuss these common causes.
Tree Roots
Old tree root infiltration is the most common cause of blocked drains. In some countries, most homes and yards have large, beautiful trees, and all of these homes are connected to sewer lines. It is an ideal location for a large tree that thrives in warm, fertile, and nutrient-filled sewer drains.
Tree roots are consistently impressive. They find a hairline crack or break in a sewer drain in no time. Then, they work their way into that crack until they infest the drain, slurping its goodness until a plumber arrives to save the day.
Oil, Grease, and Fat
Drain blockage is a common issue caused by grease and fat when washed down the sink after cooking. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the damage this can do to their homes. “Fatbergs” is a phrase coined to define the large lumps of fat that can clog sewers and pose significant issues for water companies. When poured down the drain, the combination of hot oil solidifying in the drain can lead to disaster.
Food Scraps
Avoid disposing of large amounts of food scraps down your drain, even if it has a garbage disposal. Most household waste disposals are only capable of processing small amounts of food scraps. Some food waste, such as coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, rice, and fibrous fruits and vegetables, should not be disposed of in the garbage. Instead, consider composting large food scraps.
Blocked Drains from Heavy Rain and Storms
Heavy rain can cause outdoor drain blockages in several ways. First, rain can flood the plumbing system, leading to overflows and prolonged flooding that can last for days. Second, water clogs drains by pushing dirt, leaves, and debris into them.
Thirdly, water pressure can crack pipes and cause internal problems that raise the possibility of blockages. Again, this usually only impacts external drains, which are your responsibility if they’re on your property.
Hair and Soap Suds in the Bathroom
Your bathroom sinks, bathtubs, and showers are susceptible to drainage issues and can easily become blocked by two common causes: hair and soap suds. These two common everyday events cause more blockages than most other debris. Debris from showering, bathing, or soaping hands can accumulate in pipes, leading to blocked or slow-running drains.
Putting drain covers over the plug holes can prevent this common problem and lower the risk of slow-running drains in your bathroom. These can capture the strands of falling hair, preventing them from getting tangled in your drain pipes. This also helps prevent blockages and ensures your drains run effectively for longer.
Poor Pipe Installation
The increasing trend of “doing work on your own” has led to numerous issues. These include poor drainage pipe installation and unexperienced plumbing.
Any improper installation can cause damage to the pipe. To avoid common plumbing issues, you must use high-quality pipes. If you install pipes poorly, you may cause harm to other areas of your home. In terms of money, this could be expensive.
So, make sure the plumbers you choose are qualified and/or experienced so they can help you install pipes correctly.
