One of the most frustrating problems in the plumbing field is clogged drains. As soon as your drain starts gurgling, it’s usually an immediate cause for concern. Although plunging may work for some people, it usually isn’t recommended for most. But what causes blocked drains in the first place? Well, the truth is that there are a number of common culprits…
In this article, we will explain the most common causes of blocked drains so that you can diagnose and fix the problem as soon as possible.
Causes of Blocked Drains
Blocked drains are common, and there are lots of reasons why this can happen. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of blocked drains so that you know what to keep an eye out for in case your drains become clogged or blocked in the future.
Tree Roots
Tree roots are one of the most common causes of blocked drains. If you have a tree in your garden which is growing too close to the drainpipe, it can easily force its way into the pipe and cause a blockage.
Toiletries
If you have children who are using your bathroom regularly, then there is a good chance that they have flushed something down the toilet that should not be flushed! This could be anything from hairbrushes or toys! These sorts of objects can cause your drains to become clogged and blocked up.
Foreign Objects
While it may seem like a good idea at the time, putting random objects in your toilet bowl is one of the worst things you could ever do for your pipes! The larger items can actually break apart and become lodged inside of your plumbing system, which can lead to serious damage over time if left untreated.
Cooking Oil
When you fry or cook with oil in your pan, some of it will end up in your sink when you wash it out. This can then build up over time and cause your drains to become blocked. If this happens regularly, you may want to consider using an oil filter for your sink to prevent this from happening again in future.
Food Scraps
Food scraps such as vegetable peelings or cuttings from fruit should not be put down the sink at all because they can get stuck on their way through the pipes, which means they cannot go any further until they are removed manually by an experienced plumber.
Mineral Build Up
Mineral build-up is caused by hard water deposits or rust that builds up in the pipes and prevents them from draining properly. You should use a de-scaler product to help prevent this issue from occurring because it can cause a stubborn blockage in your drainage system.
Soap
Soap is one of the most common causes of blocked drains. The soap will stick to the sides of your pipe, and when enough build-up occurs, it will clog up the drain entirely. This can lead to a very expensive plumbing bill!
Hair
Hair can clog drains because it’s so fine and sticky. Hair usually gets stuck at the end of the drain, where water flows out. The best way to prevent this problem is by using a drain catcher like a sink strainer or a plunger with an attachment that catches hair before it reaches the drain opening.
Natural Debris
Natural debris such as leaves and pine needles can also cause clogs by blocking the flow of water through your pipes. If you live near a river or lake, try cleaning out your gutters regularly so that water doesn’t back up into your house during heavy rainstorms!
Cat Litter
Cat litter is a common cause of blocked drains, so if you have a cat litter tray in your bathroom, it’s important to keep on top of cleaning out the clumps as they form. This will help prevent them from building up and causing blockages.
Conclusion
Sometimes, you may be able to unclog the drain yourself, but for more severe blockages, you will need to call a plumber. Many times, attempting to fix the issue with DIY tools and commercial products will only make the problem worse, so if you have a blocked drain, be sure to contact a professional plumbing service for assistance.