Blocked drains usually begin as a minor problem although then can rapidly escalate into a major issue. To prevent any plumbing emergencies caused by blocked drains, make sure to have your pipes and fixtures regularly checked by reliable plumbers. This article lists down some of the most common causes of blocked drains that you need to be aware of.
Hair
One of the most common causes of blocked drains is hair. The reason behind this is that hair cannot be dissolved easily unless you utilise chemical drain cleaners that can damage your pipes. Hair tends to bind with grease and other sticky materials that pass through your pipe. From there, clogs can occur immediately. Seasoned plumbers in blocked drain repair Sydney locals rely on, suggest that you leverage drain guards to catch hair. After all, the best way to treat a clogged drain caused by hair is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Nevertheless, you can always get the services of seasoned plumbers to help you deal with drain blockages caused by hair stuck in your pipes.
Soap
Another common cause of blocked drains is soap, particularly the traditional ones which are made from grease or fat. These components tend to combine with the minerals in the water, thereby leaving a hard residue commonly referred to as soap scum. This soap scum can even stain your bath fittings. To prevent this from happening in your plumbing system, you have the option of switching to soap-free washes, alongside having your pipes pressure cleaned to eliminate any soap buildup.
Dirt
Dirt is another common cause of blocked drain in many households. You may be surprised that even the dirt from your clothes can cause this problem as soon as they have accumulated. For this reason, it is best that you shake off or rinse any excess dirt from your clothes before putting them in your washer.
Mineral Buildup
There are various minerals dissolved in hard water that can build up into insoluble masses, instantly creating a clog in your drains. In this case, what you can do is install a water softener, particularly if hard water issues are known to be a common problem in your area. Otherwise, you may need to periodically remove the sediments and other buildups in your pipes. Just keep in mind that this is one of the blocked drain problems that are better left at the hands of the professionals.
Small Objects
Small objects can cause a clog in your drain pipes too when they find their way in. As much as possible, nothing should go into your drains other than human wastes and water. Any other object such as sanitary napkins or diapers should be disposed of responsibly. You may once again need to call professional plumbing services in case there are any small or foreign objects stuck in your drain pipes.
Toilet Paper Buildup
While you may flush your toilet paper, you have to remember that too much of it can still cause a clog in your drain. In this case, a plunger may prove to be your best friend. Otherwise, you may need to get in touch with a reliable plumber to help you address this concern.
Final Word
The things listed above are only some of the most common causes of blocked drains that you need to be aware of. Even food wastes such as tea leaves and coffee grounds and tree roots can clog your pipes. Some other food wastes that you need to be careful of are grease and oil, which can solidify and cause a clog in your pipes. For this reason, make sure that your plumbing and drainage systems are periodically inspected to avoid any significant surprises.
