Ever wondered how you can prevent clogged drains in your home? It’s incredibly frustrating dealing with blockages, and waiting for a plumber to sort it out can be quite an ordeal. Because plumbing systems are often out of sight, they slip our minds until something goes awry. We rarely give them a second thought, do we?
A blockage in your home’s plumbing can happen for numerous reasons. Let’s look at some of the most common causes and where they typically occur.
A clogged drain is quite a common plumbing problem, and we at WP Plumbing can tackle this job for you quickly and efficiently. There are some common areas in the house where drain blockages occur, such as:
These are dreaded blockages that anyone would want to avoid under all circumstances. Dealing with a blocked toilet is troublesome, and you must address it immediately. If the blockage becomes stubborn, the water will overflow from the bowl, creating a mess on the bathroom floor. Fusing dissolvable items into the toilet, such as diaper wipes or feminine hygiene products, can result in severe blockages. Overusing toilet paper can also block your bathroom sink.
Clogs in showers and bathtubs are another major problem. If you notice that the water in the rain isn’t draining as fast as it should, or your hot water or boiling water isn’t heating correctly, you likely have a clog inside the drainpipe or water unit. You must address this problem immediately so the water can flow freely and you do not have to deal with soapy, dirty water in the shower or tub around your ankles. These blockages are generally created by hair, soap, dirt, etc. Regular maintenance of your water heater also helps in preventing these issues.
Many people lead busy lives and try to complete all the chores in the kitchen as quickly as possible. However, when preparing meals, discarding waste, doing the dishes, washing the utensils, etc., there are certain standard procedures that you should follow.
Discard tiny food scraps in the sink if you have a garbage disposal. Never discard hard or crunchy food waste in the garbage bin, resulting in drain blockages. Oil and grease build-up is also another primary culprit in kitchen sink blockages. The best way to discard any oil or grease used for cooking is to bag the grease and dispose of it in the garbage. Even when cleaning greasy pans, it is best to wipe them down with some kitchen towels to prevent the oil from building up inside the drain pipe or your plumbing system, resulting in a blockage.
Another place where clogs occur is the sewer line sewer drain system. Your local government may or may not be liable, depending on where the clog is located. Most clogged sewer pipes and septic tanks are caused by tree roots invading the system. Depending on the severity of the blockage, you can discuss various solutions with your plumber. We suggest doing this as soon as you notice the problem, as a clogged sewer line can cause many issues.
Several common issues can lead to frustrating drain blockages and keep your sinks, shower, and septic system drains from flowing smoothly. Knowing the typical causes of clogged drains can help prevent problems and clear your drainage system.
Two of the biggest culprits behind sink drain clogs are accumulations of hair and soap scum that get stuck in pipes over time. As they build up, they trap other debris, causing slow drains. Regularly removing hair/soap scum from drains helps avoid blockages.
Allowing fats, oils, and food scraps to wash down drains is a recipe for clogs. Grease sticks to pipe walls while food particles collect with other debris. Use strainers to catch food and adequately dispose of oils/grease before pouring them down sinks.
Many assume the toilet is a trash can, but flushing anything other than waste and toilet paper (including wipes, feminine products, dental floss, etc.) can snag in pipes and lead to clogged drains. Use trash cans and toilet paper for body waste.
If trees are near your home, roots can enter sewer pipes or a septic system. As roots grow, they restrict flow and can completely plug drains. Regular root trimming or removal may be needed to keep drains clear.
Even with the best intentions, clogs happen. But, knowing common causes can help prevent many headaches. If your drains start acting up, it’s wise to call a professional plumber promptly to clear them before serious issues arise.
These are the common areas around your home where blockages occur. Regular plumbing maintenance goes a long way in helping to prevent these issues. You should hire the services of experts like us for preventive plumbing maintenance. Our team will regularly visit your property and give helpful tips and tricks to keep your plumbing in the best condition possible. They will use the latest tools and equipment and ensure that all the plumbing installations and drain pipes are clear of issues.
Whether big or small, we manage drain block issues across Melbourne while keeping costs affordable. For more details on our plumbing services, contact our team today. We’re here to help with any drain problems in Melbourne and look forward to assisting you.
Catching these early blocked drain symptoms quickly can prevent major clogs, overflows, or sewer backups. This article outlines the top signs of impending drain blockages and how to tell if your sink, tub, shower or other drains may be partially clogged and need professional drain cleaning services.
Want to know about the damages a clogged drain can cause if left untreated? Then check out our guide, where we’ve discussed the aftermath of blocked drains.
Just found out that your toilet is leaking from the base? Please don’t waste any more time and check out this guide to know the reason behind the leak and how to fix it.
