10 Causes of Blocked Drains and How to Prevent Them

Homeowners can face different problems in their homes, like damaged walls and flooring or insufficient money for bills. But aside from these, clogged drains can also be an issue. Blocked drains Newcastle can be an inconvenience and may lead to more problems if kept unrepaired. 

Here are some of the many causes of blocked drains and how to prevent them:

Food Waste

When you clean your plates and utensils, there are food residues that may not get removed easily. And with that, you need extra effort to wash them. However, never remove them from the sink and scrape your plates into the trash instead. Some homeowners put sink strainers to catch the ones that were not removed from the trash, like rice and eggshells. Knowing what items could harm your drain will help you be more mindful when washing.

Hair and Soap Residue

People with hair fall problems might stress over the hair that keeps going down the drain. With this, ensure you have a strainer to catch hair and avoid clogged drains. But aside from hair, soap can also be a problem. If you use a bar, you will notice it gets smaller after weeks or months of usage. But instead of letting them go to the drain, you can get a new one and stick the small and old soap.

Lack of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is necessary to avoid clogged drains. If you do not watch out for what you put in your drain, you might experience flooding inside your home, damaging your furniture and appliances. For homeowners who do not know how to clean the drain, no need to worry because there are professionals who can do the task.

Structural Errors

Structural errors happen to many homes, and those could lead to more problems if they remain unaddressed. Some of what you might experience include broken sewer lines, incorrect pipe slopes, and poor ventilation. If there are cracks in the pipes, check with a professional or have regular inspections.

Stormwater Overload

Heavy rainfall can cause issues in your home, especially if it has been going on for days or weeks. Stormwater can damage the drainage system, causing blockage and flooding inside your house. Some homeowners might not experience these issues but do not wait for them to happen to yours. Gutter cleaning is important, no matter the weather.

Foreign Objects

Throwing sanitary napkins, dental floss, wet wipes, and cotton balls in your sink or toilet bowl can damage the drainage and result in clogging. You better throw them in the trash to avoid damaging anything in your home. You will see different disposal options, so choose one that is appropriate for the item.

Incorrect DIY Repairs

DIY repairs are okay if you know what you are doing. But if not, ask for the help of professionals to ensure you are making your home a safe place. You might cause more damage than good if you do everything without assistance. If you are willing to learn, asking questions and researching can be your foundation.

Grease and Cooking Oil

Grease and cooking oil can cause issues with your drains, even if they are liquid. It can start some greasy buildup, damaging and blocking drains. So instead of throwing them into the sink or toilet, let them solidify, then put them in a container before disposing. There are other ways to dispose of your cooking oil, so check what fits your needs.

Toilet Paper

Wherever establishment you go, you will notice some warning signs telling users not to dispose of toilet paper in the toilet. There is no harm in using one, but be mindful of the amount you use and where you throw them. You can apply the same rule in your home to avoid clogging drains.

Old and Ageing Infrastructure

Old and ageing plumbing systems can be the cause of clogged drains, so check them regularly and see if they need replacement. If yes, never do the job alone and ask for the help of professionals. Upgrade it into something you can use for years.

Blocked drains might look like nothing to some, but they can cause problems for you and your family. Ensure you check them once in a while and see the appropriate steps you need to do. Make your home a safe place by being aware of these causes.