The 4 Main Reasons For Blocked Drains In Residential Settings

Blocked drains are a problem that most people will experience at some point in time. The issue can range from mildly annoying through to a complete disaster depending on the extent of the blockage and which pipes are blocked. A backed-up kitchen sink is a small issue, but an overflowing toilet is a serious health risk to you and your family members.

Sometimes, you can deal with a minor blockage yourself with a plunger or some drain cleaning chemicals. However, if the problem persists, you may need to call in the experts. How they handle the blockage will be determined by what has caused it, which your plumber will generally ascertain using a specialised camera that's inserted into the drain. The blockage can be caused by a variety of problems, and here are the four most common issues found in residential pipes.

1. Food residue

The drains that run from kitchen sinks are one of the more frequent areas that experience problems with blockages. In this case, the blockage is caused by an accumulation of food residue that's washed down the sink with dishwater. The worst culprit is grease and oil, which congeals into a solid mass and then traps more food particles as they flow through the pipes.

2. Foreign objects

Another common cause of blocked drains is foreign objects. The main area of your plumbing that will encounter this problem is the toilet, which is a very messy and smelly issue. Items such as baby wipes, sanitary hygiene products and toiletry packaging are often the cause of blockages. If you have children, small toys can also be the cause of toilet-based pipe blockages.

3. Tree roots

Tree roots can also be the cause of pipe blockages in a residential setting. Over time, the root system of trees surrounding your home can grow through your plumbing pipes, blocking the flow of water. Tree roots can also break the pipes, which can cause water or sewage to leak into the ground beneath your home, which is a potentially damaging and unhealthy situation.

4. Old pipes

In many older homes, drains that become blocked are caused by the deterioration and break down of old plumbing pipes. Old clay pipes are the worst offenders for this issue because they become brittle and susceptible to damage over time and as they're shifted around through to natural movement of the earth.

Whatever the cause of your blocked drains, it's important to make a call to your local emergency plumbers as soon as you realise there's a problem. Left unchecked, blocked pipes can cause a lot of headache and expense that can be avoided with prompt action.

Share