What Causes Blocked Drains in Your Plumbing System? 

Drain blockages are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. They are expensive to clear and pose health risks if water is unable to flow freely through pipes. 

Understanding what causes drain clogs can help you prevent them. From foreign objects that fall into sink drains to a heavy build-up of hair and soap scum. 

Grease Build-Up 

Grease can be liquid at cooking temperature, but once it enters your pipes and cools, it solidifies on the walls of the pipe. This build-up creates a clog. The amount and frequency of grease poured down drains and the temperature of the water affect how quickly this build-up occurs. The drain gets blocked.

Kitchen sinks and commercial establishments are particularly prone to this issue. Food waste, scraps, bits of meat, coffee grounds and more contribute to the problem, even with garbage disposals. 

Toilets are another area where a foreign object can snag and block the line. Always flush only toilet paper, waste and sanitary items. Place any other materials into trash cans instead. 

Food Debris 

When food remnants, coffee grounds and other waste make their way down your drain, they can cling to the sides of your pipes. They also clump together and form a thick, greasy clog that slows or blocks the flow of water. 

Fatty foods, such as bacon grease, pan drippings and other cooking oils, should never be dumped down the drain as they will cause blockages that disrupt the sewer system and harm the environment. 

Similarly, scrape your excess food into a bin rather than washing it down the sink and avoid flushing sanitary items, cotton pads and other waste into toilets. 

Sediment build-up is a common issue for kitchen sinks and bathroom drains. While hot water can help to dislodge small amounts of sediment, it’s important to regularly clean your drain traps and invest in a long grabber or “gulley grab” to remove larger, more stubborn deposits. Keeping your drains clear prevents clogs, which can be expensive and inconvenient to fix. 

Toilet Paper 

Toilet paper can be the main cause of a continuous drain blockage. Too much or thicker toilet paper can lead to a blockage that requires professional plumbing services to clear. This is particularly true if you use 2-ply toilet paper, as it takes longer to break down in water and is more likely to stick to pipes. 

Another common reason for toilets that keep clogging is flushing items that

shouldn’t be in the toilet. This can include baby wipes, cotton pads, sanitary products and even toys. Educating household members on what belongs in the toilet and where other waste should go will prevent constant clogs. Keeping a wastebasket near the toilet where these items can be easily disposed of will also help. 

Blocked drains are often frustrating and expensive to clear, but understanding what typically causes them can help prevent these issues from occurring in the first place. Contacting a plumber when you notice signs of a clogged drain will allow them to resolve the issue before it becomes serious. 

Tree Roots 

Tree roots can grow around and into sewer lines, causing drain and sewer blockages that are typically much more serious than drain clogs caused by hair or food debris. They can also degrade the condition and strength of your pipes, leading to serious damage that will require costly repairs. 

As they search for water, tree roots will naturally gravitate toward any cracks or gaps in your sewer lines. When they get inside, they will quickly overtake the line and cause a blockage that prevents waste, water and other natural elements from passing through. 

While keeping your yard free of leaves, twigs and dirt can help, the best way to reduce tree root invasion is to have your drain lines regularly cleaned with a power auger or chemically treated with copper sulfate. These methods will not only clear current blockages, but they can also help prevent future ones from forming. Pipe relining technology is also an option for fixing any holes in your sewer line that can invite root intrusion. For more information, https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ and sites alike provide a lot of resourceful information. 

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