Hello, mates! There’s nothing quite like a blocked drain to put a damper on your day. Here at Blufrog Plumbing, we’ve seen it all when it comes to the common causes of blocked drains, and we’re here to share our knowledge with you. Let’s dive into some of these causes and learn how to prevent them, shall we?
1. Grease and Fat Buildup
Perhaps the most common cause of blocked drains is the buildup of grease and fat. These substances solidify as they cool down, sticking to the sides of your pipes and gradually causing blockages.
Prevention: The best way to prevent this is simply not to pour grease or fat down your drain. Instead, let it solidify in a container before disposing of it in the bin.
2. Hair
Another common culprit is hair, which can accumulate in your pipes over time, especially in bathroom drains.
Prevention: Install drain guards to catch hair and clean them regularly. Also, consider brushing your hair before showering to minimise the amount of hair that ends up down the drain.
3. Foreign Objects
Children’s toys, sanitary products, nappies, or even too much toilet paper can cause blockages if flushed down the toilet.
Prevention: Only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Keep a bin in the bathroom for all other items, and be sure to educate young children about what should and shouldn’t go down the toilet.
4. Tree Roots
Tree roots can infiltrate your pipes, causing significant blockages and potentially damaging your plumbing system.
Prevention: Regular plumbing inspections can help identify and address tree root intrusions before they cause significant problems. Also, consider the location of trees when planting in your yard.
5. Food Waste
Food scraps, especially coffee grounds and tea leaves, can accumulate in your kitchen sink drain and cause blockages.
Prevention: Use a sink strainer to catch food waste and dispose of it in the bin or compost. Avoid putting coffee grounds or tea leaves down the sink.
6. Soap Scum
Soap combined with minerals in water can create soap scum, which can stick to your pipes and cause blockages over time.
Prevention: Regularly clean your drains with a mixture of hot water and vinegar to help break down soap scum. Consider switching to soap-free washes or installing a water softener if you live in a hard water area.
7. Mineral Buildup
Hard water can cause mineral buildup in your pipes, leading to blockages.
Prevention: Installing a water softener can help prevent mineral buildup. If you already have mineral deposits, you may need professional plumbing services to remove them.
Remember, if you’re dealing with stubborn blocked drains, it’s always best to call in the professionals. DIY solutions can sometimes do more harm than good, causing damage to your pipes or only temporarily fixing the problem. Our team at Blufrog Plumbing is always ready to help with any plumbing renovations or issues you might be facing. From toilet plumbing to shower plumbing, we’ve got you covered.
So, the next time you’re faced with a blocked drain, remember these tips to prevent future blockages. And don’t forget, if you need help, we’re just a call away! Stay tuned for more plumbing tips and tricks from your friendly team at Blufrog Plumbing.
