Every household is going to experience blocked drains at some point. But, it is important to realise that this is something you can avoid. In other words, when you know what is going to block your drain, you can prevent it from entering the pipes and causing problems. Today, this guide is going to help you learn about the signs of a blocked drain and what might be causing it.
What are the Signs of a Blocked Drain?
Are you not sure if your drains are blocked or there is another problem? Well, here are some signs that there is something going on and blocking your drains. First of all, the water will drain away slowly and a lot slower than you are used to. This means that the system is having to work harder and something is blocking all of the water from getting down into the pipes.
Another sign is that there is a bad odour coming from a blocked drain. This could be down to some debris sticking around inside the pipes and it is starting to rot. Again, this is going to be something noticeable that you cannot miss.
If you do think that you have a blocked drain, there can be a number of reasons for this. But, one thing is for sure, you will need to call a company like FS Drainage to remove the blockage from causing further problems.
The Biggest Culprits of Blocked Drains
If you can, you want to avoid blocking your drains at all. The best way to do this is to learn what the biggest culprits are and what materials you should avoid putting down your drains at all costs. So, let’s take a closer look at them.
Hair
A lot of people do not realise that hair is one of the biggest culprits of a blocked drain. Over time, it builds up and this can mean that water cannot get through the pipes. You will notice the water not draining away and this is going to happen in bathtubs and shower drains, as well as bathroom sinks.
Of course, it does not just have to be human hair that can block a drain. Pet fur is also known to do the same thing. It all accumulates and knots together, creating a ball that can cause a lot of problems. This can be made worse when it combines with soap and grease.
While it is not always possible to remove hair when you are showering, you can always have a hair catcher in the drain. This is going to stop the hair from moving down into the pipes and becoming a problem in the future.
Grease and Fat
One of the main reasons why kitchen drains become blocked is because people are allowing grease and fat to enter the system. These may seem like liquids that are harmless. There is the assumption that they will simply wash away down the drain. But, they are actually one of the worst culprits when it comes to blockages. This is because they are slimy and solidify in pipes. Cooking oils can have the same effect and when they are all combined, the problem is even worse.
You want to do your best to avoid putting oil, grease and fat down the drain. Leave the substances until they solidify no dishes and scrape them into the bin. This is going to stop them from solidifying in the pipes and causing a blockage later on that you will have to pay out to fix.
Leaves and Plant Debris
Let’s not forget that it is not only substances inside your house that can block drains. There are actually materials outdoors that can do the same too. In particular, leaves and plant debris are bad culprits of blocking an outdoor drain. This is especially true when it is during the autumn and leaves are falling from trees.
If you are able to install a trench drain, you will prevent this type of debris from seeping into the pipes. Many leading experts recommend that tranches can be perfect for outdoor areas in the garden and driveway where you are more likely to have such residues. Make sure to get this done by professionals that have prior experience of installing drain trenches.
In order to prevent this from happening, you need to stop all of this outdoor debris from building up. In other words, keep your garden and front yard tidy. You will want to sweep up any debris and leaves on a regular basis. This will stop it from accumulating at the outdoor drain and causing problems later on. There can also be covers that you can purchase for outdoor drains if it is near to plants and other debris. This is going to act as a barrier so that these materials cannot enter the system. Thanks to fsdrainage.com for consulting on this post.
