A blocked drain can be a smelly, unhygienic problem to deal with. Thankfully, it can mostly be avoided. But if you do have a stubborn drain that won’t clear, you need to call a blocked drain plumber to help you resolve the problem quickly.
With that said, here are some of the reasons your drains might be getting blocked, along with some tips on how to prevent it from happening in the future.
Hair Buildup
Hair is one of the biggest reasons drains get blocked, particularly in the bathroom. If you live with people who have long hair, you’ll know that it can be particularly prone to accumulating in the drain over time, where it combines with soap scum to form clogs.
You can minimise the impact of hair buildup by using a drain cover or hair catcher over the drain to trap the hair before it gets washed down. Regularly cleaning this cover and removing any buildup can minimise the risk of blockages.
Grease and Oil
When you pour grease, oil, or fat down the sink in your kitchen, it can cause blockages. When these substances cool, they solidify and stick to the insides of pipes.
It is therefore advisable to dispose of your grease and oil in a separate container and throw them away with your household waste, rather than trying to wash them down the drain.
However, if you do have hardened grease in your pipes that needs unblocking, pour boiling water down the pipe to melt and dislodge it.
Food Waste
Washing scraps of food down your drain pipe can lead to blockages over time, especially if you regularly shove fibrous, starchy items like potato peels down the drain.
Instead, use a sink strainer to catch food particles when washing dishes, then dispose of them in the trash or compost.
You could also try installing a food waste disposal unit under your kitchen sink to shred bits of food that get washed down to prevent blockages.
Soap Scum
Soap residue is another common cause of drain blockages, particularly in drains that aren’t well maintained. This mostly commonly occurs in your shower or bath, where soap residue combines with minerals in the water to form a hard and sticky substance known as soap scum.
This unpleasant substance can build up in your drains and cause blockages over time. It is frequently exacerbated by compounding issues such as unchecked hair buildup.
Bar soap is particularly prone to causing soap scum, so it’s better to use liquid soap in your shower instead. Cleaning your sinks and showers regularly with a mild cleaner can prevent soap scum buildup from becoming a problem.
If you are looking for a blocked drain plumber who can restore your plumbing to peak condition in no time, contact JD Filtration and Plumbing Services today.
