Many properties in Plymouth face the common issue of blocked drains. There are several reasons behind it, ranging from minor causes that homeowners themselves can manage to significant problems which require a professional plumber.
Keeping the drains clear is just as essential as maintaining the cleanliness of your home. Good sanitation and regular drain maintenance can prevent severe issues and substantial expenses in the future. To help you understand the subject better, let’s dive into the common causes of blocked drains in Plymouth.
1. Hair Accumulation
One of the familiar culprits is the build-up of hair. blocked drains plymouth Hair can slowly gather and bind with grease and other sticky substances, forming clogs that cause drain blocks. Even if it’s unwitting to let hair go down the drains, installing guards to catch hair can be a preventive measure. Regularly cleaning these guards can keep the drains free from hair blockages.
2. Grease and Fat Deposits
Kitchen drains often get blocked due to the build-up of grease and fat, especially when washing dishes or pouring out the remnants of cooking. These fatty substances tend to solidify as they cool down and stick to the pipe’s walls. Over time, they accumulate and reduce water flow, eventually leading to complete blockage. To prevent this, it’s advisable to dispose of grease and fat into a sealable container and treat it as solid waste.
3. Tree Roots
Tree root intrusion is another common issue causing blocked drains in Plymouth. Trees and shrubs tend to grow towards sewer lines because they provide water, nutrients, and oxygen necessary for growth. Even a small crack or leak in the pipe can attract root growth, ultimately resulting in extensive damage and blockages. Regular inspection of the surrounding landscape and removing potentially harmful plants can help prevent such issues.
4. Foreign Objects
Blocked drains can also occur when foreign or inappropriate items are flushed down toilets or dropped into sinks. Objects such as children’s toys, sanitary products, wipes, and even accidentally dropped jewelry can get stuck and cause a serious blockage. A simple rule of thumb is to only allow toilet paper and human waste down the toilet, and nothing more.
5. Broken or Damaged Pipes
Broken or damaged pipes can result in blocked drains as well. Harsh weather conditions, ground movements, or tree root intrusion can cause pipes to crack or collapse. Such a scenario makes it difficult for the wastewater to flow freely, leading to an obvious or concealed blockage. Given this situation, only professional plumbers can diagnose the issue using CCTV drain surveys and rectify it accordingly.
6. Accumulation of Soil and Dirt
Lastly, accumulation of soil, dirt, and debris, particularly during heavy rains, can lead to blocked drains outside the property. Regular inspection and cleaning by professionals can prevent this from turning into a severe issue.
In conclusion, blocked drains in Plymouth are caused by several issues, including hair, grease and fat deposits, foreign objects, broken pipes, and the accumulation of dirt and soil. Understanding these problems can help individuals maintain their drainage system better, but regular professional inspections and cleanups are necessary for long-term drain health.
Furthermore, being responsible about what goes down the drain and implementing good practices, like fitting guards to catch hair and debris or being careful about what’s flushed down the toilet, can help to keep the drains clear and flowing freely. Should you notice any signs of a blocked drain, it’s always best to act promptly and contact a professional plumber to avoid larger, potentially more expensive issues down the line.