Why do I have blocked drains?
There’s absolutely no denying, blocked drains are nasty. Not only can it be a huge inconvenience for your household, but blocked drains are completely disgusting. Swarming with bacteria, unhygienic, messy and smelly. Unfortunately, blocked drains are a nuisance that every homeowner will encounter at least once in their life. If you don’t sort it out soon, there’s a good chance it will bring some health issues along with them on the ride too. From foreign objects that have inadvertently been dropped down the drain. (if you have kids you will be familiar with this one!) To some heavy build-up of hair, grease and other gunk, there are many reasons why your family can be experiencing blocked drains. Knowing exactly how each problem is caused can be an opportunity to better guard against it and avoid future blockages. And when the ‘in home solutions’ simply will not cut it, here is what you need to know to repair the problem.
Common Causes Of Blocked Drains:
Blocked Drains from Hair
We’ve seen it before, a build-up of hair that is starting to block up your drain. Most times it’s a moderately easy task to simply ‘remove the hair’ from the drain. But when it’s not removed straight away it can cause a good deal of issues down the line. So how does hair get down the drain? Bushing your hair and getting ready over the basin. Blow drying your hair in the bathroom or ensuite. Losing hair whilst in the shower are some of the most common causes of blocked or clogged drains in the bathroom. But whilst it’s a frequent problem for many homeowners, you will find ways you can fix your drain and avoid future blocked drains.
How to avoid or fix a blocked drain from hair??
What you can do: After showering or doing your hair remove any visible hair from around your basin or shower grate. When cleaning your shower remove the grate or top off the drain, wearing gloves you will be able to remove any hair in the top of the drain by pulling it out gently. Be careful using any drain cleaning chemicals and devices as they may cause damage to your drains. It’s important to remove the hair prior to it getting clogged and blocking up the drain pipes. If your drains are blocked its time to speak to a licensed professional. Call MBM Plumbing now for a drain inspection.
Blocked Drains from Toiletries
As people get in the habit of disposing of toiletries down the drain, costly plumbing problems are being caused to our drains and sewers. Nappies, baby wipes, flushable wipes and sanitary items are the most common items to cause issues after being flushed down the toilet. Unlike toilet paper that breaks down in water, these items absorb the moisture and expand, quickly obstructing access through your drains and pipes.
How avoid or fix a blocked drain from toiletries?
What to do: REMEMBER THE 3 P’S. Poo, Pee, toilet Paper. Nothing else should be flushed down the toilet. Although some wipes branded ‘flushable’ they dont break down like toilet paper and can block your drain. All sanitary napkins, tampons, nappies and wipes should be disposed of in the rubbish bin, or sanitary bins provided. If it’s too late, call MBM Plumbing. With our specialised drain clearing equipment we will clear the blockage. But remember to follow the tips above to avoid another blocked toilet in the future.
Drains Blocked by Tree Roots and Debris
Natural debris like trees, shrubs, dirt and leaves may be an issue for water drains. Especially after spring and autumn seasons when plants are losing their leaves. Your regular garden maintenance that keeps the outside area looking great is also vital to the productivity of your water drains and pipes. Leaves, dirt and debris aren’t the sole culprit. Roots from trees are renowned for growing underground in search of water and as a result, will usually head straight to your drains.
How To Avoid Or Repair Drains Blocked By Tree Roots and Debris?
What to do: To avoid plants, leaves and dirt clogging up and blocking your drains, keep your outside area and garden clear and maintained. Ensure that your trees are well watered, so they are less likely to be drawn to your drains in search of moisture and water. During drought seasons and winter months this is more likely to occur. Call your local trusted plumber to assess your drains with specialised equipment, with CCTV cameras and Hydrojet Machines we can clear your blockages.
Blocked Drains With Grease Build Up
Like hair in the shower, grease and fat will build-up in the kitchen sink with time. These fatty compounds are really common cause of blocked drains and may be a hassle to clear out. Any grease or fatty substance that is poured down the sink will follow the inside of the pipes and finally build up into a point no liquid could pass through. It’s important to be conscious that this grease does not depart the pipes as easily as you would anticipate as it solidifies as it dries
How To Avoid Or Fix Blocked Drains from Grease Build-up?
What to do: Prevent washing these fatty ingredients, and kitchen scraps down the drain as much as you can. A smart way to prevent this build-up of grease and oil would be to begin collecting glass jars that you buy at the supermarket. Then, rather than pouring this oil or kitchen grease down the drain, pour into jars to set then discard with your garbage.
Blocked Drains From Foreign Objects
Any foreign materials, items that can be easily dropped down the drain or toilet are more likely to block eventually. Whether inadvertently or intentionally, many materials shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet or washed down the drain because of this.
How to Repair Or Avoid Blocked Drains from Foreign Objects?
What to do: Do you have a toddler?? They love to put anything and everything in the toilet. Whether its whole rolls of toilet paper or toys keep the kids out or put a lock on the toilet lid. Ensure all kitchen waste, nappies, and sanitary items go in the bin call your local plumbing if you have a blockage.
