There are many potential causes of a blocked drain, but without knowing the precise origin of the problem it can be difficult to decide on the most appropriate solution. Once the source has been identified, it is possible to remove and repair the blockage.
Common Causes
One of the most common causes of a blocked drain is hair. Small amounts of hair from every time you shower can soon add up to a thick mat that blocks the flow of water. As for the kitchen sink, excess oil and grease that have not been disposed of before cleaning pans and dishes can congeal in the pipework. And in toilets, causes of blockages may include excess tissue or toilet paper, cotton wool, baby wipes, nappies or sanitary towels.
Any object that falls into a drain can block it, from food and jewellery to toys and pieces of packaging. External drains can be affected by leaves, roots and other pieces of foliage.
Preventing Blockages
Preventing blockages is obviously a cheaper and easier option than dealing with them once they’ve built up. This means minimising the number of objects and substances that are washed or flushed into your drainage system that could cause it to become blocked. This includes throwing away grease or solid items before washing the dishes, or including some kind of trap in your plughole to capture them before they enter the pipes.
Fixing blockages
You are responsible for unblocking your own drains, although shared drains may be the responsibility of your local authority.
Smaller blockages may be relatively easy to clear yourself, but in more serious cases you may need to hire a professional to fully inspect the system, identify the problem, clear it completely and suggest ways to prevent recurrence. Drain lining Reading, such as that available from https://www.drainpower.co.uk/drainage-services/drain-lining/reading, is one way to repair damage without replacing the system.
Many of the causes of blocked drains are common everyday items, or byproducts of everyday processes. That means it is important to clean and maintain drains regularly. Sometimes, professional assistance may be necessary.