Clogged drains are a nuisance and can cause a considerable amount of inconvenience and potential damage in homes in Kettering. Recognizing the most common items that cause blocked drains can better equip you to prevent these annoying occurrences in the future.
Hair is one of the primary culprits resulting in blocked drains in Kettering. When we wash our hair, strands inevitably come loose and circle down the drain. Over time, these strands can build up and cause a blockage. This is particularly true when hair is combined with other substances such as soap scum. A very effective way to counter this is to use a drain guard to catch the hair before it flows into the drain.
Another common factor contributing to blocked drains is cooking fat, oil, and grease. Although fluid when hot, these substances rapidly cool down and solidify in the pipes, causing blockages. blocked drains kettering Moreover, they can stick to other materials in the pipes, such as wipes or food particles, making the situation even worse. To prevent this, refrain from pouring these substances down the drain. Instead, let them cool and dispose of them in the trash.
Supermarket bought soaps can pose a problem too, as they often leave scummy residue that, over time, can build up and block drains. The combination of soap and hard water results in soap scum, and this substance can stick to your pipes and gradually cause a blockage. Opting for soap-free washes or soap dissolving cleaning agents can help prevent this situation.
The rule “the toilet is not a trash can” is often forgotten, leading to another common cause of blocked drains. Items like nappies, sanitary items, cotton buds, dental floss, and wipes, even the ones labeled as ‘flushable,’ are known to cause clogs and backups. These items do not dissolve like toilet paper and should be disposed of appropriately in a bathroom waste bin to avoid nasty, preventable blockages.
Food waste is another taboo for drains. Coffee grounds, tea leaves, vegetable peels, eggshells, and bones, among other things, shouldn’t be washed down the sink. They can easily become stuck in the bends of the pipe and, unlike liquids, can’t dissolve over time. Utilizing a compost bin or making a conscious effort to scrape plates into the bin before washing can drastically reduce the risk of blockages.
Cracked or collapsed pipes are more serious causes of blocked drains. Ground movement, tree roots, or just wear and tear over time can cause damage to the pipes. As soil and stones enter the pipe, they cause a blockage. If you have recurring clogs, brown or damp patches in your garden, or strange smells, it could be a sign of a cracked pipe. For this scenario, call a professional plumber in Kettering to assess and resolve the problem.
Understanding the common causes of blockages can mitigate the inconvenience of a blocked drain. Prevention is far easier and less costly than cure, so remember these tips to keep your drains in Kettering running smoothly.
