There are many reasons why a drain may become blocked, but it’s often the case that a homeowner has put an incorrect item into the drainage system.
Drainage companies attend countless drain blockages every year where an unsuspecting homeowner has put something untoward into the drainage system. The most common way people do this is by flushing random items down the toilet.
Things which can’t be flushed down the toilet include:
- Hand and face wipes
- Cotton wool buds
- Sanitary towels
- Nappies
- Packaging from toiletry items
When people flush these items down the toilet they can block the lateral drain before it reaches the public sewer network. If this happens, the only way the offending item can be removed is by a drainage company, either using a high pressure water jet or by using drain rods.
A drainage company will be able to help when a drain becomes blocked, but it is up to the homeowner to make sure they do everything possible to reduce the chances of drain blockage by making sure they only flush appropriate waste items down the toilet.