5 Common Causes of Drain Blockages
Drain blockages take time and money to get rid of, making prevention key. So what are the main causes of blocked drains?
As the experts in blocked drains London property owners trust, we have plenty of experience when it comes to prevention. There are a number of causes of blocked drains. Here are five that we see almost every day here at London Drainage.
Foreign objects being flushed down the toilet
One of the leading causes of blocked drains is foreign objects being flushed down toilets. Now, what constitutes a foreign object? Well, we should all bear the three Ps in mind when flushing the loo: pee, poop, and paper. Anything else should go in the bin! Sanitary towels, tampons, wet wipes and cotton pads should never be flushed down the toilet, as they can quickly combine with other materials and form blockages in your drain.
Food debris
Next up is food. There are very few people out there who haven’t rinsed their plates under the tap and let whatever comes off flow down the drain. However, this could be doing serious damage, as food is one of the leading causes of blocked drains. Instead, be sure to scrape your leftovers into the bin, and wash up with a plughole cover in place to catch any remaining pieces. No matter how small they are, they can still wreak havoc!
Leaves
It helps to turn your attention to your outdoor space as well if you are trying to prevent blocked drains. Blockages can be caused by leaves and other debris from your garden being blown or washed into the drain. This typically occurs during stormy or windy weather, and the problem can be compounded if your garden is unkept. Purchasing a drain cover will help to keep these materials out.
Cooking oil and grease
Grease is another common cause of blocked drains. Many people pour cooking oils, fats and grease down the plughole without even thinking about it, but they can help other materials to bind together and form blockages. In fact, they are one of the leading contributors to ‘fatbergs’, which you have probably seen in the news. The solution? Pour any cooking grease into a pot – waiting until it is safe to do so by letting it cool down first, of course.
Hair being washed down the plughole
Last but not least is hair. When we shower, we don’t think about the hair that is being washed away down the drain. Whether you are giving your locks a shampoo and condition or removing your body hair, if it ends up in your drains it’s not good news. The products that we use when cleaning ourselves can exacerbate the effect that they have too, helping them to stick together. Keep plugholes covered, and be mindful of how much you are lathering up while you are in the shower.
Find out more
Want to find out more about how to prevent a blocked drain, or need our assistance resolving an issue that you have in your property? We are on hand to help. Just get in touch with our team today, and they will answer your questions and arrange a visit to your property as soon as possible.