10 Surprising Causes of Blocked Drains and How to Prevent Them

10 Surprising Causes of Blocked Drains and Preventing Them Blocked drains can be a major inconvenience in virtually any home. They can lead to foul odors, drinking water backup, and even potential damage to your domestic plumbing program. While it may end up being luring to reach for the plunger or call a professional for help, it�s important to understand the causes of blocked drains and how to prevent them. Surprisingly, some common home items and procedures may be the culprits behind your clogged pipes. In this article, we will explore 10 surprising causes of blocked drains and provide proactive guidelines to preserve your plumbing flowing easily. 1. Food preparation Grease: Pouring essential oil or grease down the drain may seem easy in the instant, but it can cause a main blockage over time. Grease solidifies as it cools, creating a sticky buildup in your pipes. Instead of pouring grease down the drain, consider using a covered container for removal or allow it to solidify and then scrape it into the trash. 2. Hair: Long strands of locks easily obtain tangled collectively and combine with other substances in your drains, ensuing in a persistent blockage. To prevent locks from clogging your pipes, use a drain cover or display to capture loose strands. Regularly remove any collected hair to prevent buildup. 3. Flushable Wipes: Despite their name, flushable wipes should not really be flushed down the toilet. Unlike bathroom paper, these wipes perform not really break down quickly and may accumulate, leading to blockages in both toilets and sewer lines. https://notabug.org/spacewarm83 Dispose of flushable wipes in the trash instead. 4. Dental Floss: While oral floss may appear harmless, it is certainly not biodegradable and can become entwined with additional debris in your pipes. Seeing that a result, it may create tangled blockages that are challenging to remove. Dispose of dental care floss in the garbage to prevent potential drain problems. 5. Coffee Grounds: Espresso grounds may seem harmless, but they may quickly accumulate in your drains and create a sludgy mess. Avoid pouring coffee grounds down the sink by using a mesh strainer or just tossing them in the trash. 6. Cleaning soap Scum: Cleaning soap scum may appear like a natural byproduct of cleaning, but it can contribute to blocked drains. Over period, soap scum may build up in your pipes and create a sticky barrier that traps additional substances. Regularly clean your drains and use a soap scum remover to prevent buildup. 7. Tree Origins: It may arrive as a surprise, but tree roots can be a main cause of blocked drains. Over time, tree roots can invade and crack your underground pipes, leading to clogs and leakages. To prevent tree root damage, prevent planting trees too close to your sewer lines and consider regular inspections to catch any problems early on. Today that you have a better understanding of the unexpected causes of blocked drains, it�s crucial to take proactive measures to prevent them. By applying these ideas, you can reduce the risk of clogs and keep your plumbing system in top condition. In this next section, we will further explore preventative measures for common causes of blocked drains: 8. Food Scraps: Leftover food can easily find its way into your drains, causing unpleasant and hard-to-remove blockages. Rather of rinsing plates directly in the sink, scrape meals scraps into the trash or compost bin before cleaning dishes. Using a kitchen sink strainer can also help catch any stray meals contaminants. 9. Mineral Buildup: Hard water can lead to mineral buildup in your pipes, resulting in reduced drinking water movement and eventual clogs. Consider setting up a water softener to decrease mineral content and regularly clean your faucets and showerheads to prevent accumulation. 10. Small Objects: Accidentally shedding small objects like toys, jewelry, or container caps down the drain is certainly not unusual but can trigger severe blockages. Stay vigilant and maintain an attention out for any items that may accidentally fall into the kitchen sink or bathroom. If an object does move down the drain, avoid using it until the object can be safely taken out. 11. Flushing Non-Biodegradable Items: Flushing non-biodegradable products down the bathroom is certainly a surefire method to cause blocked drains. Products such as feminine cleanliness items, cotton swabs, and baby wipes should usually be disposed of in the garbage to avoid potential clogs. 12. Overgrown Backyard: If your outdoor drains appear to be often blocked, an overgrown garden could end up being to blame. Leaves, branches, and other debris can conveniently clog outdoor drains. Frequently clean out any debris and trim back again plants to prevent blockages. 13. Faulty Plumbing Installations: Poorly installed or outdated plumbing systems can be another surprising cause of blocked drains. Aged pipes can corrode and collapse, leading to serious blockages. Ensure your plumbing is frequently inspected and up to date by a professional to prevent potential issues. As you may see, blocked drains can have various surprising causes, from cooking grease and hair to tree origins and faulty domestic plumbing installations. By being proactive and applying preventative actions, you can prevent the inconvenience and expense of dealing with blocked drains in your home. Keep in mind to stay vigilant in your daily behaviors and frequently maintain your plumbing system to maintain everything flowing effortlessly.