10 Reasons Your Drains Are Blocked

10 Reasons Your Drains Are Blocked

Are your sinks emitting a foul smell? Or maybe your shower tray isn’t draining at its usual speed? By learning more about the causes of blocked drains, you can tackle the problem and prevent it from happening again in the future.  These are the 1o reasons your drain are blocked.

1. Foreign objects

If you have kids, there’s a strong chance you’ve caught them forcing a toy into the toilet. Most of the time, it’s possible to retrieve such foreign objects yourself. But if your efforts are pushing it further in, call a plumber.

2. Cat litter

There’s no denying that cat litter stinks, so we can understand why you want to flush it. However, your toilet’s flush isn’t strong enough to push it all the way around the bend. Always throw it in the bin.

3. Grease and oil

When you’re cooking up a storm, disposing of grease and oil is probably the least palatable part of your culinary experience. As they have a liquid-like consistency, you may be tempted to pour them down the sink. Unfortunately, they don’t flush through in the same way as water does, leading to clogs.

4. Food particles

Sometimes you can’t help but lose a few food particles into your sink. But if you’re not making a conscious effort to scrape them away before rinsing, you’re significantly increasing your risk of a blocked drain. If you suspect there’s a blockage and you can smell a foul odour at your kitchen sink, it may be due to food particles causing a clog.

5. Makeup and baby wipes

Makeup and baby wipes are great for getting certain areas of your skin clean with minimal effort. But very few of them are biodegradable — your sewage system will struggle to dissolve them in the same way it does toilet paper. They can cause both local and deep blockages, but deep ones require a plumber’s attention. 

6. Toiletries

A lot of toiletries won’t cause your drains to block. However, those that contain particles or microbeads can become problematic. Additionally, if hair clumps with your soap suds, it could cause a blockage. To stop this from happening, try using a shower guard that catches the hair and empty it periodically.

7. Hair and conditioner

If you have lots of hair that require plenty of conditioning, you’re more likely to face blockages than someone who relies primarily on shampoo. Conditioner is more viscous than shampoo, so it doesn’t flush away easily. Using a shower guard can prevent local blockages.

8. Tree roots

Tree roots are persistent, so when a pipe stands in their way, they break through with force. Eventually, this can cause a blockage, and occasionally, collapsed pipes. Collapsed pipes require a plumber, so call on a professional if you suspect tree roots are the problem.

9. Limescale

Limescale won’t affect everyone’s pipes, but if you’re living in a hard water area, it may cause problems for you. Plumbers can use CCTV cameras to detect limescale and high-pressure tools to blast it away.

10. Sanitary products

Sanitary products such as tampons and towels don’t flush well. To avoid yours causing a blockage, always dispose of them using a bag.

There are lots of ways your drain can become blocked. If you suspect that your blockage isn’t something you can resolve alone, call a professional for assistance.