Blocked drains can be a serious issue in any household, causing inconvenience, damage, and possibly health hazards. They are a common problem that homeowners in Southampton face regularly. There are many reasons for blocked drains, and it always helps to be familiar with these causes for better management and prevention. This article aims to highlight the top reasons for blocked drains in Southampton homes.
1. Foreign Objects: The first reason behind blocked drains is the build-up of foreign objects. These range from sanitary products, wipes, and fat, to toilet paper, hair, soap, or other objects accidentally flushed down the toilet or dropped in the sink. These materials struggle to pass through the pipes and may eventually lead to a blockage.
2. Tree Roots: Tree roots are another significant culprit. Often, older homes with large trees on their property in Southampton face this issue. The roots of the trees can infiltrate the pipes in their search for water and gradually block the drain over time.
3. Broken Pipes: Broken pipes are one of the leading causes of blocked drains. Pipes can break or crack due to age, ground movement, or heavy traffic above ground. A broken or misaligned pipe can easily obstruct the flow of the drain, and the blockage will continue until the pipe is repaired.
4. Grease and Fat: When fat and grease accumulate within the drains, they harden and cause serious blockage. It’s a common reason for blocked kitchen sinks. For instance, residue from washing dishes often carries grease, which solidifies in pipes and prevents flow.
5. Poor Water Flow: Low water pressure or poor water flow can also lead to blocked drains. This is usually due to the build-up of minerals and sediments over time, especially in areas where the water supply contains high mineral content.
6. Weather Conditions: Severe weather conditions in Southampton like heavy rainfall can overwhelm the drainage system leading to blockages. Rainwater and leaf debris being washed into drains can often cause issues, particularly in autumn.
7. Incorrect Pipe Installation: Lastly, if the pipes in your home were not installed correctly, this might cause recurring blockages. This is often a problem in some older Southampton homes, where outdated plumbing systems can lead to regular drainage problems.
Understanding the causes of blocked drains in Southampton homes can help residents blocked drains southampton take preventive measures. Regular professional drain checks, not throwing foreign bodies into the toilets or sinks, installing drain guards to catch hair and other debris, disposing fats and grease in the trash instead of down the sink, are all habits that can protect the drains from recurring blockages.
In the unfortunate event that a drain does get blocked, professional plumbers should be called in. In Southampton, there are many skilled drain engineers who can diagnose the issue, fix the blockage, and advise on measures to prevent such issues from reoccurring in the future. Indeed, the best way to deal with blocked drains is preventative maintenance, timely intervention, and professional assistance when necessary.