Most of us will have had the unpleasant experience of running a tap or flushing a toilet and instead of the water draining away smoothly, we look on with dread as it rises to the brim and refuses to go down the drain. The next step is usually to bail the excess water out and go to work on the drain with a plunger. If this fails to clear the blockage, you have a serious problem and need the help of a professional plumber.
Blocked or clogged drains are one of the most common reasons that plumbers are called out to businesses and private residences. Blockages are not only an inconvenience, they can also do real damage to your home and may pose a serious health risk to you and your family. But what exactly causes blockages? In this article we will discuss the most common causes of drain blockages so you can know what signs to look for and what to avoid.
Used Cooking Grease, Oils and Fat
Any type of cooking grease, oil or fat can build up in your home’s plumbing over time and cause a major obstruction. As these substances are naturally adhesive, they tend to stick to the sides of pipes and can eventually result in a blockage. Clogged and blocked up pipes due to grease, oil and fats are an especially serious problem for many businesses.
Luckily, there are simple ways to avoid any future problems with your plumbing. Instead of pouring small amounts of excess oil or grease down the drain, simply mop it up with a paper towel. For larger amounts, pour the liquids into a suitable jar or other container that can be disposed of responsibly.
Heavy Rains and Storms
After a particularly heavy storm, it is not uncommon for outside drains to become full of mud and assorted debris. This material collects in the pipes and stops water from flowing freely through the drain. The resulting block will cause the pipe to overflow, sending large amounts of rainwater flooding through your property.
By making sure that your outside areas are kept neat, clean and free of all build ups of dirt, leaves and other garden materials, you can guard against having to deal with a blocked drain during the next big storm.
Incorrect Installations
It’s sad to say, but not all local tradespeople maintain the highest standards when it comes to quality plumbing services! A leading cause of drainage issues is due simply to poorly installed plumbing. Pipes can become misaligned or may even fail completely because they were put in by an inexperienced or unqualified person.
Once again we are happy to say that there is a simple and straightforward fix to the problem. All you need to do is make sure that you always use an experienced, qualified and professional plumber for all your plumbing maintenance work.
If you live in the Auckland area and are having problems with blocked drains, contact your local plumbers at Collin’s Plumbing, Gas & Heating today.
