The problem of blocked drains is one of the most common plumbing problems and the one that needs immediate attention too. Failure to fix this problem can result in overflowing drains and sinks that can have a series of other ill effects besides the unbearable persistent stink.
If you are in Australia, you must have realized that the problem of blocked drains is quite prevalent here. Here are some of the main causes of blocked drains in Australia.
Main causes of blocked drains
Before you call a plumber to fix your blocked drain, try and figure out the reason for it. There is a great chance that you can fix it yourself.
- Grease and fat: One of the most major and common causes of blocked drains is the grease and fat that goes down the drains in the form of food. The greasy matter from leftover food and slimy soap that washes down the drain solidifies and sticks to the sides of the water pipes. With the passage of time, this becomes mortar and gets difficult to remove. This problem can be easily solved by draining either hot water or a homemade mild cleaner down the drain pipes on a regular basis. Flushing boiled the water down the water pipes on a regular basis is the easiest maintenance you can give to your drainage system.
- Leaves and tree roots: Another common reason for blocked drains in Australia is the trees and their leaves. During the autumn season, the falling leaves get washed down the drains and clog them. The second reason for blocked drains is the roots of the trees. The roots of the trees find a way into the water and sewer pipes in search of moisture and crack them. One of the best ways to prevent the growth of roots inside the pipes is to drain down the chemicals that can kill the roots of the trees.
- Hair buildup: While hair buildup may sound too delicate to create drain blockages, they can get really difficult to treat once they combine with other reasons of drain blockages such as grease, fat or dry leaves. Habits such as washing the hair down after a shave or a head wash are the basic reasons for such problems and they can become severely stubborn with the passage of time. As the hair goes down the drain pipes it starts clinging to the fat, grease and dry leaves that are already present there. In this problem, prevention is better than a cure. There are several products in the market that help to catch the hair from going down the drain. Using these is the wisest decision to avoid inconvenience in the future.
- Quality of drainage system: Apart from all the above-mentioned factors that are mostly external in nature, the quality of the drainage system is one internal factor that also contributes to the problem of blocked drains. If the water pipes are not good in quality or fragile in nature (such as clay pipes) they will require much more maintenance and care. A good plumbing service also becomes crucial with these kinds of drainage systems.
So, before you make an appointment with the local plumbing services, head to a local hardware store instead and buy some general items that can help you maintain your drain pipes and clean them regularly. You can buy a drain snake or a long pipe cleaner and a few drain cleaners as well.
Alternatively, you can also make do-it-yourself (DIY) drain cleaners at home and use them regularly to keep your drains from clogging.