In a coastal town like Bournemouth, where both residential and commercial properties are in proximity to the sea, blocked drainage systems can be a common issue for homeowners and business people alike. Understanding the common causes of blocked drains in Bournemouth can help prevent future problems and ensure a drain system that functions smoothly. This article will explore various reasons why drains get blocked, along with some suggestions for preventing these drainage issues.
Fat and Food Residues
One of the most common causes of blocked drains in residential properties is the accumulation of fat and food residues in the drainage system. When fatty materials or food residues are washed down the sink, they can solidify and gradually build up along the inner walls of the pipes. They harden and create a blockade over time that is difficult to break down. Care should be taken to dispose of oily substances and food particles in the rubbish bin rather than washing them down the drain.
Hair and Soap Scum
Bathroom drains often face blockages because of the build-up of hair strands. Accumulated hair can bind with soap scum and create stubborn blockages in your drainage pipes. Ensuring that hair is cleared from shower drains and installing drain guards can help reduce this type of clog.
Tree Roots
In more suburban areas of Bournemouth, tree root invasion is a common cause of blocked drains. Trees are always seeking moisture, and often their roots can infiltrate the smallest cracks in your drain pipes, causing severe blockage and sometimes even leading to pipe damage. Regular inspection from a professional plumbing service can help you avoid such situations.
Hard Water Scale
Hard water contains minerals that can stick to the bubble surfaces and pipes, causing sedimentation and scaling over time. It’s a common issue in certain parts of Bournemouth and can lead to drain blockages. Installing water softeners can help mitigate this issue as they can reduce the mineral content in the water.
Wipes and Feminine Products
Flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet can lead to serious drainage issues. Wipes, even those labelled as ‘flushable’, and feminine hygiene products can easily clog a toilet as they are not designed to disintegrate like toilet paper. Always remember to dispose of these products in a bin instead.
Foreign Objects
Especially in homes with children, foreign objects like children’s toys, nappies, paper, etc. can accidentally get flushed down the toilet and cause a blockage. Maintaining vigilant eye and educating children about what not to flush can help prevent these situations.
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Heavy Rainfall and Storms
Bournemouth, being coastal, is prone to heavy rain and storms. This can often overwhelm the city’s drainage system leading to blockages. While this is difficult to prevent, regular maintenance can ensure that your drains are functioning efficiently and can handle the extra water load during storms.
In conclusion, blocked drains are a common problem in Bournemouth. While some of them are due to natural influences like tree roots, weather conditions, and hard water, others are attributed to human activities such as improper disposal of waste materials. Taking preventive measures and conducting regular maintenance can ensure a smoothly functioning drainage system and alleviate the hassles of blockages. However, if you do face a blocked drain, it is recommended to refer to professionals who can efficiently unclog your drains without causing any additional damage.