The efficient plumbing system is one of the unsung heroes in our homes, silently ensuring an uninterrupted supply of water and disposal of waste. However, it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you start experiencing issues like blocked drains. In this article, we’re bringing you the top causes of blocked drains in Tunbridge Wells and handy tips on how to avoid them.
Blocked drains are a common problem that many Tunbridge Wells homeowners will encounter at some point. The inconvenience caused ranges from slow water drainage to complete sewer backups. Even though many factors lead to clogged drains, some causes are more prevalent than others.
1. Grease and Fat Buildup: One of the most frequent causes of blocked drains is the build-up of grease and fats in the pipes. When hot grease gets washed down the sink, it cools and solidifies in the pipes, subsequently capturing food bits and other debris, leading to clogs.
Solution: Dispose of grease and fat in the garbage instead of washing it down the sink. Using drain guards can also help catch food bits that may otherwise add to the blockage.
2. Hair Accumulation: Hair is another leading cause of blocked drains in Tunbridge Wells. It can get tangled together and gets caught on little obstructions in your plumbing, effectively creating a net for other particles to get stuck.
Solution: The use of drain guards in your bathroom sinks and showers can help substantially. They are designed to catch hair before it gets into the system, preventing potential clogs.
3. Food Waste: Many people are guilty of washing leftover food down the sink, especially if they have a garbage disposal unit. However, some food wastes, such as coffee grounds and tea leaves, do not break down and can accumulate, causing injuries.
Solution: Scrape all leftover food into the bin before rinsing your dishes.
4. Tree Roots: Large trees and their root systems can interfere with your drainage system by invading and blocking pipes. The problem often occurs over a long period, so the damage may be substantial by the time you notice it.
Solution: Regular inspections from a qualified plumber can detect this problem early. They can also advise on the distance to consider when planting new trees from your plumbing system.
5. Flushing Non-Degradable Items: Flushing things like hygiene products, baby nappies, or wipes down the toilet often leads to clogs because they blocked drains tunbridgewells are non-degradable and get stuck in the drain pipes.
Solution: Make a policy to only flush the three Ps: Pee, Poo, and [Toilet] Paper.
6. Collapsed Pipes: Old or poorly installed pipes can collapse over time, leading to a complete blockage.
Solution: Contact a qualified plumber for regular inspections and necessary repairs or replacements.
Now that we know the usual culprits of blocked drains in Tunbridge Wells, prevention should be more manageable. Regular drain maintenance can help keep your drains in good working order. But if you do encounter any plumbing troubles, it’s essential to contact a reputable local drain company quickly. Handling the problem early will prevent it from escalating into something major and costly.
Remember, holding a preventive stance towards clogs is always the best solution. That way, you won’t need to worry about annoying plumbing disruptions in your home and can count on your system to do its job silently and efficiently.