Blocked drains can disrupt the normal functioning of your home in Horsham. They can cause bad odours, slow drainage and even flooding. Besides being a nuisance, blocked drains can lead to more severe issues if left unattended, such as damage to the structural integrity of your property. Therefore, it’s essential to know the common causes of this problem to prevent and resolve it promptly. Here are the main causes of blocked drains in Horsham homes.
1. Hair
Hair is a significant contributor to blocked drains in Horsham homes. Whether it’s human hair or pet fur, even a small amount can eventually build up into a nasty tangle that impedes the free flow of water. Hair can combine with other substances such as grease or soap to form large clot-like objects that are hard to remove. Bathroom drains are especially vulnerable to hair blockages.
2. Soap
While soap helps clean our bodies and dishes, it can pose problems for our drainage system. Traditional soap bars are fat or grease-based, contributing to drain blockages. When soap residue combines with minerals present in the water, it forms soap scum – a hard blocked drains horsham substance which adheres to the pipe walls. Over time, this builds up and causes a blockage.
3. Foreign Objects
Sometimes, objects that have no business being in your drains find their way there, leading to blockages. For instance, toys, jewellery, toiletries, kitchen utensils, or even nappies can accidentally get flushed or washed down the drain. These items can cause immediate or gradual drainage blockages, depending on their size and the drain capacity.
4. Grease and Fat Build-up
Grease, fat, and cooking oil are notorious for causing blockages in kitchen sinks. These substances, while liquid when hot, solidify as they cool, adhering to the pipe walls. Over time, the grease and fat build-up can narrow the drain size significantly, slowing down the drainage and eventually causing a blockage.
5. Tree Roots
The natural growth of tree roots can cause serious problems for outdoor drain pipes. Tree roots are attracted to the condensation on pipes and the nutrients found in the wastewater. As they grow into the pipes, they can cause blockages and even pipe damage.
6. Deteriorating Pipes
Like all parts of your home, pipes get old and deteriorate. As pipes age, they can start to rust, crack or collapse, allowing soil entry which can lead to blockages. Deteriorating pipes may not be as common as the other causes, but the ensuing repair costs can be quite high.
7. Hard Water Deposits
In Horsham, hard water – water with high mineral content – can cause blocked drains. Over time, these mineral deposits can accumulate, reducing your pipe’s diameter, slowing water flow or completely blocking the pipes.
Knowing the causes of blocked drains can help homeowners in Horsham maintain a more efficient drainage system. Regular drain cleaning and pump maintenance can prevent most blocked drain issues. Homeowners should also be mindful of what is being flushed or washed down their drains. However, when faced with a severe blockage, it’s always a good idea to contact a professional plumber to avoid further damage or blockage. Remember, preventing and resolving drain issues promptly can save your home from extensive damage and heavy repair costs.