Blocked drains are a frustrating issue for homeowners and businesses across the UK. While some blockages occur suddenly, many develop over time due to everyday habits. Understanding the causes can help prevent costly repairs.
How should I dispose of fat, oil and grease?
One of the primary causes of drain blockages is the disposal of fat, oil and grease down the sink. When poured down the drain, these substances solidify as they cool, sticking to the inside of pipes.
Over time, this builds up into thick layers, eventually restricting the water flow or causing blockages. A few years ago, an operation to remove a massive fatberg from a Belfast sewer took place and was successful.
Hair is major offender
This is particularly problematic in bathrooms. As it washes down the plughole, hair can clump together and combine with soap, forming blockages in the pipes. Using drain covers can help reduce this risk.
Watch out for non-flushables
Toilets and sinks are often misused as disposal units for items such as wet wipes, cotton pads, sanitary products, dental floss, and even nappies. These items do not break down like toilet paper and can easily cause major blockages.
Outdoors, tree roots are a serious concern
Trees are an issue, especially for properties with older pipework. Roots can infiltrate small cracks in drains and continue to grow inside them, causing blockages and even structural damage over time. Regular drain inspections can help detect root ingress early.
If you’re experiencing drainage issues, a CCTV drain survey Loughborough from experts like www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/loughborough is an essential step to ensure peace of mind. Using camera technology, professionals can inspect underground pipework without the need for digging. This survey helps identify problems, and homeowners, landlords, and property managers in Loughborough can benefit from a detailed report and video footage of their system.
What about food waste?
Despite the convenience of rinsing plates directly into the sink, food scraps can accumulate in pipes. Items such as rice, pasta, coffee grounds, and eggshells are particularly problematic, as they can expand or clump together, forming hard-to-shift blockages.
