Blocked drains can be a significant issue for homeowners in Plymouth, leading to high repair costs and often making homes uninhabitable until the problem is fixed. What’s more, blocked drains can sometimes present dangerous health risks if left untreated. Therefore, it is crucial to learn about the common causes behind these blockages. These prevalent causes could be anything from fat and grease buildup to tree roots invading the sewage pipe.
One of the most common causes of blocked drains in Plymouth is the buildup of fat, oil, and grease, often known as FOG. This occurs when these substances are poured down the sink, where they cool and harden on the insides of the pipes. Overtime, they accumulate, reducing the pipes’ diameter and increasing the likelihood of blockage. Further, items such as food waste, coffee grounds, and tea leaves that homeowners absentmindedly dispose of in sinks can exacerbate this problem.
In Plymouth’s bathrooms, the main offenders often are toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, nappies, wipes, and other foreign objects flushed incorrectly down the toilet. These items do not degrade as easily as human waste and can involve substantial blockages in the bends of the pipes where water flow is less forceful.
Hair is another common cause of blocked drains. When combined with the soap residue usually present in bathroom drains, blocked drains plymouth it can form a thick paste that can block water from flowing correctly. Pets contribute to this issue too as their hair or fur can find its way into drains, eventually causing a blockage. Prevention is straightforward – installing a mesh over drains can do wonders in keeping hair from clogging them up.
Another top cause of blocked drains in Plymouth is tree root intrusion. Tree roots naturally seek water sources, making your pipes an attractive proposition. When tree roots access these pipelines, they cause cracks and fractures, obstructing the flow of water and causing blockages. It’s crucial to keep an eye on the growth of trees close to your home and consider professional advice if a tree is too near your property.
Last but not least, old, damaged or substandard pipes can also cause frequent blockages. Over time, pipes can corrode, crack or collapse under the weight of soil or the force of tree roots – all of these issues can result in a blocked drain. The impact of Plymouth’s variable climate further exacerbates this issue as the expansion and contraction due to freezing and thawing cycles can lead to pipe damage.
Though most of these causes are preventable, some are unavoidable for homeowners. In all cases, it is advisable to employ regular pipe maintenance and consult a professional plumber in Plymouth for regular inspections and cleanings. This way, you can prevent minor blockages from turning into major drainage problems, thus saving yourself from inconvenience, potential health risks and costly repairs.