Blocked or clogged drains can be very inconvenient and are experienced by most, if not all, home owners in their lifetime. There are a lot of things that can lead to clogged or blocked drains, and remedying these causes can put a stop to whatever problem the clog is giving you.
So what causes blocked drains?
Foreign objects or debris
Foreign objects or debris are often the number one cause for clogged drains. Large pieces of debris or junk like discarded tissue paper, napkins, wipes and even food items can cause the pipe to choke. These pieces of debris can settle on any part of the pipe and accumulate over time when there’s no proper water flow to discard these debris completely. Some plumbers have reported that even the most unusual objects get flushed down the toilet like toys, a roll of toilet paper, and even a mobile phone.
Heavy rains or storms
A heavy downpour forces leaves, dirt, and other foreign objects into drains. Flooding is an all-too-common consequence once drains are blocked by all kinds of debris.
Broken pipes
Broken pipes can also cause blocked drains because water cannot flow freely if the pipe is broken or has collapsed. Poor installation of pipes, tree roots, and even age can cause pipes to break. A detailed investigation can often lead to unearthing the pipes in the ground or breaking into your walls or flooring to check the integrity of the pipes.
Incorrect pipe installation
Due to the dramatic increase in the number of home owners who perform DIY installations and renovations, there has also been an increase in the number of poorly installed drainage and plumbing pipes. These pipes are often misaligned and will eventually collapse if installed incorrectly. Choosing the right pipes can be crucial to any plumbing job and it’s vital that anyone who wants to delve into DIY plumbing needs to understand the different pipe measurements and know how to install them correctly.
Inadequate water flow
Drainage is all about gravity. Incorrect pipe installation combined with inadequate water flow can cause a build-up of particles and debris, which results in blocked drains. This is often common in houses with two or more storeys and with plumbing fixtures within those floors. Toilets and sinks often suffer first from poor water flow, so be sure to take notice of any weird gurgling sounds after flushing a toilet or draining water in your sink.
A plunger is often the go-to tool for dealing with blocked drains, but they may not immediately address the underlying cause. If you have ongoing drainage problems, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a professional plumber. After all, water damage, a common consequence of flooding because of blocked drains, can be detrimental to your home and property, so don’t take blocked drains for granted.
