It can be so frustrating, and even damaging, when your drains become clogged and you have to deal with the consequences of that happening.
It is often a smart move to get a professional to resolve the situation. If you search drain unblocking Bracknell, for instance, you will be able to find someone suitably qualified for the task.
In the meantime, let’s look at some of the common causes of blocked drains and what you might be able to do to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Be careful with your cooking fats and oils
Arguably, the biggest culprit when it comes to blocked drains is cooking fats, oils, and grease.
Many of us pour a small amount down the drain on a regular basis, thinking it won’t cause much harm. However, you get a buildup over time, leading to a clogged drain.
It’s always better to pour this cooking waste into a tin or jar and put it securely into the trash instead.
Watch what soap you are using
You might be surprised to learn that some soaps have animal fat derivatives. The clue is when you get a buildup of scum around your sink. If you see this, change to a different brand or use a liquid soap to avoid creating a clogged drain problem.
Think about the size of your food scraps
Large food scraps are not meant to go down your drain. They should be disposed of in your bin. If you put things like pasta, egg shells, and unwanted fruits and vegetables, which are fibrous, you could easily clog your drain over time.
Try to avoid too much hair going down your drain
Washing your hair or your pets using your bath or sink is a standard bathing activity, but these hairs have the ability to bind with grease and other debris already in your drain. If this happens, it can soon get clogged.
Try to collect as much hair as possible by using a drain cover, and dispose of it in your bin.
How hard is your water?
If you live in an area that has hard water you will find that mineral deposits can accumulate in your pipes. This can cause a blockage at some point.
Look at installing a water softener to prevent this from happening and to enjoy softer water at the same time.
Never put wipes down the toilet
Even when the product says it is “flushable” should go in the trash, not down the toilet. This issue is a leading cause of blocked drains. Any sort of disposable wipe needs to go in the trash, not down the toilet.
Hygiene products are also a big no-no
Diapers and feminine hygiene products are also common culprits behind clogged drains. These sorts of products also need to be disposed of in the trash, and should never go down your toilet.
Keep an eye on what the kids put down the toilet
For some reason, children can think it’s fun to see if a toy or some other object will disappear if they put it down the toilet. Needless to say, any sort of foreign object has the potential to block your drain.
Try to be vigilant with what they are doing in the bathroom if you want to avoid an emergency plumbing callout.
Look outside for a potential problem
Last but not least, be aware of the danger posed by tree roots that could be clogging your pipes.
It would be a good idea to get a plumber to use a camera and a hydro jet system to check for blockages and clear the way underground for your water to run freely.
All of these issues are so typical of what causes your drain to become blocked. Try to avoid this scenario with a few simple avoidance strategies. If you do notice a problem with a blockage, it’s best to call a plumber as soon as possible, before the situation gets worse.
