Five Common Causes For Clogged Drains

By Author: Dean Rossiter
Total Articles: 32
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Nobody loves the concept of clogged plumbing lines, whether they transport water or garbage. Plumbing water will reroute itself if it finds a full or partial obstruction, leading to reactions that can range from backups and flooding to delayed drainage and low pressure. While some problems may only cause minor inconveniences and annoyances, others may result in significant harm and cost. Many people are looking for ways to avoid all kinds of clogged plumbing situations or seeking fixes for any kind of current issue. The best protection against accidents is more understanding of the reasons for blocked drains, which is also a fantastic preventative action to adopt. The information you have can then be used to both identify and prevent issues. Finding and clearing a drain blockage may seem like a fairly straightforward operation, but the process can be complicated and time-consuming depending on the location, nature, and requirements for access. Better will be if you choose a reputed plumber for repairing a blocked drain in Brisbane then the ...
... entire task will become easy for you. But before fixing the problem, you should familiar with the causes responsible for this problem. So, read out the article till the end. If possible, we will discover some easy procedures for you through which you can solve your problems.
 
Foreign Objects:
One of the most common reasons for clogged drains is the presence of foreign objects such as hair, soap, food particles, or grease. These substances can build up in the drain over time and cause blockages.
 
Hair: Hair is a common culprit in bathroom drains, especially if you have long hair. As hair accumulates in the drain, it can mix with soap scum and form a sticky mass that blocks water flow.
 
Soap: Soap contains fats and oils that can stick to the inside of pipes and accumulate over time, leading to clogs. Soap scum can also trap hair and other debris, creating a blockage in the drain.
 
Food particles: In the kitchen, food particles can easily find their way into the drain, especially if you have a garbage disposal. Grease, oil, and fats from cooking can also solidify and cause clogs.
 
Grease: Grease and oil can solidify in pipes, reducing water flow and eventually causing a complete blockage.
 
Tree Roots:
Tree roots are a common cause of clogged drains, especially in older homes with outdated pipes. As trees grow, their roots can extend into pipes, causing damage and blockages. This can be a serious problem that requires professional intervention to fix. A gurgling sound, according to some experts, is the first indication that tree roots have entered a sewer or water line. Tree roots naturally gravitate toward water in sanitary and waste sewer pipes because they are living entities that seek moisture, especially if a pipe develops a break or develops some type of leak.
 
It's crucial to keep an eye out for any tree root invasion if you reside in a wooded region or if there are many trees nearby. Some people choose to have a video inspection performed every few years because the cost of the service is significantly less than fixing a problem that has gone unattended.
 
Mineral Buildup and Structural Damage: 
Over time, minerals such as calcium and magnesium can accumulate in pipes, reducing water flow and causing clogs. This is especially common in areas with hard water, which has a high concentration of minerals. This can be prevented by regularly cleaning your pipes and using a water softener.
 
Structural damage to pipes can also cause clogs. This can be caused by corrosion, wear and tear, or damage from construction or excavation. Structural damage can lead to leaks, which can cause water damage and other problems if not addressed promptly.
 
Improper Installation:
If pipes are not installed properly, they can become misaligned or slope in the wrong direction, which can cause water to pool and eventually lead to clogs. This can also occur if pipes are not properly sized or if the wrong materials are used. Particularly in older homes or residences with possibly deteriorating concrete, clay, or terra cotta pipes, pipe disintegration can occur. The soil might erode away, joints can separate, and the pipe can sag as a result.
 
There is a chance that pipes could move in areas where the winter freezes hard due to the constant pressure and heave of the freeze-thaw cycle. Even with modern pipes, which are often composed of super-hardened plastic, the damage is still possible due to seasonal and natural soil fluctuations.
 
How Easily Fix Clogged Drains?
Fixing a clogged drain depends on the severity and cause of the blockage. One way to fix a clogged drain is by using a plunger to dislodge the blockage. If that doesn't work, you can try using a drain snake or an enzyme-based drain cleaner to break down the blockage. For more serious clogs caused by tree roots or structural damage, it is best to call a professional plumber. Preventative measures such as regular cleaning and proper disposal of waste can also help prevent clogged drains. Additionally, using a hair catcher in your shower or bathtub can prevent hair and soap scum from building up in your drains. By addressing clogged drains promptly and taking steps to prevent them from occurring, you can maintain a healthy plumbing system in your home.
 
About the Author: This contribution has been made by Dean Rossiter who has written a number of articles on blocked drain plumber Brisbane and provides fruitful information.