Drainage issues are a common problem that many homeowners in Sevenoaks face frequently. Blocked drains can present significant problems, such as foul smells, property damage, and a host of health and sanitation issues. Understanding what causes drain blockages can help in preventing them, thus saving homeowners from unnecessary inconveniences and costs. Let’s delve into some of the common causes of blocked drains in Sevenoaks.
1. Hair Build-up: Hair is one of the most common culprits behind blocked drains, in both bathrooms and showers. Over time, hair clumps together, often binding together with grease and other sticky substances to form clogs that obstruct the drainage system. Regular clearing of hair from sinks and bathtub drains can largely control this issue.
2. Grease and Fat Build-up: When washing dishes, homeowners often pour grease and fat down the blocked drains sevenoaks kitchen sink, not realizing the mayhem they are about to invoke. Grease and fat are not water-soluble and tend to solidify, sticking to the inside of your pipes, and over time, they build up and cause a blockage.
3. Bathroom Products: Flushable wipes, cotton buds, sanitary products, and dental floss may be marketed as flushable, but they don’t break down the way toilet paper does. When flushed down toilets, they often contribute to significant blockages, leading to extensive plumbing problems.
4. Tree Roots: In Sevenoaks, large, beautiful trees add charm to the area. However, their roots often penetrate the pipes in search for water, especially during dry spells. Once they get into pipes, they continue to grow and cause blockage. This is one of the trickiest and the most severe causes of blocked drains, requiring professional help for resolution.
5. Foreign Objects: Children’s toys, paper towels, napkins, and even household implements find their way into drains and toilets. When these objects fall into a drain and get lodged in a pipe, they cause an obstruction that can be challenging to remove. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep an eye on small objects to ensure they don’t end up in your drains.
6. Insufficient Slope: Proper drain function relies on a correct slope, which allows wastewater to flow away naturally. If the slope is not enough, the water flow may not be effective in carrying away waste materials, causing clogs over time.
7. Damaged Pipes: Pipes can become damaged due to various reasons – earth movement, heavy traffic above ground, corrosion, or just old age. A broken or crushed pipe provides an ideal site for waste to collect and cause a blockage.
In conclusion, numerous reasons can result in drain blockages in Sevenoaks. Regular preventative maintenance is vital to keep drains clear and fully functional. If you are unsure about the root cause of a blocked drain, it’s always advisable to call in a professional plumber who has the right tools and knowledge to diagnose and resolve the problem. It’s wise to remember that preventing a drain blockage is always more cost-effective, and less stressful, than dealing it with once it’s already happened. Bear in mind the common causes and eliminate them as far as possible to enjoy a smooth-running drainage system.