Blocked drains can be a severe concern for householders across the Sevenoaks area. Not only are they a major inconvenience, but they can also lead to expensive repairs. Understanding the primary causes of blocked drains and implementing preventive measures can save you time, money and a lot of distress. Here are the top causes of blocked drains in Sevenoaks and how you can prevent them.
1. Hair and Fur: Hairfall in the bathroom is a common occurrence. However, when these strands combine with oil and other greasy substances, they form clumps, leading to significant blockages in drains. Pets contribute to the problem by shedding fur. To prevent this, it’s advisable to use hair catchers in your shower drains and regularly groom your pets outside or in a designated area where their fur isn’t likely to wash down the drain.
2. Cooking Grease and Fats: Many people make the mistake of disposing of cooking grease and fats down the sink. Over time, these substances solidify and block the drain. It’s best to let the fats and oils solidify, then scrape them into a bin rather than washing them down the sink.
3. Food Waste: Similarly, disposing of food waste, tea leaves, or coffee grounds in the sink can lead to drain blockages. It’s recommended to compost or dispose of these items in your food waste bin instead.
4. Toiletries, Sanitary Items, and Baby Wipes: Flushing down these items in toilets frequently causes blocked drains. Despite some wipes being labelled as ‘flushable’, they can still cause blockages and sewer issues. The only things that should go down the toilet are the three P’s – Pee, Poo, and (Toilet) Paper.
5. Tree Roots: Tree roots can naturally penetrate the sewer lines causing severe blockages. Preventing this can be challenging, but it helps to regularly check for any intrusive roots if you have trees in your property. Also, before planting new trees, consider their growth pattern and distance from the sewer lines.
6. Mineral Build-up: Hard water can contribute to mineral build-up in pipes, resulting in blockages. In such cases, a water softener system may be a great solution to consider. Also, regular pipe maintenance can keep keep the mineral build-up in check.
Sometimes, even with the best prevention efforts, drains still get blocked. When this happens, blocked drains sevenoaks it’s important to approach professional drain unblocking services in Sevenoaks. Professionals have the right tools and knowledge to handle the task without causing further damage.
Remember, blocked drains can lead to larger issues like pipe damage or sewage backup, both of which can be expensive to resolve. Prevention is indeed better than cure, so make sure you follow these tips to maintain your household drainage systems and keep them blockage-free. No one wants to deal with the smell or sight of a back-flowing sink or toilet, so take this seriously, and your drains will be forever grateful.
In conclusion, blocked drains are a common issue faced in Sevenoaks, caused by various issues from flushing incorrect items to natural factors like tree roots. Smart housekeeping procedures and regular maintenance can help avert these problems, saving homeowners from unexpected distressed scenarios.