When living in the charming city of Exeter, blocked drains may not be the first thing that comes to your mind. Yet, understanding the common causes of blocked drains can help you maintain your household facilities and avoid the headache of a plumbing disaster. Several factors could contribute to a blocked drain. Understanding these reasons can also help you take preventative measures and promote efficient water flow.
One of the most common culprits causing blocked drains is hair. Whether in the shower, bathtub or sink, hair tends to accumulate and bind together with grease and other sticky substances to form clumps that obstruct the pipes’ paths. It’s a widespread issue, particularly in homes with occupants having long hair. Various tools can assist in the removal of such blockages, but prevention is invariably the best approach. Regular pipe cleanup and using drain guards to catch hair can significantly reduce this problem.
The second frequent cause of blocked drains to watch out for in Exeter is Fat and Grease. When you wash away the leftover oil or grease from cooking down the sink, it tends to solidify when it cools and gathers in the pipes, impeding the water flow over time. To avoid this, the ideal measure is to dispose of excess oils and fats in the trash and not the sink. blocked drains exeter
Foreign objects and debris are also a prime offender. Items such as soap pieces, sanitary items, and even chunks of food can easily get stuck in drains and pipes, resulting in congestion. Even if the obstruction doesn’t cause a direct blockage, accumulated debris could lead to reduced water flow and overflow. Regular professional plumbing services can help assure foreign objects are not obstructing your drains.
In Exeter, where green spaces and trees are plentiful, tree roots pose another common cause of blocked drains. The roots are instinctually drawn towards the water in the pipes and can infiltrate them to access it. They can cause severe damage and often call for pipe replacement. Periodic inspection by a professional can help detect such issues early on and curb the problem.
Furthermore, the town’s old buildings also bring out another common cause – structural issues. Due to Exeter’s rich history, many buildings have old, worn-out plumbing systems that are more prone to cracks, chips, or collapses. Regular maintenance and updating to modern, more durable pipes can prevent such occurrences.
Misaligned pipes, often caused by the ground shifting or poor plumbing work, can also lead to blocked drains. The displacement creates a ridge within the pipeline, causing obstructions. As this is a structural issue, professionals will need to address it.
In conclusion, blocked drains in Exeter are most commonly caused by hair, fats, foreign objects, tree roots, and structural issues. Regardless of the cause, the key to managing blocked drains lies in prevention and regular maintenance. Whether it involves wisely disposing of waste, installing drain guards, or scheduling routine professional inspections, addressing these issues promptly will save you a lot of time and the inconvenience of dealing with a blocked drain.