Blocked drains can be a common issue in Chadstone, causing everything from unpleasant odours to costly repairs. Understanding the common causes of blockages and knowing how to prevent them can save you time, money, and frustration.
Common Causes of Blocked Drains
Blocked drains often occur due to various reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
Tree Roots: One of the leading causes of blocked drains in suburban areas like Chadstone is tree roots. As trees grow, their roots search for moisture and can infiltrate cracked or older pipes, causing blockages or even pipe bursts.
Grease and Cooking Oils: Pouring grease or cooking oils down the sink may seem harmless, but these substances solidify once they cool, causing stubborn blockages in your pipes. Over time, grease buildup restricts water flow and leads to clogged drains.
Hair and Soap Residue: In regards to bathrooms drains, hair and soap residue combine to create a gunky mass that blocks drains. Showers and baths are the most common areas affected, where regular cleaning is essential to avoid slow drainage or complete blockages.
Foreign Objects in the Toilet: Wet wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products should never be flushed down the toilet. These items don’t break down like toilet paper and can cause serious clogs in your pipes.
Food Scraps: Washing food scraps down the kitchen sink is a major contributor to drain blockages. Starchy foods like pasta, rice, and potato peels are particularly problematic as they can expand in water and combine with grease to form stubborn blockages.
Results of a Drain is Blocked?
Blocked drains can lead to a range of issues, including:
Foul Odours: Stagnant water and trapped debris produce unpleasant smells throughout your home.
Water Damage: If left untreated, blockages can cause water to back up and overflow, damaging floors, walls, and even your home’s foundation.
Health Hazards: Blocked drains are a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, which can lead to health problems, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.
Expensive Repairs: Ignoring minor blockages can result in major plumbing problems down the line, such as pipe replacements or costly drainage work.
Preventing Blocked Drains
Preventive maintenance is the best way to avoid blocked drains. Here are some simple steps to keep your plumbing system running smoothly:
Use Drain Strainers: Install strainers in your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry to catch hair, food scraps, and other debris. Clean them regularly to prevent build-up and blockages.
Proper Disposal of Cooking Grease: Never pour grease or oils down the sink. Let them cool and dispose of them in the bin to prevent grease buildup in pipes.
Mind What You Flush: Only flush toilet paper down the toilet—avoid wet wipes, cotton balls, or hygiene products. These items don’t break down and can cause severe blockages.
Regular Drain Maintenance: Pour boiling water down your drains every few weeks to clear out any grease, soap, or hair buildup. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar for a more natural clean.
Professional Drain Inspections: While DIY maintenance helps, it’s important to have your drains professionally inspected every 2-3 years. A plumber can spot issues like tree root intrusion or pipe damage before they cause major problems.
The Benefits of Preventative Maintenance
Regular plumbing maintenance offers several long-term benefits:
Cost Savings: By addressing small issues before they escalate, you can avoid expensive repairs. Routine maintenance is far more cost-effective than fixing major plumbing problems.
Water Efficiency: Preventing blockages ensures your plumbing works efficiently, helping to save water and lower your utility bills.
Peace of Mind: With regular inspections and simple maintenance, you can rest easy knowing your plumbing system is in good condition.
Blocked drains can cause significant disruption, but with regular maintenance and simple preventive measures, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your plumbing running smoothly. If you’re in Chadstone and need help with blocked drains or a professional inspection, Andrew J Robertson Plumbing is here to help. Our experienced team can identify the cause of any blockage and offer solutions to keep your plumbing in top shape.
