Blocked pipes and clogged drains may appear to be minor issues — but over time, they can easily become a huge problem. If it’s not fixed on time, a clogged drain may result in corrosion, slow drainage, flooding, and even sewage backup.
That’s why it’s important to become familiar with the different causes of blocked drains — you can handle some of them on your own, but some blockages will require a licensed plumber to clear efficiently.
Causes of Blocked Drains
Tree roots
It doesn’t take more than a small leak or a crack in your underground pipes to attract significant tree root growth. And once tree roots get in your pipes, it won’t take long for them to grow bigger — causing substantial pipe damage and obstructing the water flow.
Removing tree roots from pipes requires a lot of work, and it’s definitely not something you can do on your own. Make sure to regularly check on your drains’ condition and pay attention to the root structure of your plants and trees to spot a problem like this on time.
Toiletries
If you’re not careful with your personal care products, they can easily cause a blockage in your pipes and get lodged in. Stuff like tissues, makeup wipes, sanitary pads, etc should never be flushed down the toilet — you should always throw them in the bin.
The good news is, if the blockage is a minor one, you’ll probably be able to take care of it with a plunger. However, if you can’t loosen it yourself, you’ll need a water jet or a drain snake — or professional assistance.
Foreign objects
You wouldn’t believe what kinds of stuff plumbers find while fixing clogged drains. And a lot of these foreign objects that cause blockages are flushed by children — from stuffed animals to other random items from around the house, toddlers won’t hesitate to throw anything down the drain. And while it’s a fun activity for them, it’s bound to wreak havoc on your pipes.
If a particularly large object is the cause of your issues, you’ll have to snake your pipes or even replace a part of them to fix the problem. But prevention is always important — make sure your kids know that they shouldn’t use the toilet as a toy!
Cooking oil
When it comes to blockages in the kitchen, cooking oil is definitely a frequent suspect — you shouldn’t pour it down the sink, as its viscosity doesn’t allow it to flow freely. Instead, it will clump together with other food debris, gather, and cause a blockage. So, wait for it to cool off and harden, and then throw it out with the garbage instead.
Wrapping Up
With clogged drains having so many potential causes, the best way to treat them is to make sure they don’t get clogged in the first place. However, if that does happen, the safest course of action is to contact an experienced plumber that can provide professional assistance.