Throughout Redhill, one common and often overwhelming issue faced by homeowners is blocked drains. It’s a problem most have encountered at least once, creating an inconvenience at best and significant damage at worst. Becoming familiar with the common causes of blocked drains in Redhill can help residents take preventive measures and ensure their drainage system remains efficient.
1. Food Waste: One of the most common culprits, particularly in kitchen drains, is food waste. Bits of food, coffee grounds, and cooking oils, which often get washed down, can cling to the pipes’ insides over time. Eventually, they form a blockage, hindering the free flow of water. While some believe waste disposal units negate this problem, certain substances, such as grease or coffee grounds, could still cause a problem.
2. Grease or Fat: These substances pose a significant risk to drainage systems. Grease, fat, or oil washed down the sinks will solidify in the pipes as it cools, sticking to the walls of the pipes and accumulating over time. This thick substance can severely hinder water flow, often leading to a complete blockage.
3. Hair: Hair flowing down bathroom drains is another significant cause of blockages in Redhill. Hair strands can easily accumulate in the drainage pipes, often forming knots with other material and forming a severe block. Regularly cleaning drain stoppers and using drain guards can help prevent this issue.
4. Soap: Though it might seem harmless, bar soaps can contribute to blocked drains. The fat content in soap when mixed with minerals in water forms hard residue called ‘soap scum.’ This scum can stick on the pipes, creating blockages over time.
5. Toilet Paper and Baby Wipes: The bathroom toilet is not immune to blockages. Excessive use of toilet paper or the flushing of items like baby wipes, sanitary products, and diapers can cause clogs. These items do not dissolve as readily as toilet paper and should therefore be disposed of in a wastebasket instead.
6. Tree Roots: This is a less obvious but major cause of blocked drains in Redhill, especially in properties that have greenery around. Tree roots can crack and infiltrate drainage systems in search of moisture. As the roots continue to blocked drains redhill grow, they congest the pipe, preventing water from passing.
7. Foreign Objects: Items such as children’s toys, hairpins, bottles caps, and other small household objects can inadvertently end up in the pipes, leading to blockages.
8. Build-up of Minerals: Hard water areas like Redhill are susceptible to mineral build-up in their pipes. Minerals dissolved in the water can accumulate over time, creating mass deposits that can lead to severe blocking.
Understanding these common causes of blocked drains can go a long way in prevention. Simple changes in habits, such as not pouring grease down the sink or appropriately disposing of sanitary products, can drastically reduce the risk of blockages. Regular drain cleaning can also prevent the accumulation of substances and objects that lead to blocked drains. However, if you do encounter a blockage that cannot be resolved with simple methods, it’s advisable to call on a reliable drainage service to professionally address the issue.