In the bustling, seaport city of Southampton, blocked drains are a common and frustrating problem for households and businesses alike. By becoming aware of the most common mistakes that lead to these issues, you can avoid the seemingly unavoidable disasters of overflow and blockage. This piece will focus on the customary errors typically made by homeowners and renters that result in clogged drains, thereby offering insight and guidance that might help in avoiding such issues.
1. Flushing inappropriate items: A prevalent mistake leading to blocked drains is flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet. A common misstep made by many is the incorrect disposal of items such as diapers, wipes (even those labelled as flushable), sanitary pads, cotton balls, and the like. These items can’t degrade in water like toilet paper and instead, accumulate and cause blockage. It’s crucial to remember the three P’s: Pee, Poo, and Paper (toilet paper).
2. Grease and oil down the kitchen sink: In the kitchen, the number one enemy of your drainage system is FOG – Fat, Oil, and Grease. When you wash these substances off your dishes and pans and down the sink, they solidify in the pipes as they cool down, creating a sticky residue that traps food debris and gradually form a solid blockage. Rather than pouring grease or oil into the sink, collect them in a separate container to throw away with your household garbage.
3. Not using drain strainers: Drain strainers act as a protective barrier that keeps large particles from going into the pipes. Many people make the mistake of not using them in their kitchen sinks, leading to oversized food particles going down the drain and causing blockage.
4. Ignoring regular drain cleaning: Many individuals presume that drains don’t need regular cleaning if there isn’t any apparent blockage. However, a clean drain now doesn’t infer that blockage won’t occur in the future. Regular drain cleaning helps keep pipes clear of accumulations of FOG, soap residues, or other debris.
5. Wrong Pipe installations: If pipes aren’t installed correctly, they might have dips and bends that keep water from flowing smoothly, leading to clogs over time. They can also lead blocked drains southampton to low spots or ‘bellies’ in your pipes where waste accumulates and clogs eventually. Therefore, it is always advisable to take the help of a professional plumber when installing pipes.
6. Pouring chemical cleaners: While they might seem like an easy solution, chemical cleaners can do more harm than good. They can eat away at the inner lining of your pipes, making them more susceptible to leaks and breakages over time. Moreover, they’re not always effective, leaving behind debris that might result in a blockage later on.
7. Planting trees near drainage lines: Tree roots grow towards moisture and nutrients, and your drain pipes are a perfect source for both. If trees are planted too close to your drainage line, the roots can infiltrate the pipes, leading to slow drains and eventually blockages.
Wrong habits, ignorance, and oversight can lead to blocked drains, causing inconvenience and sometimes leading to expensive repairs. It is, therefore, crucial to remember and avoid these common mistakes that result in blocked drains. By doing so, you can ensure a flowing drainage system in your Southampton home or business and save yourself from the unnecessary headache and potential expense that a blockage would bring.
Remember, when you face a complex drain problem, it’s always a wise decision to call in a professional. They have the knowledge, expertise, and tools to diagnose and address the situation effectively and efficiently.