Five common causes of blocked drains

Blocked drains. Nobody wants to talk about them, until the sink starts gurgling and the shower turns into a paddling pool.

1-One of the biggest culprits in homes is fat, oil and grease

It might look harmless, but once it cools in your pipes, it solidifies into a stubborn, sticky mess. Add a few food scraps and you’ve basically built a plug.

2-Leftovers down the kitchen sink are another classic mistake

Coffee grounds, rice, pasta and peelings don’t just magically disappear. They swell, clump together and cling to pipe walls.

3-In the bathroom, it’s usually hair and soap scum causing chaos

Hair binds with shampoo residue and forms those revolting stringy clogs that slow everything to a crawl. There are three key signs your drain is blocked, including smells, a glugging sound and slow-to-drain water.

4-There are so-called flushable wipes

Many of them really aren’t. They don’t break down like toilet paper and can create serious blockages further down the system. Sanitary products and cotton buds fall into the same category. They go straight in the bin, not the loo. If you want to identify issues with your pipes, a CCTV drain survey Northampton can offer answers. You can contact professionals such as www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/northampton/.

5-Outside, tree roots are common troublemakers

Roots naturally seek out moisture and can sneak into tiny cracks in pipes, gradually causing blockages. Poor pipe installation can make blockages more likely too. A bit of prevention goes a long way. Think before you pour, scrape plates into the bin, and maybe invest in a drain guard.

Gabriel Hiott

Gabriel Hiott