A blocked drain is very frustrating but also a sign of a bigger problem with your drainage system. Blockages can be potentially harmful to you and damaging to the pipes, which is why it is important to get it sorted professionally. CCTV Drainage Surveys are great for this as they inspect the drains and quickly identify the cause of blockages or any possible problems with the drain. I recommend contacting Wilkinson Environmental to book a survey. There are many possible reasons for blocked drains and I will name a few below.
- Surprisingly, tree roots are the number one cause of blockages and clogs in water and sewer mains. This is especially common in the pipes of older homes as over time the tree’s roots can find their way into and through them growing towards where water is. If you can hear a gurgling sound coming from your drains, it’s possible that tree roots are the cause. If you live in a wooded area where tree invasion is a high possibility, it is recommended that you book periodic drainage surveys to prevent what can be a major issue to fix.
- ‘Flushable’ wipes are a big cause of blocked drains. Despite their name, they should not be flushed down the toilet. Home and commercial plumbing systems are built only for human waste, water and biodegradable, thin tissue, so avoid putting anything else down the toilet to avoid the unpleasant experience of unblocking clogged up wipes and waste in the pipes.
- Fat and oil. You may think that water just mixes with whatever other liquid you put down the drains and helps it down, but over time, oil and fat builds up on the inside of the pipes and can eventually block them. Either save your oil, or pour it into your food bin on top of disposed food to soak it up.
