Blocked drains can be a frustrating and inconvenient issue for homeowners and businesses alike in Reading. Whether it’s a minor inconvenience or a major blockage that threatens to disrupt your day-to-day activities, it’s essential to address the issue quickly to prevent more serious problems down the line. In this blog, we’ll explore common causes of blocked drains, tips for preventing them, and how to handle severe blockages by calling in professional help for blocked drains Reading.
Common Causes of Blocked Drains in Reading
Understanding the common causes of blocked drains can help you take preventative measures before they become a bigger problem. Here are some of the typical culprits that lead to blockages:
- Hair: One of the most common causes of bathroom drain blockages is the buildup of hair. Over time, hair can accumulate and form a tangled mass that obstructs the flow of water in sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
- Grease and Fat: Kitchen drains often get clogged due to the disposal of grease, fat, and oils down the sink. These substances can solidify and form a thick layer inside the pipes, trapping other debris and leading to blockages.
- Food Waste: Even though modern kitchens are equipped with garbage disposals, food particles can still accumulate in the pipes, causing clogs. Items such as coffee grounds, rice, pasta, and vegetable peels are notorious for blocking drains.
- Wet Wipes and Hygiene Products: Wet wipes, sanitary pads, and cotton balls are non-biodegradable and should never be flushed down the toilet. They can accumulate in the sewer pipes, leading to blockages that may require professional intervention.
- Soap Scum: The residue from soap and detergent can build up over time and combine with hair, grease, and other debris, forming a solid obstruction in the pipes.
- Tree Roots: In some cases, especially in older homes or properties with extensive landscaping, tree roots can infiltrate underground drainage systems. These roots can cause significant blockages as they grow and expand, seeking out moisture in the pipes.
Preventing Blocked Drains in Reading
Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to dealing with blocked drains. By taking a few simple precautions, you can reduce the chances of facing a serious drain blockage. Here are some tips for maintaining your drains and preventing blockages:
- Use Drain Screens: Place drain screens or filters over your plugholes to catch hair, food particles, and other debris before they can enter the pipes. These screens are an affordable and effective way to prevent blockages in the first place.
- Dispose of Grease Properly: Never pour cooking fats, oils, or grease down the drain. Instead, allow them to cool and solidify, then dispose of them in the bin. You can also pour used cooking oil into a sealed container for safe disposal.
- Flush Only Toilet Paper: Make it a habit to only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Items like wet wipes, sanitary products, and cotton wool should always be disposed of in the bin.
- Run Hot Water: Running hot water through your kitchen and bathroom sinks after each use helps to clear away any grease, soap scum, or food particles before they can accumulate in the pipes.
- Clean Your Drains Regularly: Regular cleaning of your drains using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help to break down minor buildups of grease, soap, and debris. Simply pour the mixture down the drain, wait for it to foam, and then flush with hot water.
- Maintain Outdoor Drains: If you have outdoor drains, regularly clear away leaves, dirt, and other debris to prevent blockages. You can also check for tree roots near the drainage pipes that could potentially cause problems.
DIY Solutions for Minor Blockages
In some cases, a minor blockage can be cleared using basic household items. Here are a few methods you can try before calling in professional help:
- Plunger: A plunger can be an effective tool for dislodging clogs in sinks, toilets, and showers. Make sure you have a good seal over the drain and use firm, consistent pressure to create suction that can break up the blockage.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: As mentioned earlier, this mixture is a natural and effective way to clean your drains and break down grease and debris. Pour one cup of baking soda followed by one cup of vinegar down the drain, wait for about 15 minutes, and then flush with hot water.
- Drain Snake: A drain snake or auger can be used to manually dislodge blockages in pipes. Simply insert the snake into the drain, rotate it, and pull out any debris that may be causing the blockage.
- Boiling Water: For blockages caused by soap scum or grease, boiling water can be effective in breaking down the buildup and clearing the drain. However, avoid using boiling water on PVC pipes, as it can damage them.
When to Call a Professional for Blocked Drains in Reading
While minor blockages can often be dealt with using DIY methods, more serious clogs may require the expertise of a professional. Here are some signs that it’s time to call in a blocked drains expert in Reading:
- Repeated Blockages: If your drains keep getting clogged despite your efforts, there may be a deeper issue that requires professional inspection.
- Slow Draining Water: If water is draining slowly in your sinks, toilets, or showers, it may indicate a significant blockage that needs professional attention.
- Foul Odours: Unpleasant smells coming from your drains are a common sign of a blockage, particularly if the debris is rotting inside the pipes.
- Gurgling Noises: If you hear gurgling sounds when using your sinks, toilets, or washing machines, it could indicate trapped air in the pipes due to a blockage.
- Water Backing Up: If water is backing up into your sink, tub, or toilet, this is a clear sign of a major blockage that needs immediate attention from a professional.
Professional Blocked Drains Services in Reading
When you encounter a serious blockage that you cannot fix on your own, it’s time to call in a professional drainage company. These experts have the tools and expertise to quickly diagnose and resolve the problem. They can use high-pressure water jetting, CCTV drain inspections, and other advanced techniques to clear your drains and ensure the issue doesn’t return.
By working with a trusted drainage company in Reading, you can prevent further damage to your plumbing system and ensure that your drains remain in good working order for years to come.
Conclusion
Blocked drains in Reading are a common issue that can disrupt your daily life, but with the right preventative measures and timely professional intervention, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your drains flowing smoothly. Whether you’re dealing with a minor blockage or a more serious issue, remember that prevention is key. Regular maintenance, proper disposal habits, and professional help when needed will keep your drains in top condition.
