Month: September 2020

The ability to identify and cope with the early signs of a blocked drain – could save you an enormous amount of time, funds, efforts, and frustration. In Woking homes, there are many factors that contribute to blocked drains. Understanding these factors enables homeowners to take preventative measures, maintain their drainage system, and minimise the likelihood of encountering such issues. This article will highlight several factors that contribute to blocked drains in Woking.

1. Tree Roots:

Tree roots are one of the common causes of blocked drains in Woking homes. They naturally grow towards moisture and nutrients, which are abundant in our drainage pipes. If there are any small cracks or leaks in the pipe, tree roots can penetrate through, growing thicker and creating blockages over time. This can hinder the free flow of water leading to severe drain blockages.

2. Cooking Fats and Oils:

Pouring oils and fats down the sink may seem harmless at first, but it eventually leads to serious blockages. When cool, oils and fats solidify inside the pipes, leaving a sticky residue. The residue can build up over time, catching other debris and causing a blockage.

3. Hair:

Hair accumulation can gradually lead to a slow-draining shower or sink. After blocked drains woking a period, the bundled hair becomes matted with soap and other debris, which tends to adhere to the inner surfaces of your pipes, making it difficult for water to flow through freely.

4. Disposing of Non-Flushable Items:

The wrong items flushed down the toilet can often lead to blocked drains. Toilets are specifically designed to flush down waste and toilet paper. Disposing of items like sanitary products, wet wipes, cotton balls, paper towels etc. can cause a blockage, as these items do not break down as quickly as toilet paper.

5. Poor Plumbing Design:

An improperly designed plumbing system can contribute to drain blockage. For instance, without appropriate water pressure, the water flow may not be strong enough to flush the debris out of the pipes, leading to blockage over time.

6. Mineral Build-up:

In areas with hard water, the minerals in the water can accumulate in the pipes over time. This mineral build-up can harden into masses that will block the pipes leading to slow draining and eventual blockage.

7. Foreign Objects:

Sometimes, foreign objects such as food particles, toys, or other accidentally dropped items can contribute to the blockage in the drainage system. These objects may not pass through the pipes and may cause clogs, slowing down the drainage process and eventually leading to complete blockage.

8. Soap Build-up:

Soap residue or “soap scum” can also contribute to blocked drains. The fats and grease present in soap can stick onto pipe walls, attracting dirt and debris, which gradually accumulate and form a blockage.

In Conclusion, these are the main factors contributing to blocked drains in Woking homes. However, regular maintenance and proper usage of the drainage system can help in preventing these common issues. It is always advisable to seek professional help when dealing with blocked drains. They have appropriate equipment and the expertise to handle the matter effectively and efficiently, thus saving you time, effort, and money in the long term.

Tackling Blocked Drains in Stevenage: A Guide to Avoiding Unexpected Mishaps

Blocked drains can prove to be more than just an inconvenience if not resolved promptly, often leading to floods, damage to property, and costly repairs. In Stevenage, just like the rest of Hertfordshire, it’s a problem that many residents face, but never anticipate. To help you avoid such unexpected issues, here are essential tips to follow.

Before we delve into prevention, it’s pivotal to understand why drains become blocked. Some general reasons for blocked drains in Stevenage include grease buildup from washing dishes, an accumulation of hair, soap scum, and foreign objects that are accidentally flushed down the toilet. Moreover, outdoor drains may get clogged due to leaves, roots interfering with pipes, and other external influences.

Now, let’s proceed to the heart of the matter: how to proactively prevent unexpected blocked drains situations.

1. Watch What You Discard Down the Drain: The golden rule in maintaining a clean drain is being mindful of what you dispose of down it. Avoid discarding cooking oils and food debris in your kitchen sink as they can solidify and gradually obstruct the passageway. In the bathroom, make sure to clear out hair from the shower drain regularly. Preventing foreign objects like babies’ nappies, wipes, sanitary products etc. from going down your toilet will also reduce the possibility of blockage.

2. Use Drain Guards: Installing drain guards or screens over your drains can prevent larger obstructions, such as hair or food particles, from getting into your pipes. This is a cost-effective preventative measure that can save you from extensive plumbing work down the line.

3. Regular Cleaning: Ensure regular cleaning of your drains with hot water and soap. This habit can help break down minor fat and grease deposits and keep your drains flowing. You can also use natural cleaning solutions such as vinegar and baking soda.

4. Professional Maintenance: No matter how mindful or consistent you are with your cleaning, professional maintenance is necessary. Expert plumbers have the skills and tools to perform an in-depth cleaning and inspection that covers aspects you might overlook. This service doesn’t have to happen every month, but arranging an annual or bi-annual checkup can act as a preemptive measure against potential serious blockages.

5. Stay Vigilant For The Warning Signs: Some common warning signs include slow draining water, toilet water rising higher than usual, unpleasant smells, or gurgling sounds coming from your drain. If you notice any of these signs, it may indicate a pending blockage that needs attention before it escalates into a bigger problem.

6. Maintain A Leaf-Free Garden: During the autumn, leaves can build up and find their way into your outdoor drain. Regularly sweeping and disposing of fallen leaves can prevent blockage.

7. Know Your Drain Layout: In case of a problem, being familiar with your property’s drain layout can help you explain the situation to a plumber more effectively. They can, therefore, provide a faster, more precise solution.

In conclusion, prevention is certainly better than cure, especially in matters of household maintenance like blocked drains. By adhering blocked drains stevenage to the above tips, Stevenage residents can proactively mitigate potential drain problems, creating a more efficient and comfortable environment. It pays off both financially and in terms of your peace of mind. However, should an unexpected drain mishap happen, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance immediately to remedy the issue and further prevent damage.