The Top 10 Causes of Blocked Household Drains

The Top 10 Causes of Blocked Household Drains

Blocked household drains are a common problem that can seem minor but can cause major issues. In our experience of unblocking domestic drains, the culprits behind blocked drains fall within this list of avoidable and manageable drainage issues.

Early Signs of a blocked drain 

When your drains are clogged, at first it might seem like a minor inconvenience. Water may drain slowly, there may be a slight odour. But, it can quickly change into a more pressing issue. Clogged drains can result in damage to pipes, flooring and even sewage backup.

The most common reasons behind blocked household drains are:

1. Hair

Hair Blockages: Any and all hair can enter the drainage system through plug holes, but the biggest problem is caused by long hair. It can wrap around structures and combine with soap and other debris to make a big clog that can block your drains either at surface level or deeper within the drainage system. There are alot of Hair Salons and hairdressers in Bristol and Somerset, take note.

2. Soap

Soap Buildup: A chemical reaction between the minerals in water and fatty acids in soap creates lime soap – otherwise known as soap scum. This soap scum can build up in our pipes and clog your drain. It also attracts mould and mildew and can become generally unpleasant.

3. Excess mud and dirt from washing machine

Mud Clogs: Chucking muddy football kits and boots in the washing machine might get them clean, but this mud and grass have to go somewhere – into your pipes. This can not only cause damage to your washing machine but result in blocked pipes and clogged drains further down the drainage system.

4. Food waste

Jammed Pipes: Food waste from inadequately scraped plates and dishes, or even waste that is deliberately flushed down the toilet or sink, can all lead to blocked drains.

5. Fat

Fatbergs: We’ve already explored how the fat from our cooking can easily solidify and congeal in our pipework, resulting in blocked drains. All cooking fat should be disposed of in the bin and never introduced to the drainage system.

6. Foreign objects

Random Drain Blockages: Foreign object stuck in drains. Whether flushed deliberately or accidentally, you’d be surprised what we’ve found lurking in domestic blocked drains in Bristol and Somerset. From Teddy bears to toothbrushes, bars of soap to crisp packets, perfume bottles to mobile phones – we’ve seen it all.

7. Toiletries

Flushing cleansing wipes, sanitary protection, nappies and baby wipes are a top cause of blocked drains. Always put these things in the bin.

8. Toilet paper

Blocked Toilet: Yes, toilet paper *is* supposed to be flushed down the toilet. But the volume of toilet paper can often be a problem. When there’s too much at once, great wads of it become dampened, compressed and can get stuck. It takes a while for toilet paper to degrade in this state, so can result in blocked drains. So be mindful of how much you’re trying to flush in one go.

9. Tree roots

Rooted Drain Pipes: Tree roots grow indiscriminately and can grow into our underground structures including drainage systems. A CCTV drainage survey can reveal tree root ingress and damage to the pipework.

10. Leaves, branches and debris

Debris in Drain pipes: Especially in the autumn and winter months, or during periods of high winds and lots of rain, debris from trees and vegetation can easily block drains. Check your drains for blockages after stormy weather.