A blocked drain or slow draining plughole might seem like a small thing, but ignoring it can lead to bigger problems. What starts as a slow-draining sink or a mild odour can escalate into property damage, health risks, and costly repairs.
Like any system, drains require regular care to stay in top condition. Routine drain inspections might not be the first thing on your to-do list, but they are crucial for both homes and businesses.
It Only Gets Worse
At first, a blocked drain might cause water to drain slowly. But over time, the blockage builds up, trapping debris, grease, and other materials. This can result in standing water that not only smells awful but also creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Left untreated, the blockage will harden and become even more difficult to remove.
Routine inspections can catch minor issues, like grease buildup or debris accumulation, before they become major blockages and you save yourself the hassle and expense of dealing with emergencies.
A small blockage might be inexpensive to fix, but if you wait, the costs can quickly add up. Burst pipes, water damage, and emergency repairs are far more expensive than routine maintenance. By the time you notice the full impact of the blockage, you could be facing a repair bill that’s much higher than you wanted.
Blocked drains don’t fix themselves. Don’t wait until a minor blockage turns into a major disaster. If you notice slow drainage, unusual smells, or gurgling sounds, act quickly. Professional drain services can diagnose and resolve the issue before it causes lasting damage to your home and health.
Hidden Damage to Your Home or Business
Blockages put enormous strain on your plumbing system. Even a minor crack or clog can lead to leaks, burst pipes, or even structural damage if wastewater seeps into your walls or foundation.
Pipes can crack or burst under pressure, leading to leaks behind walls or beneath floors. In outdoor drains, blockages can cause wastewater to back up, flooding gardens, patios, or driveways. These issues can result in costly repairs—not to mention the inconvenience of cleaning up the mess and potential health issues.
Keeping your drains clear and free from damage, you reduce wear and tear on pipes and prevent unnecessary replacements.
For businesses, a drainage issue can halt operations, leading to lost revenue and unhappy customers. Especially if you’re in the food industry. A blocked drain could mean temporary closure and the hassle of calling emergency drain services to fix the problem in a hurry.
Health Risks
Standing water and clogged drains are a magnet for mould and harmful bacteria. These pollutants can spread through your home, affecting air quality and potentially causing respiratory issues. Worse, blocked drains can attract pests like rats and flies, which carry diseases and make your home feel unhygienic.
A minor crack or clog can lead to leaks, burst pipes, or even structural damage if wastewater seeps into your walls or foundation.
Top 5 Causes of Blocked Drains
Hair Build-Up
Hair is one of the most common culprits of blocked drains, especially in bathrooms. It clumps together, creating stubborn blockages that are hard to remove. Use drain covers in showers and sinks to catch loose hair.
Grease and Fat
In kitchens, grease, oil, and fat are notorious for clogging pipes. When poured down the drain, these substances solidify and stick to the pipe walls, narrowing the flow over time. Let oil or grease cool and dispose of it in the bin. Use hot water and dish soap to rinse pipes after washing greasy dishes.
Food Waste
Food particles can easily cause blockages in kitchen drains. Starchy or fibrous foods like rice, pasta, and potato peels expand and stick together, creating clogs. Scrape leftover food into the bin before rinsing plates. Consider using a sink strainer to catch small particles.
Soap Scum
Soap residue, especially from traditional bar soaps, can combine with minerals in hard water to form a hard, chalky substance that clogs pipes. Liquid soap is less likely to leave residue. Regularly flush drains with hot water to dissolve any build-up.
Foreign Objects
Objects like wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool balls can accidentally or on purpose end up in drains, causing severe blockages. Toilets are not designed to handle anything that’s not toilet paper or human waste down the toilet. Wipes and nappies are particular culprits.
Final Thoughts
Drains aren’t something you think about. You might use them every day, but you don’t think about them, until something goes wrong. Regular inspections and cleaning help avoid unexpected disruptions by ensuring your drainage system is always functioning efficiently.
Don’t wait for a blockage or leak to remind you of their importance. Schedule a professional inspection today and keep your drains in excellent shape.
