Blocked drains can be a real nuisance to Exeter residents, posing significant problems that could disrupt the home’s normal functioning. There are a multitude of reasons why drains might become blocked, each resulting from various activities within households. The more aware you are of these potential triggers, the better-equipped you’ll be at preventing any major blockages from happening. In this article, we’ll explore the most common causes of blocked drains in Exeter.

Firstly, one of the most common causes of blocked drains is the disposal of fats, oils, and grease down kitchen sinks, a habit very common to most households. These waste products may seem harmless in their hot liquid state but they solidify as they cool down within the pipes, creating stubborn blockages. Even if these substances are mixed with hot water when poured into the drains, it only postpones the issue as the mixture will cool and solidify further down the pipe system.

Another regular culprit is hair. Each time a person bathes or showers, loose strands of hair can make their way down the drain. While a few hairs may not seem problematic, over time the hair can clump together, often bonding with any grease or soap residue present within the system, and gradually form a blockade. In some cases, these hair clumps are so compact that they’re quite difficult to remove and require professional intervention.

Food waste, especially coffee grounds and tea leaves, can cause blocked drains as well. Disposed of down the sink, these items do not break down easily and can accumulate over time, leading to potential blockages. Other small waste products like eggshells, small bones, or fruit pits should never be thrown down a drain as they can get lodged in the pipes, causing serious blockages.

In Exeter, like many places with large, old trees, we find roots in the drains can be another common issue. Many older drains use clay or other porous materials that roots can penetrate in their search for water. Once they’ve infiltrated the pipe, the roots can create a blockage of their own or cause cracks and breaks in the pipe where other debris can gather and cause more blockages.

Wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, diapers, and other sanitary products are other notorious culprits that can instantly clog a drain. Despite some products being labelled as ‘flushable’, many do not disintegrate quickly enough to pass smoothly through the drainage system and instead can cause severe blockages.

Inadequate pipe installation or poor pipe maintenance can also contribute to blocked drains. Some pipes may have misaligned joints, or the slope may not be steep enough to allow waste water to flow away efficiently, leading to sediment accumulation. Also, old, drain unblocking exeter worn-out pipes may have rough internal surfaces that snag waste material, which leads to blockages.

Blocked drains in Exeter are sometimes a direct result of the activities taking place in homes or due to poor or inadequate maintenance of drainage infrastructure. Irrespective of what may be causing drain blockage in your home, it’s always crucial to take quick action as soon as you notice signs of a potential issue. Regular drain cleaning, mindful waste disposal, and prompt repair of cracks and leaks can help keep your drainage system in good working order. But if it’s beyond individual capability, don’t hesitate to call on expert drain unblocking services in Exeter. They have the knowledge, experience, and sophisticated tools that can address and fix the problem efficiently and effectively.