7 common causes of blocked pipes at home

One of the most difficult to handle aspects of owning a home or commercial property is how you can stop your drains and pipes from clogging. Almost all of us have been in a situation where we are taking a shower and find the water rising around our feet, or the water in our toilet refuses to move when flushed. Blocked pipes are a common problem which can become expensive to repair if the blockage becomes severe or is in an area requiring major work to be completed. Knowing the warning signs of blockage and what causes the majority of blocked pipes is an important part of caring properly for your home.

1. A sagging sewer line

This is one of the most difficult to identify and the one over which a homeowner has the least amount of control over. Sometimes known as a belly, a sagging sewer line slowly sinks into the ground and creates an area for waste to pool and block the line. A plumber will need to be called out to identify the area where the sagging is taking place and usually replace the area of pipe found on the property. A sag occurs because the ground around the pipe shifts over time and allows the installed line to sink where the soil has shifted.

2. Toilet paper

One of the main problems with the blockage of pipes in any home or commercial building is the flushing of too much toilet paper or wipes. Despite many brands of toilet wipes claiming they can be flushed, most plumbers believe they should not be disposed of in this way as they can cause major blockages. For those looking to live in a sustainable fashion, the use of toilet wipes is a difficult one as these products do not decompose as toilet paper does. A plunger can be used to remove most toilet paper clogs but when the blockage will not move a plumber should be called.

3. Fats, oils, and grease

Whatever you want to call them, cooking fats are causing major problems for those with an interest in plumbing and sewers because of the often newsworthy “fatbergs.” Buildups of fats and grease in public sewers have become well reported, but the problem can also be seen in the homes of millions of people who wish to keep their landscapes as beautiful as those of Conrad Martens Brisbane North paintings. Pouring fats and oils into a kitchen sink is a bad idea as it can coat the pipes with a sludge that can buildup and trap waste products moving through the sewer system. The best option to avoid such issues is to avoid flushing grease down a sink and to dispose of them properly, according to Realtor.

4. Soaps

One area which is often difficult for an individual homeowner to understand is how their choice of soap can cause problems with blocked pipes. Traditional bar soaps are made with a large amount of fat included in every recipe meaning the problem of blocked pipes due to grease buildup can become an issue. Bar soap use is often limited to showers and bathtubs meaning the issue of clogged drains can be seen on a regular basis.

5. Feminine products

This is not a subject anybody wishes to discuss at length but it is one that should be addressed as professional plumbers do state it is a growing problem. Feminine products are designed to absorb liquids and moisture without breaking up as they do so. Unlike toilet paper, feminine products should be disposed of by being wrapped and placed in landfill collections where they do not cause blockages. Similarly, cotton wool products are not designed to be flushed away through a toilet system as can quickly cause blockages.

6. Minerals from hard water

Each area of the world has its own water and chemical makeup which can be classed as hard or soft. Hard water is usually filled with a wide range of minerals not found in soft water areas which can cause problems in a range of different parts of the home. Firstly, the minerals found in hard water areas are difficult to break down and usually coat the insides of pipes and appliances. The buildup of these minerals can be a problem for many homeowners who will see the space within their pipes limited causing slow draining in many appliances and sinks. Water softening products can be used but the majority of hard water areas leave homeowners looking for the assistance of professional plumbers sooner rather than later.

7. Tree limbs

It may be difficult for many homeowners to imagine, but their choice of landscaping could be a problem. Getting the correct landscape is important for many of us who want to make our home look as impressive as possible. However, tree limbs and roots have been known to invade a sewer line leading to an expensive and messy replacement operation taking place. Tree roots can often grow through the exterior of a pipe causing a blockage and leaking waste products which requires a plumber to replace at least the damaged section of sewer pipe.

These are just a few of the problems which can lead to blocked pipes and problems with sewer lines in and around a home. Working with a professional plumbing company is a good option for halting the development of these issues through regular inspections. Taking the time to dispose of household waste items properly can limit the problems seen with blockages and leaking sewer lines.

 

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