For residents blocked drains slough of Slough, experiencing blocked drains can be quite a common occurrence which can, unfortunately, bring about lots of inconveniences, including health risks in some cases. While there’s no fail-proof method to completely prevent blockages, understanding what causes them is the first step towards reducing the chances of encountering such unwanted predicaments. Here are some of the most common causes of blocked drains in Slough.
1. Hair: This is arguably the most common cause of blocked drains both in Slough and across the globe. When hair strands fall out during bathing, they slowly accumulate within the drain pipes leading to blockages. Even worse, the hair can combine with grease and other substances to form a mass, which causes even more severe blockages. This problem can be mitigated by using drain guards to catch the hair and regular cleaning of the drains.
2. Grease and Fat: Grease and fat from kitchens are notorious for creating blockages in plumbing systems. When hot, these substances flow easily down the drain but once they cool down, they solidify and stick to the inner parts of pipes, thereby obstructing water flow. Avoiding pouring oils and fats down the sink is crucial in preventing this issue, as well as regular drain cleaning.
3. Plants and Leaves: Particularly in the autumn, leaves, small branches, and other plant materials can build up in both indoor and outdoor drains, causing blockages. The roots of trees can also infiltrate drain pipes, leading to more serious problems. Regular garden maintenance and clearing of leaves especially in the autumn can help avert these problems.
4. Toiletries: Items like baby wipes, sanitary products, and cotton wool should not be flushed down the toilet. Despite many being advertised as flushable, these items do not disintegrate the way toilet paper does and can cause serious blockages. Consequently, the only thing that should go down the toilet drain is waste and toilet paper.
5. Foreign Objects: This is particularly common in households with young children who might flush toys and other foreign objects down the toilet. They may not cause a blockage immediately, but over time, they can lead to serious blockages. Education on what should and shouldn’t go down the drain, as well as the installation of childproof locks, can help mitigate this issue.
6. Structural Issues: At times, the problem might be due to underlying structural issues such as collapsed, fractured or displaced pipes. These do not just hinder water flow but can also cause serious water damage. They require professional intervention for diagnosis and repair.
Encountering a blocked drain can be frustrating, but with the right knowledge, you can prevent many of these issues. Regular drain cleaning and maintenance can also go a long way in preventing blockages. However, if you do encounter serious blocked drains in Slough, professional plumbers and drain specialists possess the experience and technical know-how required to alleviate such issues effectively and efficiently. It’s always a smart move to call in the professionals rather than attempt to fix such issues yourself, to avoid potential complications.