What causes blockages in the drainage system?

Drain blockages can happen due to numerous reasons. It also depends on the specific situation and the type of drain involved. Let’s find out the common cause of drain blockages:

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Accumulation of debris:

Most of us ignore the food and other leftovers that pass by the drainage system. Not just food, when it comes to our bathroom and toilet drains, hair and soap scum can also be problematic. Over time, drains can become clogged due to the buildup of hair, soap scum, food particles, grease, or other solid materials that are washed down the drain. Accumulation of all this debris can cause major blockage in your drains.
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Tree root intrusion:

Tree roots get attracted to places with moisture and nutrients. Our drainage lines have ample moisture. This is the reason why tree roots enter through the smallest cracks making their way into the pipes. These tree roots can grow into underground pipes and sewer lines, causing major blockages and even pipe damage.
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Mineral and scale buildup:

The hard water that runs inside our drains contains high concentrations of minerals. Over a period of time, due to precipitation or scaling, these minerals get deposited or accumulate inside the drains leading to mineral and scale buildup. Hard water can lead to the accumulation of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, inside pipes, resulting in reduced water flow and eventual blockages.
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Foreign objects:

It is important to understand what can go into the drain and what can not. Educating yourself and others on this is vital. Objects like toys, toiletries, or excessive toilet paper are, at times, accidentally flushed down toilets or washed down drains. Such foreign objects can cause partial or complete blockages stopping the flow of water. This problem can further lead to backing up, overflowing or slow drainage.
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Fat, oil, and grease (FOG):

We all know that the common byproducts of cooking are fat, oil and grease, also known as FOG. When these byproducts are improperly disposed into our drainage system, it can lead to blockages. Pouring fat, oil and grease down the drain can cause them to solidify and stick to the interior of pipes. When FOG accumulates, it can thicken and trap other foreign objects forming a massive and stubborn clog.
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Structural issues:

Drain blockages can also occur due to structural problems, such as collapsed or misaligned pipes, which impede the flow of water. A CCTV drain survey will help explore the entire areas around the drainage system. With a clear view of the drainage system, any structural problems can be easily identified and acted upon.
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Sewer system issues:

In some cases, drain blockages may be caused by problems in the municipal sewer system, such as a backup or blockage in the main sewer line. The main sewer line is responsible for carrying wastewater from various households and buildings to the municipal sewer system. If a blockage occurs within the main sewer line, it can affect the drainage of multiple properties connected to it.

It’s important to note that determining the exact cause of a drain blockage often requires inspection by a professional plumber or drain specialist who can assess the situation and provide the appropriate solution.

Contact Professional Drainage Company

We at WP Drainage understand the importance of finding the root cause of any drainage issues. With our competent drain experts and state-of-the-art facilities, we can offer you long-lasting drainage solutions. Get in touch with our team today to discover more.

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