Unblocking the Mystery: Comprehensive Guide to Dealing with Blocked Sewers and Drains

26 Feb

When it comes to home maintenance, dealing with blocked sewers and drains is likely far from your favorite task. Yet, it's undeniably crucial to ensure your home remains safe, hygienic, and pleasant. They can cause serious impairments to your sanitation system, and potentially pose significant health risks if left unattended. So, it's a problem that needs your prompt attention and efficient solutions.

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of how to deal with these plumbing disasters, it's instrumental that you understand why sewers and drains get blocked in the first place. It's beneficial not only for the immediate solution but also for adopting preventive measures in the future.

Understanding these causes is your first crucial step. From there, you can move to solutions. Because, while dealing with blocked sewers and drains is nothing short of a headache, the good news is that there are efficient ways to unclog and prevent them from recurring. Let's walk through them in the next section. Stay tuned!

Okay, let's dive right in. The most common root of blockages are accumulated solid materials. Think of things such as hair, food waste, toilet paper, and even grease. These substances build up over time, creating an impenetrable mass that prevents water from flowing properly. This problem is particularly prevalent in kitchen sinks and bathrooms where these items routinely end up.

Knowledge is power. The more you know why these blockages occur, the better equipped you’ll be to avoid them and to deal with those that do come up in the future efficiently.

Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG): It's a common misconception that liquid fats, oils, and grease easily pass through drains. In reality, they stick to the inner walls of the pipes, solidify over time, and steadily build a blockage.

Foreign objects: From small toys, excessive toilet paper, to even hair - any foreign object that's not meant to traverse your plumbing can lead to obstructions.
Tree Roots: They are one of nature's biggest culprits when it comes to sewer line blockages. Tree roots can penetrate your sewer line in search of water, thereby causing extensive damage.
Structural issues: Collapsed, broken or cracked pipes due to external pressures like construction works or natural deterioration can also cause blockages.

Blocked kitchen sink from fat and grease

Of course, it's not just internal factors that can cause drains to become blocked. External issues such as tree roots seeking moisture and nutrients can infiltrate sewer systems, slowly growing and expanding until they form a barrier. Additionally, broken or displaced pipes can create obstructions, causing waste to accumulate and block the flow of water.

Now the crucial question: How do you deal with them?

Well, it starts by identifying the exact location of the blockage. Sometimes it's obvious; a blocked toilet or sink is generally easy to pinpoint. However, when it comes to sewer lines, it can be much more problematic. Professionals use top-of-the-line equipment such as drain cameras to find the source of the problem. Following identification, there's a plethora of methods including drain snakes, hydro jets, and chemical cleaners to unclog your pipes.

A crucial tip to remember is prevention is always better than cure. Regular maintenance, including routine checks and flushing your drain with hot water, can help reduce the chance of blockages. It’s also wise to be mindful about what you wash down your drain—a simple act that can greatly reduce the risk of blockages.

It might seem like a lot to take in now, but with clear understanding, the right tools, and a proactive approach, you can prevent blocked sewers and drains from becoming a recurring problem in your home. So, keep learning, keep growing, and be your own master plumber!

If you suspect you may have a blocked sewer, don’t ignore it. Contact our friendly team today!