Common Causes of Blocked Drains and How to Unblock Them

Clogged drains are something that every homeowner has to go through at some point, and most of the time they aren’t very pleasant to deal with. Not only is it a huge inconvenience to have blocked drains in Liverpool, but it can also bring some disgusting side effects that create a problem for everyone who lives there. Whether it is a blocked shower, an overflowing toilet, or backed-up outside drains, understanding the signs of a blocked drain and exactly how the issues are caused can be an opportunity how to prevent it from happening in the future.

Signs of a blocked drain

As we all know, a blocked drain, Liverpool, can cause both stress and unexpected and hefty bills if they aren’t treated quickly enough. There are some early warning signs that you can keep an eye out for, and if spotted early enough you can help to prevent further damage to your pipes, drains, and general living areas.

Unpleasant, lingering smells

If you have a blocked drain, you will probably notice some nasty smells lingering that you can’t seem to get rid of – no matter how hard you try. As food and other waste slowly starts to decompose in your drains surrounding the blockage, it creates a terrible smell that will often get worse if you try to use the hot water.

Raised water levels

If you notice that your toilet water rises higher than normal when you flush it, chances are you have a toilet blockage. This can continue to get worse the longer you leave it, and can even get to the point of overflowing when you flush – which no one wants to deal with!

Slow drainage

If there is something blocking your drain, you may notice that the water won’t drain as quickly as normal. The water has to filter around or through the blockage which creates a sluggish flow. Even worse, you could get standing water where it cannot drain from your sink or bath tub at all.

Gurgling noises

If you hear any gurgling noises coming from your drains or plug holes, this indicates that you have a blockage deep in your pipes. The gurgling noises appear when water cannot get round a blockage and causes trapped air in the drain.

Common causes of a blocked drain and how to fix them

So, you’ve noticed that you have a blockage – but why has it appeared and what can you do to fix it? We’ve put together some of the top causes of blocked drains, Liverpool, and our advice on how to get it sorted before calling the professionals.

1. Grease and fat build up

Fatty substances sticking to the inside of your pipes is one of the top causes of clogged drains, and it is something that we all do without thinking about. Any grease or fatty waste that is washed down the sink will eventually stick to the inside of the pipes and eventually build up to a point of a clog that won’t let water pass through it.

How to fix it – you need to avoid washing these fatty substances down the drain as much as possible. It is a good idea to keep a leftover container at the side of your sink to pour oils into before you wash up. Once it is full, you can discard it with your rubbish as normal and keep your pipes clean and flowing smoothly.

2. Build-up of hair

Hair being washed down the plug hole when you are having a shower or getting ready over the sink is a common cause of a blocked drain. Sometimes it is easy to reach in and pull out the hair before it travels any further, but if it is not cleared up straight away it can cause a lot of issues down the line.

How to fix it – small amounts of hair can be pulled out (using gloves!) to stop the clogs travelling further into your pipes and creating a clog you will struggle to remove. Drain cleaning implements like drain spiders and hair catchers can also be used if the hair is just out of reach. Try to avoid using chemical cleaners as this can make the problem worse, and try to avoid pushing the hair further into the plug hole!

3. Plants and Dirt

In Spring and Autumn, you may notice that natural debris starts to cause issues for your drains. Trees, dirt, leaves, and shrubs can all get stuck in your drains. While it is important to regularly maintain your garden to keep it looking nice, it is also important to help you avoid blocked drains. Sometimes, the blockage can happen underground where you can’t see it, and tree roots have a habit of growing towards the nearest water source and they will head directly to your pipes.

How to fix it – To help prevent leaves and dirt from blocking your drains, you will need to keep your outdoor area clean and free from fallen leaves and debris. If you leave them sitting there for long enough, the wind and rain will eventually wash them towards your drains. It is also important to keep your trees thoroughly watered so they will be less drawn to your drains. If they do start to grow towards your pipes, they can cause severe damage and even crack your pipes.

4. Foreign Objects

No matter how hard you try, there are a lot of things that will end up being flushed down your toilet or washed down the plug hole that shouldn’t be there. From makeup wipes and sanitary products, to children’s toys and soap, if you don’t keep an eye out these can lead to a serious blockage that is hard to remove. Even flushing too much toilet paperaway can block your pipes, and whilst it might be unintentional or an accident, these are the clogs that can be the most difficult to get rid of.

How to fix it – Keep an eye on young children who might flush objects down the toilet, and ensure that you dispose of wipes and sanitary products properly rather than flushing them away. It is handy to keep a small bin next to the toilet, and you will be amazed at how quickly it will fill up – all of which could have been clogging the inside of your pipes.

Sometimes, clogs do happen despite using these methods to prevent them. If you do find that you have a blocked drain that won’t seem to budge, then it is time to call our expert blocked drain company.

Our drainage engineer will be able to diagnose the issues quickly and offer an effective solution that won’t break the bank. Here at Mersey Rod, we have years of knowledge and experience in helping you to get your drains free flowing again, and our aim is to get you back up and running as quickly as possible. It is important that you don’t ignore these signs, as it could lead to a plumbing emergency which can be a lot more costly and stressful. If you think that you have a blocked drain, or you need some advice, then call our friendly team today for more information.