Blocked Drains: Common Causes, How to Prevent Them, and What to Do

Blocked drains are a common plumbing issue that many of us encounter at some point. While they might seem like a minor inconvenience, if left untreated, they can lead to more serious problems like unpleasant odours, slow drainage, and even severe water damage. Understanding the causes of blocked drains, how to prevent them, and what to do when they happen can save you time, money, and stress.

Here’s everything you need to know about blocked drains, especially for UK homes.

Common Causes of Blocked Drains

There are a variety of reasons why your drains might become blocked. Some are more common than others, but all can lead to frustrating plumbing problems.

1. Hair Buildup Hair is one of the most common culprits when it comes to blocked bathroom drains, especially in the shower and bath. Over time, hair can accumulate in the pipes, eventually leading to a blockage.

   How to Prevent It:

   • Install a drain guard or hair catcher in your shower or bath to catch hair before it enters the drain.

   • Regularly clean the drain to remove any trapped hair before it forms a significant clog.

2. Food Scraps in the Kitchen Sink The kitchen sink often becomes blocked due to food scraps, grease, and oils being poured down the drain. These substances can solidify, causing a buildup that slows drainage or leads to a full blockage.

   How to Prevent It:

   • Avoid pouring grease, oils, and food scraps down the sink. Instead, scrape food waste into the bin.

   • Use a sink strainer to catch any remaining food particles that might slip through.

   • Run hot water after each use to help prevent grease from solidifying in the pipes.

3. Wipes and Hygiene Products Although wet wipes, nappies, and sanitary products may say they are flushable, they often aren’t. These items do not break down in water, and when flushed down the toilet, they can cause blockages in both your home plumbing and the wider sewer system.

   How to Prevent It:

   • Never flush wipes, nappies, sanitary towels, or cotton wool down the toilet. Always dispose of them in the bin.

   • Educate your family or household members on the importance of proper waste disposal.

4. Tree Roots Tree roots can cause serious drainage problems, especially if you have large trees near your property. As roots grow, they can invade and break into the drainage pipes, causing blockages that are harder to fix.

   How to Prevent It:

   • If you have trees near your property, ensure your drainage pipes are installed deep enough to avoid root penetration.

   • Consider root barriers or treatments that can prevent roots from damaging your pipes.

5. Soap Scum and Limescale Buildup In the UK, where hard water is common, soap scum and limescale can build up in your pipes, particularly in the bathroom. Over time, these deposits restrict water flow, leading to slow drainage and eventual blockages.

   How to Prevent It:

   • Use descaling products or a limescale remover regularly to reduce buildup.

   • Install a water softener to help prevent limescale from forming in the first place.

What to Do When Your Drain Is Blocked

If you encounter a blocked drain, there are several steps you can take before calling in a professional plumber. Here are some methods to try:

1. Boiling Water For kitchen sinks blocked by grease or soap scum, pouring boiling water down the drain can often break down the substances causing the blockage. It’s a simple, quick fix to try first.

   How to Do It:

   • Boil a kettle of water and carefully pour it down the drain in stages.

   • Wait a few minutes between pours to see if the blockage starts to clear.

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar Baking soda and vinegar create a chemical reaction that can help break down organic material causing a blockage. This is a natural and effective way to clear minor clogs.

   How to Do It:

   • Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain.

   • Follow with half a cup of vinegar.

   • Cover the drain with a plug or cloth to trap the reaction inside the pipe.

   • Wait for 15-30 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water.

3. Plunger A plunger is a useful tool to clear minor blockages, especially in sinks, toilets, or showers. The suction created can loosen the debris blocking the pipes.

   How to Do It:

   • Place the plunger over the drain opening and create a seal.

   • Push down firmly, then pull up quickly. Repeat this several times.

   • Check if the water starts draining.

4. Plumbing Snake or Drain Auger If the blockage persists, a plumbing snake (or drain auger) can help clear more stubborn clogs deeper in the pipes. These tools are designed to physically break through blockages.

   How to Do It:

   • Insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle to push the coil further into the pipe.

   • Once you feel resistance, rotate the snake to break through the clog, then pull it back out.

5. Call a Professional If you’ve tried the above methods and the drain is still blocked, or if you suspect a more serious issue like tree root invasion, it’s time to call a professional plumber. They have the tools and experience to quickly identify the problem and provide an effective solution, whether it’s clearing a deep clog or repairing damaged pipes.

Preventing Blocked Drains in the Future

The best way to deal with blocked drains is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some preventative tips:

• Regularly Clean Drains: Clean your drains every few months to remove any buildup before it becomes a bigger problem.

• Install Drain Guards: Place guards or strainers in your sinks, baths, and showers to catch hair, food particles, and debris before they enter the drain.

• Use a Plunger: Keep a plunger handy and use it occasionally to ensure your drains are flowing freely.

• Schedule Regular Inspections: Have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing every few years to identify potential issues before they become serious problems.

Conclusion

Blocked drains can be a frustrating and unpleasant problem, but with proper care and attention, you can reduce the risk of clogs and handle minor blockages yourself. Regular maintenance, smart disposal habits, and a bit of preventative work can keep your drainage system running smoothly. And when you do encounter a problem that’s beyond your DIY skills, don't hesitate to contact a professional plumber.

At Burns Heating, we’re always here to help with your plumbing needs. If you're dealing with blocked drains or any other plumbing issue, give us a call – we’ve got the expertise to get things flowing again.