Drains are essential for keeping water flowing efficiently in our homes, but many everyday items can cause blockages if disposed of incorrectly. These blockages not only lead to inconvenient plumbing issues but can also result in costly repairs.
Understanding which items pose a risk to your drains is the first step in avoiding problems and ensuring your plumbing remains in good working order.
Don’t flush personal care products
Bathroom drains are a hotspot for blockages. Items such as wet wipes, cotton balls, and sanitary products are not designed to break down in water and can cause significant clogs if flushed. Even so-called ‘flushable’ wipes can lead to issues when they combine with grease and soap scum in pipes. Hair is another common culprit, particularly in the shower and bathtub drains, where it tangles with other debris to form large blockages.
Proper disposal of these items in the bin is essential to maintain clear drains. Installing drain covers can also help catch hair and other debris before it causes problems.
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Hidden hazards around the home
Blockages are not limited to kitchens and bathrooms. Soap scum, construction debris, and even tree roots can infiltrate your drainage system. Other materials such as paint and varnish can harden inside pipes, creating serious obstructions.
Kitchen culprits
Many kitchen items are notorious for causing blockages in drains; for example, cooking oils and fats solidify as they cool, clinging to pipe walls and narrowing water passageways. Similarly, starchy foods such as rice, pasta, and bread expand when exposed to water, making them difficult for pipes to handle.
Even seemingly harmless substances such as eggshells and coffee grounds can accumulate over time, creating stubborn clogs. It is also crucial to scrape food scraps into the bin and dispose of oils and fats in a sealed container.
From kitchen waste and cooking oils to personal care products and household debris, being mindful of what goes down your drains can help prevent future blockages.