Blocked drains are a persistent problem that many residents and businesses in Bournemouth face. They can result in unpleasant odours, unrestrained flooding, and, at times, significant damage to the pipework. This study explores the most common reasons behind these problematic blockages.
1. Hair and Skin Shed: Probably the most common culprits behind blocked pipes are hair and skin flakes. In bathrooms and shower rooms, hair often combines with grease and other sticky substances, ultimately creating an obstruction in the drainage pipe. This may lead to slow drainage and eventually result in a complete blockage. Skin flakes that wash off during a bath or shower also add volume to these blockages.
2. Fat, Grease, and Oil: Kitchens are another common area where drain blockages occur. One of the main offenders is the fat, grease, and oil that wash down the sink. When these substances cool down, they solidify, sticking to the sides of the pipes. Over time, these deposits build up, inhibiting the water flow and potentially causing an entire blockage.
3. Food Waste and Coffee Grounds: Food residues and coffee grounds are other elements frequently flushed down the kitchen sink that cause blockages. They may seem harmless due to their small size, but they often stick to any grease, solidifying over time to create stubborn blockages.
4. Toiletries and Hygiene Products: Flushing toiletries and hygiene products down the toilet is a common practice in many households. However, products like baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton buds, and diapers don’t break down in water. These items can accumulate in the drain pipes, leading to severe blockages.
5. Tree Roots: This may seem more unusual, but tree and plant roots can also cause blocked drains. Roots can grow into pipes, searching for water sources, eventually causing damage and blockage to the drain system.
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6. Mineral Buildup: Areas with hard water can experience blocked drains due to mineral buildup. Minerals dissolved in hard water can solidify and create insoluble masses that eventually block your drains. Using a water softener can help to mitigate this problem.
7. Foreign Objects: Accidental flushing or disposing of foreign objects such as toys, jewellery, or even small utensils can result in a blocked drain. These objects get lodged in pipes and cause an obstructive barrier, blocking the flow of water.
Keeping these common causes in mind can help to prevent blocked drains in Bournemouth. Regular drain cleaning and maintenance can significantly reduce the likelihood of blockages. It’s also essential to educate everyone in the household about what can and cannot be disposed of in toilets, sinks, and shower drains.
In cases where a blockage does occur, professional drain clearing services should be enlisted immediately to avoid further complications, including flooding or permanent damage to pipes. Knowledge, awareness and established routines can make all the difference in maintaining free-flowing drains in Bournemouth.
The primary objective of this study is to increase awareness about the common causes behind blocked drains, enhancing the well-being and hygiene of residents in Bournemouth.
Understanding the nature and potential causes of blocked drains is paramount. While some blockages can be easily cleared, others might require professional intervention. It’s always better to take preventive measures instead of dealing with severe consequences later on. Bournemouth’s drainage systems would run a lot more smoothly if we all adhered to these guidelines.