Understanding and dealing with blocked drains may be a common occurrence for homeowners in Oxford, but knowing what causes these blockages can help prevent the frustrating disruption they cause. As the old adage goes, “Prevention is better than cure”; understanding the common causes of blocked drains can allow homeowners to anticipate problems and handle them prudently.
Drains, notably in densely populated areas like Oxford, can get blocked due to various reasons ranging from common day-to-day activities to unavoidable natural occurrences. Here are some of the common causes of blocked drains in Oxford:
1. Hair and Soap- Local plumbers in Oxford confirm that one of the major causes of drain blockages in most homes is the accumulation of hair and soap debris in the pipes. As hair falls out in the shower, it may not seem like much, but over time, it can form a mass, especially when combined with soap, and cause serious blockages.
2. Grease and Fat- These blocked drains oxford are notorious for blocking drains in any part of the world, not just Oxford. Frequently, food preparations and cleanups that involve fats, grease, or oils pose the risk of clogging up your drains. Once they cool and solidify, they stick to the inner walls of the pipes, narrowing down the passage over time until it is eventually blocked.
3. Foreign Objects- Items that don’t belong in the drain, such as toys, diapers, nappies, sanitary products, wipes, and even the occasional piece of jewelry or loose change, are also common causes of drain blockage in Oxford. Remember, your toilet and drains are not trash cans.
4. Tree Roots- Tree roots can be a particularly problematic cause of blocked drains, especially in older properties. The roots seek out water, and thus infiltrate the pipelines causing leaks and blockages. For houses surrounded by large trees, this is something that needs vigilant prevention or even potentially professional treatment.
5. Heavy Rain and Storms- In a city like Oxford, where the annual rainfall is significant, weather-related drainage issues can be quite common. Severe weather conditions may lead to an overflow of drains, especially when the local sewer system cannot handle large volumes of water simultaneously.
Preventing Blocked Drains
Now that you are aware of the common causes of blocked drains, it’s time to discuss possible preventative measures. Be mindful of what goes down your sink, shower, and toilet drains. Regularly clean and maintain your drains to eliminate small blockages before they become significant issues. Also, clean out leaves and other debris from your guttering system to prevent them from being swept into your drains during heavy rains.
For older properties with large trees, you might need to seek professional help to check your pipeline for possible root infiltration. You might need to do this periodically as roots can regrow over time.
Finally, be aware that some blockage issues might require professional intervention. Certain types of blockages, especially those caused by storms and tree roots, might necessitate the skills and tools only the professionals have. No matter what the cause, all blocked drains must be fixed promptly to prevent serious damages. There are many professional drainage services in Oxford ready to help when needed.