5 Common Causes of Blocked Drains and How to Prevent Them

Drains rarely block overnight. Understanding what is actually causing it is the first step towards keeping it from happening again.

1. Fat, Oil And Grease (FOG)

FOG is the single most common cause of kitchen waste blockages.

Prevention: Wipe greasy pans with kitchen paper. Pour cooled cooking oil into a sealed container and bin it. Run very hot water weekly. Fit a fine-mesh strainer.

2. Tree Root Ingress

The most common structural drainage fault we find in older Kent properties. Silver birch, willow and poplar are the worst offenders.

Prevention: Avoid planting water-seeking trees near drainage runs. Get a CCTV survey if you have mature trees nearby. Consider patch lining at vulnerable joints.

3. Foreign Objects And Wet Wipes

Wet wipes do not break down. They catch at every bend and form dense plugs.

Prevention: Stick to pee, poo and toilet paper. Keep a bin in every bathroom. Fit drain guards.

4. Mineral Scale Build-Up

Scale deposits build up on the inside of older pipework over years, narrowing the bore.

Prevention: Annual jetting. Mechanical descaling. In severe cases, consider relining.

5. Structural Collapse And Displaced Joints

Ground movement, heavy traffic above, decades of settlement and tree root pressure can shift joints and fracture pipework.

Prevention: Get a CCTV survey at the first sign of recurring blockages. Address minor defects with patch lining.

Call Call2Drain

If you have a blocked drain or you suspect a recurring issue is hiding a structural problem, call 01892 571 555.