30 June 2022
 Categories: , Blog

Are you dealing with frequent blockages in your residential drains? If so, look into your waste management and drain handling practices. How do you dispose of different waste? How do you handle your drains when there is a blockage? Misinformation on how to handle the drainage system can lead to frequent drain clogs, which can be stressful and costly to fix. Therefore, check out these misconceptions that may expose your drains to frequent blockages.

Myth: Chemicals Dissolve Stubborn Clogs

Many households use chemical drain cleaners to dissolve clogs. However, these cleaners are only good at dissolving hair clogs. They don't work for food particles, grease, fat, and massive clogs. Therefore, dumping more chemicals into the drains won't fix the problem. Instead, it could damage the pipes. The chemicals can corrode the piping material, causing it to deteriorate and leak. Non-chemical drain cleaning is the best way to unclog your drains without harming the pipes. 

Myth: Only Flushed Items Cause Blockages

Flushed items such as sanitary products and wipes are common causes of pipe blockage. However, they aren't the only cause. If your toilet drain is blocked, flushed hygiene products are likely the prime culprits. However, if you have a blocked sewer line, you need to look into other probable causes of the blockage. 

One of the most overlooked causes is tree root intrusion. When roots invade a sewer pipe, they grow inside the pipe and block it, preventing wastewater from flowing. The roots can also trap debris such as food particles and solid waste, creating a massive clog that can cause wastewater to back up into your drains. The only way to ascertain the cause of the blockage is to conduct a video inspection before attempting to unblock the drainage pipes.

Myth: Grease and Oil Don't Block Drains

Dumping cooking grease and oil down the drains is a common practice in many households. Some people even pour hot water into the drains to ensure the oils don't solidify. Unfortunately, cooking oil and fat can clog your drains, especially the sewer line. Pouring hot water into the drains may keep your p-traps clear. However, as the oil travels down the pipe and into the sewer line, it comes into contact with cold water inside the pipe and solidifies. 

The solid grease and oil cling to any existing debris inside the pipe, such as hair, food particles, and rust deposits. Over time, this creates a massive clog that slows down wastewater flow. The clog can only be dissolved using a water jetting machine. Therefore, avoid dumping cooking oils and fats into your kitchen drains. Instead, pour the oil into a sealable container and dump it in the trash.

If you are experiencing frequent drain blockages, watch out for the above misconceptions. Contact your plumber for professional drain cleaning and video inspection services.

For more information, contact a local company, like Drain Right Services.