Located in the leafy green expanse of Surrey, Leatherhead is a quaint town filled with picturesque homes. However, as charming as these properties are, they, like any other residences, are not immune from the occasional domestic hiccup such as blocked drains. Understanding the reasons behind blocked drains and how to avoid them can save you from a real plumbing nightmare. Here are the top causes of blocked drains in Leatherhead and some insight on how you can prevent these issues.
1. Hair: Hair is a common culprit. When we bathe or wash our hair, loose strands flow down the drain, gradually blocked drains leatherhead accumulating over time and causing a blockage. Solutions include using guards or catchers over your drains, regularly cleaning them, or investing in products designed to break down hair within pipes.
2. Grease and Fat: As water-soluble substances, fats and grease might seem harmless. However, once they cool down, they solidify and adhere to the inside of pipes, causing significant blockages over time. To avoid this, avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down your drain. Instead, collect them in a container and dispose of them with your solid waste.
3. Soaps: Traditional fat-based soaps can combine with minerals in water to create soap scum, another common cause of blocked drains. This problem is more prevalent in areas with ‘hard water’, including Leatherhead, which is higher in minerals. This can be avoided by using soap-free washes or by installing a water softener.
4. Plants and Dirt: Outdoor drains can be blocked by leaves, tree roots, and garden debris. Regularly clear your garden, especially in autumn when leaf fall is at its peak. Installing leaf guards can also be a helpful preventative measure.
5. Foreign Items: Accidents happen. Small toys, toiletry items, or other foreign objects may end up in your drains, causing severe blockages. Education is the best prevention here: ensure all members of the household understand what can and cannot be thrown down the drain.
6. Toilet Paper Build Up: Too much toilet paper can clog pipes and prevent normal water flow. To avoid this, try not to use excessive amounts of toilet paper, and don’t flush anything that isn’t degradable such as wipes or sanitary products.
7. Poor Water Flow: If water isn’t draining as fast as it should, it could be due to poor pipe installation, inadequate grading, or even a pipe collapse. It’s best to call in a professional to evaluate possible damage and make necessary pipe repairs.
To prevent blocked drains in Leatherhead, regular maintenance is crucial. This might include routine check-ups, preventative clog measures like strainers or guards, and quality repairs from trusted professionals when required.
Remember, understanding the causes of blocked drains and knowing how to prevent them can save you from significant inconvenience, and hefty repair costs. But if your efforts fail and you’re dealing with persistent blockages, don’t hesitate to call a professional. In Leatherhead, there are many experienced companies that deal explicitly with blocked drains and can efficiently rectify your issues, ensuring you and your household can return to normality.