Most homeowners have had problems with their drains at some point. It could be that the water in the kitchen sink does not drain, or that water pools when they are having a shower. This is a frustrating issue that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent the problem from getting worse. But what causes drainage problems in a home, and how do you fix them?
Table of Contents
Blocked Kitchen Sink
Blockages are the most common causes of drainage problems. In a kitchen sink, blockages usually occur because of food or grease that has built up. Many people will pour oil or grease directly down their sink, assuming that it will be washed away. Even if you use hot water to flush it down the sink, it can solidify further down the drainage system as the water cools, and this can then lead to a blockage and subsequent drainage problems. Oil and grease should always be allowed to cool and then be disposed of in a container. Some people will keep an old plastic bottle that they fill up with grease and oil before then disposing of it with their household trash.
Blockages in the Bathroom
In the bathroom blocked drains are quite common, and it is not just the shower or bathtub that can become blocked. Sometimes the toilet can fill up with water when it is flushed because of a blockage further down in the system. A buildup of soap scum, hair, and dead skin can lead to blockages in shower trays and bathtubs, which can then prevent the water from draining properly. Blockages in toilets are often caused when items not suitable for flushing, such as toilet wipes or paper towel, are placed in the toilet.
Exterior Drainage Issues
Drainage problems can occur outside the home too. According to the folk at Global Gutter Systems, twigs, leaves, and other debris can affect the performance of a home’s drainage gutter system, whether that is within the gutters themselves or in the drain at the bottom of the downspout.
How to Deal with Drainage Problems
How you rectify a drainage issue depends on the type of blockage that you are dealing with. If it is a blockage in the kitchen or bathroom, you may be able to unblock it with a powerful drain un blocker or you can use some common kitchen ingredients such as a mix of baking soda and vinegar. A plunger can be helpful to clear standing water in the sink before you attempt to address the blockage.
If your toilet is blocked then you may be able to clear the blockage with a plunger, but if the issue does not resolve with this method you will have to call in a professional drainage team who can access the pipes.
If the blockage is in your gutter system, you will need to clear it of all dirt and debris to ensure that it works effectively again. If you are comfortable on a ladder, you can check the gutter system yourself to remove any items that are causing the blockage. Make sure to use protective gear and have someone else hold the ladder to keep it secure. If the blockage is in the drains, these can also be cleared by hand, but be sure to wear protective gloves.
Conclusion
Blocked drains are common in a home, and there are many causes. To prevent blockages, it is important to avoid pouring grease and oil down the kitchen sink and to regularly clean your drains with drain un blocker. Avoid flushing unsuitable items down the toilet, and make sure you check gutter systems frequently to clear them of dirt and debris.
For more informative articles, check out the rest of our site!