Common Causes of Blocked Drains and How to Prevent Them

Blocked drains are one of the most frustrating household problems. Understanding what causes blockages and how to prevent them can save you time, money, and the inconvenience of emergency callouts.

The Main Culprits Behind Blocked Drains

Fat, Oil and Grease (FOG)

The number one cause of domestic drain blockages. Many people don't realise that:

Liquid fats solidify as they cool in your pipes
Even small amounts accumulate over time
Washing-up liquid doesn't prevent fat build-up
FOG combines with other debris to create solid blockages
"Fatbergs" can form in main sewers, affecting entire streets

Prevention: Never pour cooking oil, fat, or grease down the sink. Allow it to cool and dispose of it in your general waste bin.

Hair Accumulation

Hair is a major problem in bathroom drains, particularly in showers and baths:

Combines with soap scum to form dense clumps
Wraps around pipe interiors reducing diameter
Traps other debris creating compound blockages
Slow to decompose naturally

Prevention: Use drain guards or hair catchers in all bathroom drains. Clean them regularly and dispose of collected hair in the bin.

Soap and Toiletry Build-up

Traditional bar soaps contain fats that bond with minerals in water:

Creates soap scum deposits on pipe walls
Combines with hair and dirt
Particularly problematic in hard water areas
Shampoos and conditioners contribute to residue

Prevention: Switch to soap-free washes where possible. Flush drains weekly with hot water to help prevent build-up.

Foreign Objects and Sanitary Products

Items that should never enter your drainage system include:

Wet wipes (even those labelled "flushable")
Cotton buds and cotton wool
Sanitary towels and tampons
Nappies and baby wipes
Condoms
Dental floss
Contact lenses
Cigarette butts

Prevention: Install bins in all bathrooms. Only flush the three P's: pee, poo, and paper (toilet paper).

Food Waste

Kitchen sinks aren't designed to handle food debris:

Coffee grounds clump together
Eggshells create abrasive sediment
Rice and pasta expand when wet
Fruit and vegetable peelings don't break down
Tea leaves accumulate over time

Prevention: Use sink strainers to catch food particles. Scrape plates into the bin before washing. Consider composting suitable food waste.

Tree Root Ingress

A growing problem in Liverpool's older properties:

Roots seek out moisture in drainage pipes
Enter through tiny cracks or joints
Rapidly expand once inside pipes
Can cause complete pipe collapse
Particularly affects clay and ceramic pipes

Prevention: Be mindful when planting trees near drainage runs. Schedule regular CCTV surveys if you have mature trees on your property.

Collapsed or Damaged Pipes

Structural problems cause blockages and worsen over time:

Age-related deterioration
Ground movement and subsidence
Heavy traffic over pipes
Poor installation or repairs
Freeze-thaw damage in winter

Prevention: Regular professional inspections can identify problems before they become emergencies.

Signs Your Drain is Becoming Blocked

Early intervention prevents complete blockages. Watch for:

Slow drainage: Water taking longer to clear from sinks, baths, or showers
Gurgling sounds: Air trapped by partial blockages
Bad smells: Decomposing matter or stagnant water
Water backing up: Appearing in unexpected places when using other fixtures
Raised water levels: Toilets filling higher than normal
Multiple affected fixtures: Several drains showing symptoms simultaneously

DIY Prevention: Simple Maintenance Tips

Protect your drains with these regular practices:

Weekly:

Pour boiling water down kitchen and bathroom drains
Clean visible drain covers and remove debris
Check under sinks for leaks

Monthly:

Use a natural drain cleaner (bicarbonate of soda and vinegar)
Clean drain guards and hair catchers thoroughly
Inspect external drains and gullies

Quarterly:

Check outdoor drainage grates are clear
Trim vegetation near drainage access points
Flush little-used drains with water

When to Call a Professional

Some situations require expert intervention:

Recurring blockages: The same drain blocking repeatedly
Multiple drains affected: Suggests a main drain problem
Complete blockage: Water not draining at all
Foul water backing up: Sewage appearing in your property
Visible damage: Cracks, leaks, or collapsed access points
Bad odors persisting: Even after cleaning
Preventive surveys: Before property purchase or construction work

Professional Solutions We Provide

Our expert team offers comprehensive drainage services:

High-Pressure Jetting: Industrial-strength water jets clear stubborn blockages, including FOG build-up and root intrusion.

Electro-Mechanical Cleaning: Specialised equipment for tough blockages that jetting alone can't resolve.

CCTV Drain Surveys: Identify the exact cause and location of problems without excavation.

Root Removal: Professional cutting equipment for tree root problems, with advice on preventing recurrence.

Drain Repairs: From relining to full replacement of damaged sections.

Preventive Maintenance: Regular service contracts to keep your drains flowing freely.

The Cost of Ignoring Blocked Drains

Delaying professional help often leads to:

More expensive emergency callouts
Extensive water damage to your property
Health hazards from sewage exposure
Damage to neighbouring properties
Insurance claim complications
Structural damage to foundations

Liverpool's Specific Drainage Challenges

Liverpool properties face unique issues:

Victorian-era drainage systems with ageing pipes
Clay soil causing ground movement
Hard water contributing to scale and soap scum
Mature trees in established neighbourhoods
Combined sewer systems prone to overload

Our local knowledge means we understand these challenges and provide solutions tailored to Liverpool properties.

Keep your drains flowing freely. Call Aquaspeed Liverpool on 0800 019 0073 for professional drain clearance, or to book a preventive maintenance visit. Available 24/7 for emergencies.

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