Drains, as unglamorous as they may be, play a vital role in our homes and businesses, removing waste water and keeping our properties sanitary and dry. However, when something goes wrong with the drainage system, such as blockage, it can hit right at the heart of our day-to-day life, causing inconvenience and potentially damage and health issues. It’s a universal problem, and residents in Southampton are not exempt. So let’s dive into exploring the main causes of blocked drains in Southampton.
One of the primary causes of blocked drains is the dumping of inappropriate objects. Whilst it may seem convenient to discard items such as baby wipes, sanitary products, cotton balls or paper towels down the toilet, they don’t break down in the same way as toilet paper and can cause severe blockage. Similarly, in kitchens, people often pour oils or fats down the sink which solidify when cooled, leading to profound blockages.
Secondly, nature can also be an offender when it comes to blocked drains. Trees, in their search for water sources, can extend their roots into piping systems causing blockages. Even leaves and dirt, especially during autumn and after heavy rainfall, can pile up in outside drains leading to blockages. Southampton, being rich in greenery and experiencing its share of inclement English weather, can indeed fall prey to such natural causes of drain blockages.
Thirdly, structural issues due to aging infrastructure or poor construction can lead to blocked drainage. Old pipes may crack or get disjointed, creating an easy space for blockage. These structural damages can occur as a result of ground movement, poor installation or simple aging. Older homes or buildings in Southampton, with their antique charm and history, may unfortunately come with archaic plumbing systems that are more susceptible to blockage.
Moreover, heavy rainfall and extreme weather conditions can often lead to blockages. Known for its maritime climate with significant rainfall throughout the year, Southampton is not immune to this factor. When excessive water saturates the ground, it makes it difficult for water to drain away, causing blocked drains and sometimes even flooding.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that sometimes the blockage can be down to hair and soap buildup. This mainly affects bathroom drains, where the combination of hair and soap scum can accumulate over time creating a sticky mass that eventually gets stuck in the pipes and causes obstruction.
So, how can the residents of Southampton prevent these problems? First and foremost, it’s essential to discard waste responsibly. Avoid flushing any item that’s not toilet paper, and refrain from pouring oils or fats dowthe the sink. Regular cleaning and maintaining of drains can prevent buildup of surface debris. If you live in an older home, it may be worth investing in a pipe inspection to assess the condition and prevent potential blockage problems.
Moreover, residents need to be aware of the potential impact of trees near properties and ensure regular pruning to maintain the health blocked drains southampton of the tree and to prevent roots from damaging piping systems. And of course, even though we can’t control the weather, being prepared for heavy rainfall and investing in adequate drainage systems to handle such downpours is prudent.
In conclusion, the primary causes of blocked drains in Southampton range from inappropriate waste disposal, natural factors like tree roots and leaves, structural issues due to aging infrastructure, extreme weather conditions, and buildup of hair and soap. Awareness of these issues and preventative maintenance can go a long way towards minimising the problem. However, if drain blockages do occur, rely on professional drain cleaning services to effectively identify and resolve the issue.