A blockage may form and clog the drains; however, the analysis will aid in determining the possible causes. You’ll be able to decide what’s going on and the specifics of the problem it affects. If a portion of the sewer main has been blocked, the issue will likely affect the entire structure or household. Suppose something gets blocked within some of these sublines. In that case, the problem will probably get confined to a specific part or area within the system.
Below are some of the frequent sources of blocked drains:
Roots of Trees
Tree roots get commonly acknowledged as the primary source of blockages in sewer and water mains. While it’s more typical to see tree roots infiltrating older houses’ pipes, they can get into systems regardless of age. Many experts suggest that a loud gurgling sound is the first sign of tree roots invading the water line or sewer.
As living creatures, tree roots search for water. They are naturally attracted to the water of wastewater and sanitary sewer pipes, in particular, if they have cracks or another type of leak.
If you reside in an area with a forest or have many trees, you must watch for any signs of tree root intrusion. Many individuals opt for a film examination conducted every few years because the service cost is significantly less than fixing a problem that did not address.
“Flushable” Wipes
The use of flushable wipes could be an insult to the ecosystem. Certain cities and organizations responsible for wastewater treatment and management have started dissuading people from using the supposed flushable wipes.
The truth is that toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissue, lighter cardboard, and other things composed of materials get not intended to get flushed into the toilet. Plumbing systems for commercial and home users can take and treat human waste and water in addition to biodegradable toilet tissue.
Female Hygiene
The feminine hygiene products and baby diapers risk pipes in plumbing. Since they are not biodegradable, they get made of cotton and other fibers that have a tremendous capacity to block pipes and draw in other obstruction agents. They are not biodegradable and are equally dangerous to private and public systems.
The wastewater treatment has microorganisms that break down human waste. However, they don’t break down anything; pad wrappers and tampon applicators claim they are “flushable.”
Fat, Oil, and Grease
Oil, fat, and grease threaten plumbing and its components. Informing consumers about the benefits of keeping the oily substance from leaking into the sewer, where they may cause clogs and jams, is another trend that is gaining more attention. The employees of commercial establishments should receive specialized training in the things that do and don’t belong in the drain or public sewers. At the same time, those working in private settings can benefit from this information.
We think that the majority of us are more aware than pouring bacon grease in a pan into the waste disposal. However, we likely overlook other fat, oil, or petroleum products. Examples include trimmings from an animal or steak, butter, vegetable oils, chocolate, cream, and many more.
It’s easy for people to believe that water washes everything. Still, fats are highly adhesive, sticky substances that can be prone to cause buildups and eventually clogging. Bacon grease and other oils and fats may wait to cool before they solidify or congeal to make it easy to clean. Another option is to pour the grease or oil into a disposable container and then dump it in the garbage. The trash bin is a better option for disposing of fats or oil.
Hair
It’s a fact that hair is a part of our heads naturally. Hair may build up until it can cause an inefficient flow or a complete blockage. However, we can attempt to keep the drain clean in the best way possible by using small screens and a few good practices like taking hair out of bathrooms and washing hair brushes on top of the trash bin.
If you notice that hair is accumulating in the drain or hanging off it. There are a variety of drain screens to stop hair from flowing to the drain and make it easier to remove. Use needle-nose pliers, or work with tweezers long enough to remove the hair frequently, instead of leaving it to sit or go through the drain.
Pipe Scale
Due to the mineral deposits that water leaves behind, nature’s interaction with pipes results in a scale that can accumulate to clogging or obstruction. The dissolved magnesium and calcium usually cause scale deposits and occasionally other elements of metallic origin that remain behind after water flows.
The particles react with temperature, as well as continuous dry-wet conditions. The scale will begin to build up in one area and then attracts another scale until it reaches an obstruction size. The scale doesn’t just accumulate in pipework; it may be a problem for other water-using appliances, including dishes and clothes washers.
Food
Food scraps and pieces should be put in the garbage and not be thrown into the tub, sink, or laundry drains. It should never flush through the toilet. There is no way to tolerate it because that’s not what they intended to transport. Edibles can be sticky sharp, or stringy, but none of these is suitable for the water pipe.
While we’ll talk about garbage disposals in more detail in the future, be aware that certain food items are incompatible with garbage disposals. The most important thing about disposers is that they break the substance into small pieces that pass through the drainpipe without accumulation. Unfortunately, the majority of food items we consume get easily shredded.
Nature
Nature can sometimes work through sewers and water pipes, mainly when lines are separated. Dirt, leaves, sticks, or even rodents can cause blockages beneath the ground that are hard to spot. Leaves are omnipresent and effective blocking agents. It is wise to ensure your yard is free of them and avoid flushing them down the storm drain.
We’ve all seen a small plant sneaking through the minor cracks. Any gap within the plumbing pipes is a chance for plants, roots, and soil to enter and grow, resulting in obstruction.
Objets
Bar soap and other objects could break into pieces and end up in the drain. Other things should never be there, like toys for children, jewelry, condoms, dental floss, and food items. Also, nothing other than the degradable human waste, water, and toilet paper goes into the sewer.
The importance of this idea gets demonstrated by numerous publications and complete programs about “how to teach” young. Naive children and multiple funny bathroom signs remind adults to deposit the essentials.
With reasonable costs and assured service, Ottawa Plumbing Service works to meet all of your plumbing needs. Whatever your plumbing requirements are, whether an easy or complex emergency repair, you’ll be able to rely on skilled, friendly professionals. Call our trusted Ottawa plumbers at (613) 317-1682 or email us at info@ottawaplumbingservice.com.
