What causes sewer blockages?

Sewer blockages are a frustrating and messy problem that many of us have encountered. You flush but instead of the water running down, it starts to rise. But what causes these problems and can you do anything to prevent them? Here we have gathered 5 of the most common reasons why drains get blocked.

Hair down the drain

One of the most common causes of sewer blockages is the accumulation of hair. Every time you wash your hair in the shower or comb your hair in front of the sink, there is a risk that hairs will end up in the drain. Over time, the hairs get tangled and form a clump, causing a blockage in the drain. This is easy to avoid though. By regularly clearing the drain, you can avoid unpleasant blockages. Installing a hair trap also makes it easier for you to keep your drains clean.

Food waste 

Never pour food waste or grease down the drain. When fat goes down the drain, it solidifies and over time can form a thick coating on the inside of the pipe, blocking the flow of water. Scrape plates thoroughly and do not pour fat or coffee grounds down the drain to reduce the risk of blockages. Regularly pouring boiling hot water down the drain can prevent blockages in the pipes. Hot water dissolves grease and can thus help prevent blockages in the pipes.

The roots of the trees

Tree roots can be a cause of sewer blockages. Roots naturally seek out water sources and, over time, they can enter sewer pipes through small cracks and holes. As the roots grow, they can completely block the pipes, preventing the flow of water. If you suspect a blockage due to roots, it's worth contacting a professional plumber to film the pipes. 

Structural problems

Sometimes it is structural problems that cause blockages in the sewer system. Damage to the inside of the pipes, incorrectly executed installations or the slope of the pipes can cause blockages. In these cases, it can be difficult to diagnose and solve the problem yourself. Hire a plumber to investigate and fix the problem.

Foreign material in the toilet

Don't flush things down the toilet that don't belong there. Although some products may be marketed as 'biodegradable', they are not always suitable for flushing down the drain. Toilet paper is designed to break down in water, while hygiene products such as cotton buds and wet wipes are not. These products can get stuck in the pipes and cause serious blockages.

To summarize: sewer blockages are a common problem, but there are ways to prevent and solve them. By avoiding flushing hair, food scraps, hygiene products and grease down the drain, and by being aware of any structural problems and roots, you can minimize the risk of blockages. Remember that regular maintenance and cleaning of the sewer system can help keep it free of blockages and in good condition.

A few home tips you can try

If the drain is blocked, you can try pouring boiling water down the drain as a first aid. You can also try pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain. The pipes will start to sizzle, which is perfectly normal and nothing to be afraid of. Leave it for a while and then pour boiling water down the drain.