The 7 Most Common Causes of Blocked Drains in Hampshire Homes
Avoid the disruption of a blocked drain by understanding the most common culprits. From 'flushable' wipes to fat build-up, here is how to protect your pipes.
A blocked drain is a disruption no homeowner wants to deal with. While some blockages are due to structural issues out of your control, the vast majority are caused by what we put down our sinks and toilets. Understanding the most common culprits is the first step towards prevention. Here are the seven most frequent causes of blocked drains we encounter in Hampshire homes.
1. Fat, Oil, and Grease (FOG)
. This is the number one cause of kitchen sink blockages. Warm grease poured down the plughole quickly cools and solidifies in the underground pipes, adhering to the walls and building up layer by layer until the pipe is completely choked. Always wipe greasy pans with a paper towel and dispose of fats in the bin, never down the sink.
2. Wet Wipes
. Despite packaging claiming they are 'flushable', the vast majority of wet wipes do not break down in water like toilet paper. They snag on slight imperfections in the pipework and bind with fats to create massive, solid blockages known as 'fatbergs'. Only ever flush the 3 Ps: Pee, Poo, and Paper.
3. Hair
. In the bathroom, hair is the primary enemy. It binds with soap scum to form tough, dense clogs in shower and bath traps. Use an inexpensive hair catcher over the plughole and clear it regularly.
4. Soap Scum
. Traditional bar soaps leave a residue that can build up on pipe walls over time, reducing the diameter of the pipe and slowing drainage. Switching to liquid soaps can help reduce this build-up.
5. Leaves and Garden Debris
. This is a significant issue for external gullies and surface water drains, particularly in Hampshire's many mature, leafy suburbs. Autumn leaves, twigs, and moss wash into the drains during rainstorms, causing severe blockages. Regularly clearing guttering and drain covers is essential preventative maintenance.
6. Ground Movement
. As mentioned in previous articles, Hampshire's clay soils are prone to expansion and contraction, which can cause older clay pipes to shift, crack, or misalign, creating ledges where debris catches and builds up.
7. Scale Build-up
. Hampshire is largely a hard water area. Over time, limescale deposits coat the inside of the pipes, roughing the surface and providing an ideal foundation for other debris to snag and build upon.
Prevention is always better than cure. Regular mindfulness about what goes down the plughole, combined with occasional preventative maintenance like professional high-pressure jetting, will keep your drains flowing freely and prevent costly emergency callouts.
Need Help Now?
If you are dealing with a drainage emergency or need professional advice, our team is available 24/7.
Send us a message