If you've ever had a blocked drain, then you'll know exactly how annoying it can be. The thought of an un-flushed toilet in your home is enough to send shivers down the spine and cause a lot of stress. But what causes drains to get clogged up to begin with?

In this article, we will go over the most common causes of blocked drains so that you’ll know what to look out for if you experience this issue in your home.

Causes of Blocked Drains

There are many things that can cause your drains to become clogged and blocked up. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of blocked drains so that you can try your best to avoid these sorts of blockages in the future.

Tree Roots

Tree roots can be a major cause of blocked drains. These roots can grow into and around pipes, restricting the flow of water through them and causing the pipes to become blocked. Tree roots are particularly common in areas with older trees that have been around for many years.

Toiletries

Toiletries such as tampons, sanitary pads and cotton buds can all cause blockages in drains if they are flushed down the toilet by accident. This is because toilets do not have filters on them like washing machines do, so these items will go straight through your pipes and into your drainage system, where they will quickly build up into a blockage.

Foreign Objects

Foreign objects such as hairbrushes, toys, or food waste can all cause blockages in drains if they are flushed down the toilet by accident or dropped down sinks or bathtubs while doing laundry or cleaning around your home.

Cooking Oil

Cooking oil is one of the most common culprits behind blocked drains. If you don't properly dispose of your cooking oil in the sink, it can begin to solidify and build up on the walls of your drain pipes. This will cause a blockage over time.

Food Scraps

Food scraps, especially those that contain fat or grease, are another common cause of blocked drains. When food scraps enter the drain pipes, they can cause significant clogs if left to fester for too long.

Mineral Build Up

Mineral build-up from water softeners or other products can also lead to blocked drains. When minerals build up in your pipes, they can cause them to become clogged over time due to their abrasive nature.

Soap

Soap is commonly used in the kitchen to wash dishes and other food-related items. But when this soap gets down your sink drain, it can form a hard, long-lasting blockage. This can happen if you use too much soap or don’t rinse it away completely after using it.

Hair

Hair is another common cause of blocked drains. Hair naturally attracts oil and grease, which can build up over time in your drain and eventually cause a blockage. It’s best to keep hair out of your bathroom drains by using a strainer over your sink or shower drain.

Natural Debris

Natural debris like leaves and even insects can cause blocked drains by blocking the path of water through them and causing flooding in your home. To prevent this from happening, regularly clean out any debris from around your drains before they become a problem!

Cat Litter

Most cat litter is made from clay, which is a great absorbent, but also blocks drains with ease. This can cause your toilet to overflow and flood, which is not only messy but can cause serious damage to your home.

Conclusion

If you have a blocked drain, then you may be able to unclog it yourself, but in most cases, you will need professional help. Sometimes a plunger will do the trick, but more often than not high pressure water jets are used to clear blocked pipes. It’s best not to take any chances; if you have a blocked drain, be sure to contact a professional plumbing service right away.