One of the distressing residential problems encountered by homeowners in Havant, a beautiful town in the southeast of Hampshire, is drain blockages. Blocked drains can cause severe disruption to daily life, leading to sludgy water, foul stench, and potent health risks. This article explores the leading causes of drain blockages in Havant and seeks to provide an understanding that could help prevent future occurrences.
Main Causes of Drain Blockages in Havant
1. Fat, Oil, and Grease
One of the most common causes of drain blockage in Havant is the accumulation of fat, oil, and grease – often referred to as FOG. Many households pour leftover cooking oil or fats down the sink, a habit that unfortunately, causes blockages. When FOG cools and solidifies, it can harden onto the sides of the pipes leading away from the property, reducing the diameter of the pipe and impeding the flow of the water.
2. Hair and Soap Scum
Many might not realise this, but hair combined with soap scum makes for a formidable blockage substance. It is another typical cause of blocked drains, particularly in bathroom sinks, bathtubs and showers. The residue from soap combines with the hair to create an almost solid material that can be tough to dislodge.
3. Invasive Tree Roots
In a scenic coastal town like Havant with numerous green spaces, trees can often be a troublesome contributor. Tree roots in search of water can infiltrate pipe walls, creating blockages that prevent a proper flow of water. Over time, these tree roots can cause serious damage to the lines, making the blockage even worse.
4. Built-up Debris and Foreign Objects
Debris like leaves, dirt and silt can build up in outdoor drains, causing a blockage. In indoor drains, things like food waste, wipes, nappies, sanitary products, and even toys can be surprisingly common. Contrary to popular belief, flushing these items down the toilet can cause serious issues.
5. Obsolete Pipework
Old, deteriorating or substandard pipework is another leading cause of blockages in Havant. This issue is particularly problematic in older homes where pipes may have deteriorated over time, causing them to collapse or crack. These problems can lead to partial or complete blockage of the drain.
Preventing Drain Blockages in Havant
While it’s not possible to prevent every potential drain blockage, blocked drains havant understanding common causes can contribute to prevention. Actions like disposing FOG into a separate container, installing drain guards to catch hair and foreign objects, regular checks on outdoor areas for debris build-up, and not using the toilet as a garbage disposal, can go a long way in averting drain blockages.
Professional companies in Havant also offer preventative cleaning services, using CCTV drain surveys to identify problem areas before a full blockage occurs. Residents with older homes might also consider having their pipework professionally inspected and replaced if necessary.
In conclusion, it’s evident that while blockages can be a result of multiple factors, a substantial number of cases in Havant can be attributed to everyday habits and natural causes that are often overlooked. Gaining knowledge and understanding of the leading causes of drain blockages might be a small step, but it’s a significant stride towards a blockage-free Havant. After all, prevention is better than a costly and inconvenient cure.