Blocked drains often escalate from a small issue to a serious problem. This is particularly the case during wet weather.
Frequent Causes of Blocked Drains in Shadwell
Drainage systems in Shadwell, like anywhere else, can suffer from a variety of blockages, commonly due to regular activities. Here are the most common culprits:
Build-Up of Grease and Fat
Grease, fat, and oil commonly cause blockages in kitchen drains. Once cooled, they solidify in the pipes, eventually building up and restricting water flow.
In the long run, this accumulation may block the entire pipe, causing water to back up. Takeaways in Shadwell frequently encounter this issue.
Hair and Soap Scum
In bathrooms, hair and soap residue can combine to form tough clogs in shower and sink drains. Over time, this buildup restricts water flow, causing slow or standing water.
Objects That Shouldn’t Be Flushed
Items like wipes, sanitary products, or even small toys can easily become lodged in toilets or pipes.
Unlike toilet paper, these items don’t disintegrate in water and can cause major blockages.
Tree Roots and External Debris
Outside drains in Shadwell can be affected by tree roots seeking moisture from pipes, as well as leaves and debris during the autumn months.
This can lead to serious blockages in the main drainage system, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
Signs You Need Drain Unblocking
Experiencing these symptoms means you may need a drain unblocking service in Shadwell:
Water Drains Slowly
Slow-draining sinks, baths, or showers often indicate a blockage.
Unusual Drain Smells
Bad smells coming from your drains could indicate a blockage caused by decaying food, waste, or other debris stuck in the pipes.
Gurgling Noises
Unusual noises from drains indicate air is escaping past a blockage.
Water Backup or Drain Overflow
If water starts to pool in sinks, baths, or external drains, or if drains begin to overflow, this is a more serious indication of a major blockage.
Drain Unblocking Solutions in Shadwell
A blocked drain is best dealt with by a professional. After checking with Shadwell council and Leeds City Council, it might be time to call a professional.
Water Jetting at High Pressure
High-pressure water jetting effectively clears blockages from drains. The process involves shooting water through pipes to clear away grease, roots, or debris.
Being thorough and chemical-free, this approach is environmentally safe.
Mechanical Snaking Techniques
When dealing with minor blockages, an auger or drain snake is often used.
This is a flexible, mechanical tool that can reach into pipes and physically break up clogs caused by hair, soap, or foreign objects.
Camera Inspections of Drains
CCTV drain inspections are used when blockages are hard to detect.
The process uses a camera to detect blockages and examine pipe health.
Repairing Drainage Systems
In some cases, a blockage may be caused by a more serious issue, such as a broken or collapsed pipe. Fixing these issues keeps your drainage functioning for years.