1. Grease and Oil Buildup
Picture this: after cooking up a storm in the kitchen, you pour the leftover grease and oil down the drain, thinking nothing of it. But did you know that grease and oil can solidify inside your pipes over time, creating a sticky mess that traps other debris and leads to blockages? In fact, statistics show that grease buildup is responsible for over 40% of sewer drain blockages in residential plumbing systems.
2. Hair and Soap Scum
In the bathroom, another common culprit lurks: hair. Every time you take a shower or wash your hands, strands of hair can find their way down the drain and cling to the pipe walls. Over time, this hair combines with soap scum and other debris to form stubborn blockages that impede the flow of water. Studies suggest that hair-related clogs account for a significant portion of sewer drain blockages.
3. Food Waste
In the kitchen, food waste can wreak havoc on your sewer drains if not disposed of properly. Solid food particles, especially those that don't break down easily, can accumulate in your pipes and cause obstructions. That's why it's important to scrape food scraps into the trash and avoid using the garbage disposal as a catch-all for leftovers. By doing so, you can prevent food-related clogs and keep your drains clear.
4.
Foreign Objects
Sometimes,
the culprit behind a sewer drain blockage isn't something you'd expect. Items
like wet wipes, cotton swabs, and hygiene products should never be flushed down
the toilet, yet many people do so without realizing the consequences. These
non-biodegradable items can get caught in your pipes and create stubborn
blockages that are difficult to remove. Studies show that flushed items are
responsible for a significant number of sewer overflows.
5.
Tree Root Intrusion
6.
Pipe Degradation
Conclusion
The Wall