A blocked drain is simply the primary channel or tube for waste or liquid waste to be flushed away, either directly to an approved receptacle funnelled to a specific point, or otherwise run to sewer or stormwater pipes as waste disposal to be processed or released. The term “blocked drain” is used mainly in British English, referring to the condition of a pipe where water is being forced out and no further exit path of discharge is available. In the United States, the phrase is commonly used to describe a sink trap that is either clogged or restricted to the closed position by a grease, debris, or hair-pinching object. This type of blockage can occur with many forms of plumbing fixtures, from copper piping to modern plastic pipe fittings. Blocked drains are also sometimes caused by excess moisture building up in the pipes.
Treat And Prevent Blocked Drains
Many different things can cause a blocked drain to occur, including tree roots, soil, hair, and household materials that can lodge themselves between the drain pan and the surrounding pipe walls or floor. Most often, blocked drains are caused by tree roots, which grow large enough to completely occlude a main drain line. Tree roots may break loose from the root system and enter a basement, allowing excess moisture to build up inside and result in a complete blockage. As a result, drainage pipes may become obstructed or partially blocked as waste material is unable to drain away. The presence of a clog in a sewer pipes system can result in reduced air circulation and reduced oxygen circulation in the surrounding areas.
A skilled plumber with experience in residential and commercial plumbing services can address blocked drains by repairing the pipe or using specialized pipe relining equipment. For example, when tree roots have formed a partial blockage in a sewer drain, a trained plumber can gently separate the tree-root cluster from the rest of the pipes system by using flexible stainless steel pipes, a hydraulic machine, or a special drain-cleaning snake. To address smaller obstructions, a plumber can use a specialized sewer snake that has a hook on the end for maneuvering through narrow places. Finally, if the blocked drain poses a danger to young children, a plumber can use specialized drain cleaning equipment to safely clear out and dispose of any cleaning solutions, such as paint thinners or toilet bowl cleaners.