Water drainage problems can create a variety of problems and have many causes.
So what measures can be taken to avoid a drainage problem from occurring in the first place?
Identifying the cause of the problem is critical to finding the best solution and preventing problems from occurring in the future.
Some common causes of blocked drains include:
- A build-up of grease, grime, soap scum or calcification in the water pipes.
- An unknown object that has become trapped in the pipe.
- Tree roots that have grown into the outdoor pipes preventing effective drainage.
- Damage to the drainage pipes or pipelining.
- Heavy rainfall resulting in the inability of pipes to drain.
In order to prevent these problems from occurring, do the following:
1. Clean Drains Regularly
To prevent grease, grime and soap scum from building up inside the drainage pipes, clean drains regularly.
Simply pouring a solution of lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda down the drain every day will resolve grease as well as soap scum.
Alternatively, use a chemical drain cleaner about once every two weeks to resolve any build-up.
2. Calcification
Calcification normally occurs in areas with hard water or high concentrations of lime or calcium.
As the water runs through the pipes, a hard, white residue can build up in the pipes resulting in poor drainage and eventually blockages.
Use a water softener to prevent calcification in drainage pipes or a water filter that reduces or eliminates lime and other minerals that can cause a blockage.
3. Tree Roots
It is important to be aware of where the drainage pipes are located in the yard. Avoid planting trees or shrubs near these pipes.
Tree roots will grow towards the pipes as a source of water so it is best to select trees that do not have an extensive root structure.
If trees are growing too large and may be creating a risk of blocking drainage pipes, it is recommended to have the trees removed.
This is crucial if a specific tree has caused a blockage in the drainage pipe in the past.
Call for drain inspection in order to determine where the pipes are located and whether tree roots may be a threat.
4. Heavy Rainfall
Heavy rainfall can result in poor water drainage.
If there are wet patches in the yard or puddles and pools of water, this means that there is poor drainage and that heavy rainfall can affect drainage of water through the pipe system.
Employing tactics such as digging a drainage ditch or adding stones and gravel to heavy clay soils can assist in better water drainage.
5. Foreign Objects
Foreign objects that get washed into the drainage pipe can reduce the flow of water as well as result in a blockage.
That particular object may catch and trap other smaller debris that gets washed down the drain and would normally be washed away without any effort.
Avoid washing even the smallest object down the drain and call for a drain inspection if there is any concern that a foreign object has been trapped in a drainage pipe.
Cameras will be used to locate the foreign object so that it can be removed and restore normal water drainage.
Drain inspections are critical to identifying the causes of poor drainage and to provide the most effective solution to the problem.
However, prevention is always better than cure and using the above methods to prevent a blockage from occurring in the first place is recommended.
If you are looking for a trustworthy and reliable plumbing service in Melbourne, then look no further than Austest Pipeline Solutions.
We have more than 20 years’ experience in domestic, commercial, and industrial plumbing with water leak detection our speciality.
Please call us today for all your plumbing needs on 0410 609 961 or contact us here.