. Flushing Inappropriate Items
One of the leading causes of blocked toilets is flushing items that don’t belong in the plumbing system. These include:
Wet wipes (even “flushable” ones)
Sanitary products
Cotton pads or buds
Nappies These items don’t break down like toilet paper and can create stubborn blockages in your pipes.
2. Hair Buildup
In bathroom drains, hair is a frequent culprit. It clumps together over time, especially when combined with soap scum, creating blockages that slow water flow.
3. Grease and Fat in Kitchen Drains
Pouring cooking fat, grease, or oil down the kitchen sink is a recipe for disaster. These substances solidify as they cool, lining your pipes and trapping debris, eventually causing a blockage.
4. Tree Roots
Outdoors, tree roots can infiltrate underground pipes through small cracks, seeking moisture. Once inside, they expand and obstruct water flow.
5. Build-Up of Soap and Detergent
Soap scum and detergent residue can accumulate over time, especially in areas with hard water. These deposits reduce the pipe’s diameter, leading to clogs.
6. Structural Issues
In older homes, damaged or sagging pipes can disrupt water flow and cause blockages.
Prevention Tips
Only flush toilet paper and human waste.
Use hair catchers in shower drains.
Dispose of grease and oil in the bin, not the sink.
Schedule regular drain cleaning to clear buildup.
Inspect outdoor pipes for damage and tree root infiltration.
Blocked drains are inconvenient, but most issues are avoidable with proper care. For persistent clogs, it’s best to call a professional plumber to resolve the problem and inspect for underlying issues.
