A clogged or blocked pipe causes more than a bad smell. Blockages in pipes can cause the water to build up on one side of the blockage, which may lead to a leaking pipe. This, in turn, can cause damage to the area surrounding the pipe, or even allow water to escape into your electrics, flooring or onto your household possessions.
What causes a blocked pipe?
Inside your home, blocked pipes can be caused by day-to-day things such as a build-up of hair going down the shower, or items that have been flushed down the loo which shouldn’t have been, such as nappies. Outside, pipes can be blocked by bigger things such as tree roots or a build-up of fallen leaves.
Act early
The first sign of a clogged pipe is usually slow-draining water. Try to unblock the pipe at this stage so the blockage doesn’t have a chance to grow and cause damage.
First, try a plunger. By pumping the plunger over the plughole, a vacuum occurs inside the pipe and hopefully releases the blockage.
Similarly, an auger is another way of breaking up clogs within the pipes. This is a type of coiled metal cable which is inserted into the drain manually and works its way into the blockage, breaking it up until the water can flow again.
Prevention is better than cure
As with many plumbing problems, taking care of your pipes is key to avoiding blockages. It’s best to avoid anything going down the plughole or toilet which doesn’t belong there, but if you do see hair or gunk accumulating around the plughole, remove it early to avoid a build-up.
According to Good Housekeeping an enzyme-based cleaner can prevent the build-up of clogs.
Choose copper pipe fittings where possible, as these are much more durable and are also environmentally friendly. Specialists such as Watkins and Powis supply a wide range of copper pipe fittings for various plumbing needs.
Inspecting pipes yourself at the first sign of any wear and tear is a good way to ward off costly repair bills, too.