Living in the lovely area of Harrow, located in Greater London, residents are no strangers to the nuances of living in a bustling metropolitan area. From the richness of multicultural exposure to the ease of accessibility to various amenities, living in Harrow definitely has its perks. However, along with the blocked drains harrow advantages, there are also certain inconveniences associated with urban living, one prevalent issue being blocked drains.
Numerous factors contribute to blocked drains in Harrow, most of which are avoidable with cautious usage and regular maintenance. Let’s look at some of these common causes to understand the reasons behind this prevalent issue.
1. Hair: No surprise here, one of the most common causes of drain blockages is accumulated hair. Hair often slips down the shower and sink drains and over time, accumulates, leading to significant blockages. Regular cleaning of plugholes and installing protective covers can drastically reduce this issue.
2. Grease and Fat: Another significant contributor to blocked drains is the incorrect disposal of fatty substances and grease. When washed down the sink, these substances solidify and build up over time, resulting in a blocked drain. While tougher to avoid, the issue can be mitigated by disposing of fatty substances in the rubbish rather than washing them down the sink.
3. Foreign Objects: Objects such as toilet paper, diapers, baby wipes, sanitary products, or even toys, if flushed down the toilet can easily block the drains. To prevent this, avoid flushing anything other than the three P’s: pee, poo, and (toilet) paper.
4. Leaves and Garden Debris: Especially during the autumn season, leaves, tree roots, and garden debris can find their way into outdoor drains, causing blockages. Regular garden maintenance and the use of leaf guards or drain filters can help prevent this from happening.
5. Poor Plumbing: Incorrectly installed pipes or substandard plumbing can also cause frequent drain blockages. If you notice recurring blockages even after regular cleaning, you might want to get your plumbing checked.
6. Food Waste: Small particles of food that are washed down the sink can become lodged in the pipes, leading to build-ups and eventually, a blockage. It’s always a good idea to scrape food off plates into the bin before washing up.
7. Wet Wipes: Although they are often marketed as ‘flushable’, wet wipes do not disintegrate like toilet paper and end up clogging up the system. It’s always better to dispose of wipes in the bin instead of flushing them down the toilet.
8. Build-up of Minerals: Hard water leads to mineral build-up in the pipes, causing blockages over time. Although this issue is harder to prevent, regularly descailing your pipes and installations can help.
To summarise, most of the common causes for blocked drains in Harrow are avoidable with a bit of caution and regular maintenance. However, when faced with stubborn blockages, it is a wise decision to seek professional help to avoid further complications like pipe leaks or burst pipes. The draining system is a complex structure, and any damage caused to it can be a heavy inconvenience as well as a financial burden. Be aware of the possible causes and take preventive measures to ensure a smooth-flowing drainage system. In the end, it is about maintaining a balance between careful usage and regular, quality upkeep.