Plumbing issues can arise out of nowhere for homeowners and blocked drains are among the most common problems faced in Dorchester. Homeowners need to tackle these issues promptly to prevent damaging their pipes. Experts have summarized top causes for these blockages to aid homeowners in effectively dealing with them.

1. Hair: Over time, hair can accumulate and cause a significant blockage within your drains. This typically happens in bathroom drains where hair naturally falls out as we shower and can clump together, forming a blockage that disrupts water flow. Regular cleaning after each shower or bath can prevent this issue.

2. Grease and Fat: Fatty substances are notorious for causing drain blockages. While pouring the hot grease down the sink after a fulfilling meal might seem like a quick and easy clean up, it’s detrimental to your drain. As the grease cools down, it solidifies and sticks onto the insides of the pipes, narrowing them down and eventually leading to blockages. It is highly recommended to pour grease into a jar and toss it in the trash once cooled down.

3. Food Residues: Even small food particles can cause problems if they build up. Certain types of food dissolves in water but entities like coffee grounds or tea leaves do not, and they accumulate over time, forming a barrier and obstructing the free flow of water. Issues can also be caused by large food particles that are not meant to go down the drain. Installing a sink strainer can mitigate this problem.

4. Tree Roots: This might come as a surprise, but tree roots can intrude into your sewer pipes seeking water and nutrients. Small cracks or leaks in your pipes can lead to the invasion of the root system, causing serious blockages or even total pipe collapse. Regular sewer inspections can help detect such problems.

5. Non-flushable items: Many people wrongly use their toilets as waste bins, flushing down items such as diapers, sanitary products, wet wipes, cotton swabs, and even leftover food. These items do not decompose easily and as a result, can block the drains. A simple rule to follow would be blocked drains dorchester to only flush down human waste and toilet paper.

6. Mineral Buildup: Tap water contains minerals that can build up in your drains over time. This hard water build-up narrows the pipes and can bring water flow to a halt. Installing a water softener could resolve this issue.

7. Dirt and debris: Dirt can accumulate in your drains and can cause a blockage over time. Also, during a storm or a major home cleaning project, many unseen pieces of rubbish can find their way into your pipes. Installing drain covers can prevent this from happening.

In conclusion, attentive maintenance, regular inspection, and cautious usage can prevent most of these blockages. If overlooked, these issues can lead to costly repairs. So when it comes to maintaining your house in Dorchester, be vigilant about what goes down your drains. When in doubt, it might be time to call a professional to keep your drain pipes clean and clear.