This, in turn, can result in costly expenses, health and wellness risks, and potential property damage.

Risks of Blocked Drains

A blocked drain can have a number of different consequences.

Dirty Water

Clogged pipes house the perfect environment for bacteria to breed. This means water that might bubble back up to the surface is filled with dirt and bacteria that can spread.

Bad Odour

Naturally, water stuck in pipes will not have the same oxygen necessary to remove smells. This will result in foul odours coming from the pipe.

Leaks

When water is trapped, it has to find someplace to go. It can be either back out of the drain or pressure can build and cause a pipe to develop a leak or, worse, burst.

Preventing Blocked Drains

Clearly having a blocked drain poses many risks but there are some preventative things you can do to mitigate the risks.

Brush Away From the Sink

One of the most common causes of blocked drains is hair. This is particularly true for bathroom sinks and tubs/showers. Consider brushing your hair in front of a vanity or other area away from the drains so hair doesn’t build up in the pipe. You can also purchase inexpensive screens to fit into the sink and tub that help catch hair before it enters the drain.

Don’t Pour Grease

Another common cause for clogged drains is grease poured into it, also known as FOG: Fats, Oils, Grease. Not only do these fatty compounds accumulate in your pipes and cause blockage, it’s a disaster for the environment and can even affect entire neighborhoods. FOGs include anything with fatty content, including:

• Dairy products
• Lard/Shortening
• Oils
• Meat drippings
• Butter/margarine

Instead of pouring these things down the drain, take them to the nearest drop-off depot to keep them out of the water system.

Flush Only Flushables

Naturally, flushing anything besides toilet paper (or too much toilet paper) runs the risk of creating a clogged toilet. It’s tempting to discard a seemingly harmless item in the comode but these things can catch onto something in the pipes or otherwise cause a backup.

Stay on Top of Foliage

Sometimes, roots from trees and foliage outside can create a blockage in a drain pipe because the roots seek out the water in them. In these cases, it may be necessary to have a professional examine the issue and determine the best course of action.

Avoid Dumping Food

This is usually an issue in the kitchen sink. Some food waste – like coffee grinds, for example – don’t break down and food waste can accumulate in your pipes, even if you have a garbage disposal.

In some cases, you can use a plunger or snake to clear out clogged drains but sometimes it’s more economical to have an expert take a look. If you suspect a blocked drain is causing problems, or need drain cleaning, contact New Canadian Drain & Plumbing in Toronto to get it fixed quickly and professionally.