When you have a blocked drain, it can feel like the end of the world. Indeed, it is always at a time that is most inconvenient to you. You might be in a hurry that day and realize you cannot get to work because you are having a problem with the drains. But, something you should know is that getting them unblocked by a professional is a quick and easy way to fix the problem. Often, companies offer quick callouts for emergencies like this.
Questions that we see a lot when it comes to pipes and drains being block are; how did this happen and how long did it take to happen? Let’s take a closer look at the answers so you can learn more about your situation.
What are Some Common Signs of a Blocked Drain?
Are you not sure if the drains are blocked in your home? If you have never had this happen to you before, you might not be sure if you really have a blocked drain. Thankfully, there are some common signs you can look out for that are going to indicate this is your problem. For example, if you see that the water is draining way slower than normal, this is a sign that something is not right. In other words, there is something that is causing a blockage in the drain. In addition, a lot of people will experience a bad odour coming from the drain, as well as gurgling, strange sounds. The bad odour comes from something that is rotting in the pipes, as well as the sound indicating something is stuck in there. If you notice any of these signs, it is time to contact a drain unblocking service.
How Long Does It Take for Drains to Become Blocked?
A lot of people want to know how their drain has gotten this way. In other words, how long did it take that drain to become blocked. Well, there is no definitive answer to this question. Instead, the answer is, a drain can become blocked very quickly or it can take time for a blockage to appear. Both are possible.
For instance, some people can get away with putting a lot of bad things down the drain before they notice any problems. For example, they might wash away things like fruit pits, egg shells and coffee grounds and they do not suffer any consequences. People can be very lucky and even though these substances can cause blockages, they might not on one occasion. For others, you can be very unlucky and put one thing down the drain and it causes a blockage. It really is difficult to say what can happen.
The best advice that can be given is that you have to be careful what you put down the drain all the time. You do not want to run the risk of a blockage happening. After all, when this does happen, the area will be out of use. You can guarantee that this is going to happen at an inconvenient time for you. So, the best practice is to always be cautious.
What Should I Avoid Putting Down the Drain?
Generally, you need to avoid putting any food stuffs or items down the drain. Namely, you can allow water, tea and coffee, as well as soda to go down the drain. But, you want no liquid substances that are going to be sticky, thick or harden over time. For example, this is what can happen with fats, grease and cooking oils. So, make sure that you never put these down the drain. Even if you wash them away with a lot of water, they might be gone from your sight. But, they can stick to the pipes and cause a blockage later on. Again, even if a blockage does not appear immediately, you can easily get one later on if you are no careful.
To Summarize
There is no definitive answer when it comes to how long it takes pipes and drains to become blocked. The truth is, you can be lucky or unlucky. The only thing that you can control is what you are putting down the drain. Always avoid putting items, such as food and small substances down the drain. They have the ability to cause clogs and blockages that are going to require professional help. When you are cautious about what you put down the drain, you can stop problems from arising in the first place.
