Blocked Drains: What Are the Main Causes of This Plumbing Problem?

06 February 2023

Commercial drains may become clogged for various reasons, and clogged drains may present a range of issues and difficulties. These can include minor to major odour problems, environmental occurrences, the growth of mould and mildew, and even structural damage to the property. In this blog, we explore the main causes of this plumbing problem.

Debris, Grease & Fat Build-Up

The most obvious causes of blocked commercial drains are these three factors. Grease, fat, and debris accumulation will unavoidably obstruct water flow between the drains and pipes. Additionally, even after the government spent a lot of time and effort trying to solve the grease and fat problem in drainages, there is still too much in the pipes. Keep in mind that fat and grease leave a sticky coat on walls that stick to other debris. It builds up over time and develops into an impenetrable mass that causes a blockage.

Broken Pipes

Water cannot flow freely through cracked or broken pipes, which may lead to the pipe collapsing and clogging the drain. Broken pipes may occur due to simple ageing or improper installation. Alternatively, tree roots may damage pipes, which can cause significant damage before the issue is discovered. Depending on how simple or difficult it is to access the damaged area, underground pipes repair may be expensive and extremely disruptive.

Water Flow Problems

Water is moved from one location to another by drainage, which depends on gravity. Since water cannot flow uphill, pipe installations must be properly installed and have sufficient falls to guarantee continuous water flow and prevent the accumulation of debris. Slow-draining water, gurgling sounds from flushed toilets, and unpleasant odours coming from sinks and drains are all early indicators of poor water flow.

Heavy Rainfall

Increased rainfall not only contributes to flooding problems due to excessive water runoff but also results in the accumulation of leaves, mud, dirt, and other debris that can clog drainage systems. Most drains, except storm drains, are not designed to handle large amounts of debris, which frequently results in blocked drains after significant storms. Blockages in the outside drains of commercial buildings are likely to result in localised flooding, which, if ignored for a long time, could result in property damage. Work with the professionals at L&C Harding Plumbing for a commercial plumbing inspection if your commercial area recently experienced a significant downpour to make sure there are no underlying pipe issues.

Poor Installation

When it comes to blocked drains, the condition of your commercial drainage system is also very important. A blocked drain may result from extremely fragile pipes, such as clay pipes, being vulnerable to damage. Such pipes should feed water with great caution to prevent issues. The plumber’s skill level can sometimes be the issue’s root cause. That’s why hiring professional plumbing in commercial buildings is very important.

You should have your drains cleaned by a professional at least once every three years and preferably more often. You should do the cleaning of drains as well after any instances of extreme weather. When it comes to drain services, L&C Harding Plumbing offers comprehensive commercial and industrial plumbing services to help you keep your business running smoothly in Melbourne. Contact us now at 1800 426 664. We are here, ready to assist you with a diverse range of services with our team of qualified licensed and insured tradesmen.