Keens Keens Keens

BLOCKED  DRAIN  LINES

In our experience of many years of clearing blocked drain lines in the Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire areas tells us that the average persons general conception of drains is ‘Out of sight out of mind’. We never give much consideration to the items that we flush away until we have our drain blocked and bubbling up through the manhole.

Blocked drain Line

Most blockages are caused by sanitary products and wet wipes. Yes, we have all read the label that tells us that they are ‘flushable’ but that does not mean that they will break down in the sewer. They are not always biodegradable and will get caught up in any pipe line that is not 100% smooth. See ‘relining’. They should not be flushed down the toilet but put in the bin.

 

This particularly important if you are not on mains drainage as these items will not break down in the Septic Tank or Treatment Plant.

Another problem is grease and fat. We think that if we emulsify our cooking fat in hot water and a detergent is alright to pour it down the sink. This is probably O.K. for the grease left on our plates and dishes etc but not for the fats that we have left in the pans that we have used for cooking our food. This should be disposed of separately. If you think that hot water will flush away the fats you are wrong. The hot water will only retain its temperature for a few feet into the drain line before cooling down and allowing the fats to solidify. This will eventually build up and slow the flow all the way through the pipe. This also gives the sanitary products and wet wipes something to cling too.

Blocked drain

It is advisable to avoid problems to have your drain line cleaned by high pressure water jetting on a regular basis, say every five years. This will ensure there is no build up of grease and fats and coupled with a CCTV ‘look see’ camera it will inform you of any potential problems or damage in the drain line, such as ‘root ingress’ or ‘cracked pipe’ etc. Apartment blocks should have an annual maintenance contract for the above.

 

 

 

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