Clogged and Confused: Understanding the Causes of Blocked Drains in Rental Properties

Blocked drains can cause significant disruptions in rental properties, leading to issues. These issues include slow drainage, foul odours, and water damage. Understanding the rental properties blocked drains causes is crucial for landlords and tenants to take preventive measures and address the problems. 

Blocked Drains Causes and How They Affect You

Here are some common causes of blocked drains in rental properties:

Hair

Hair accumulation in bathroom drains can form dense clumps that slow water flow and eventually block the pipes. Hair gathering in drains is particularly common in areas with high usage, such as shared bathrooms in apartments or student accommodations. To prevent hair blockages, tenants can use drain screens or filters to catch loose hair before it enters the pipes. Additionally, landlords can install hair-catching devices in bathroom drain types to prevent clogs.

Grease and Fat

Grease and fat can solidify and form a thick coating along the internal pipe walls, trapping other debris and causing obstructions. Improper grease and fat disposal down the drain usually cause this. Landlords can install grease traps or filters to prevent this type of blockage. Tenants should also avoid pouring grease and fat down the drain and instead dispose of them in designated waste bins. Furthermore, landlords can provide education on the importance of proper disposal and guide what items are safe to flush.

Food Particles

Food scraps, especially those containing grease or oil, can accumulate and clog pipes. Improper disposal of food waste or not cleaning up after meals are some of the culprits. Tenants should ensure they dispose of food waste properly and clean up after meals to prevent blockages. Landlords can also install food waste disposals or provide education on proper disposal methods. Additionally, landlords can guide how to clean up after meals to prevent clogs.

Non-Biodegradable Items

Items like wet wipes, nappies, and sanitary products can cause blockages in drains. These items do not break down in water and can accumulate over time, causing significant blockages. Tenants should avoid flushing these items down the toilet. Instead, they should dispose of them in designated waste bins. Landlords can also educate tenants on the importance of proper disposal and guide what items are safe to flush. Furthermore, landlords can install filters or traps to prevent blockages caused by these items.

Tree Roots

Tree roots can infiltrate underground pipes, forming thick netting that slows water flow and eventually blocks it. Ageing pipes or poor maintenance often cause tree roots to--no pun intended--take root. Landlords are responsible for maintaining the plumbing system and addressing issues promptly. Tenants should report any problems with slow drainage or blockages to the landlord ASAP. Landlords can also perform regular inspections to identify potential issues before they become big problems.

Preventive Measures

To prevent blocked drains, both landlords and tenants can take several measures:

Regular Maintenance

Landlords should perform regular maintenance on the plumbing system, including inspecting and cleaning drains, to prevent blockages. Tenants should also report any issues promptly to the landlord. Some concerns include regular drain and pipe cleaning and looking for signs of damage or wear.

Proper Disposal

Tenants should dispose of waste properly, avoiding pouring grease, fat, food particles, and non-biodegradable items down the drain. Landlords can provide education on proper disposal methods and install filters or traps to prevent blockages. Landlords can also enumerate what items are safe to flush and what should go in designated waste bins.

Drain Screens

Tenants can use drain screens or filters to catch loose hair and other debris before it enters the pipes, preventing blockages. Aside from these, landlords can install drain screens or filters in bathroom drains to prevent clogs.

Emergency Response

Landlords should have an emergency response plan for blocked drains, including contacting a professional plumber. Tenants should also be aware of the emergency contact numbers and procedures. The list can include having a list of emergency plumbers on hand and knowing what to do in case of a blockage.

Education

Landlords and tenants should educate each other on the importance of proper disposal and maintenance to prevent blocked drains. These concerns include providing information on what items are safe to flush and what should be in designated waste bins. Additionally, landlords can guide how to clean up after meals and how to prevent clogs.

Effective Drain Maintenance: A Partnership for Success

Blocked drains can cause significant disruptions in rental properties, leading to issues. Such concerns include slow drainage, foul odours, and water damage. Understanding the causes of blocked drains is essential for landlords and tenants to take preventive measures to address the problems ASAP. Following the tips above can help both parties work together to maintain a clean, safe, and functional plumbing system.