Having a blocked drainage system is something every dweller and motorist in any suburb would want to be associated with. This is because of the dangers one experiences in the aftermath or during a blocked drainage system.
Dangers of a blocked drainage system
Many losses, in form of death caused by accidents or of valuable property, occur due to suction entrapment. From a domestic point of view, such situations are caused by a portion of the body, hair, or clothing that may stick inside the drain. This may become impossible to release, resulting in drowning. Once drowning has occurred, water will spread to some parts of the house and may cause electrical defaults.
In towns, a blocked drainage system increases the risk of standing water on roads, pavements and cycle ways thus lost of accidents may occur.
Gullies are used to collect and drain water off the road or pavement into a piped system or roadside ditch. Once these are blocked, it becomes impossible for motorists and pedestrians to notice if there are any hollows. Gullies are sometimes blocked by a build up of silt or mud coming off the road or washed off adjoining land.
All drainage systems and gullies need regular maintenance to ensure they retain effectiveness. Drains can become blocked with silt and debris, hindering the free flow of water throughout any surface water drainage system. Such enables standing water to pond on roads and walkways causing major hazards.
Causes of a blocked drainage system
A blocked drainage of any sort is a common and frustrating problem experienced at some stage in most homes and businesses. There are a number of reasons which cause drains to block. The most common causes of blockages are:
Foreign objects or debris occur when foreign objects or materials such as hair or soaps, fats or food accumulate and get caught inside the drainpipe and the pipes that flow underneath. Such materials do not initially block the drain, but does that over time when materials keep on to building up. This will in the long-run stop water from flowing freely and can ultimately cause the drain to block. Toilets regularly block up owing to too much toilet paper, sanitary items and even nappies being flushed down them.
Outside drains block after storms or heavy downpours collect leaves, dirt and other matter which build up and block drains. Blocked drains are a common cause during heavy storms.
Other causes of blocked drains are broken pipes. Water cannot flow freely and it may collapse, causing the drain to block. The most causes of broken pipes are poor installation, age and tree roots. Tree roots cause massive damage underground and these types of blockages need thorough investigation of underground pipes to identify where the problem is happening.
Using the right pipes is an essential part of any plumbing job and so it is imperative to have a full understanding of the pipe work required to do the job. Incorrect installation is not only dangerous but also damages property, causing great expense.