What Causes Blocked Drains in Homes?

Blocked drains are a common problem for homeowners in Ringwood and the surrounding Dorset and Hampshire areas. From slow-draining sinks to overflowing outdoor drains, blockages can quickly become messy, inconvenient, and costly if not dealt with early.

Understanding the most common causes of blocked drains can help you prevent problems — and know when to call a professional drainage specialist.

1. Fat, Oil and Grease Build-Up (FOG)

One of the leading causes of blocked drains in Ringwood homes is the build-up of fat, oil and grease from cooking.

Although fats are liquid when hot, they cool inside the pipes and solidify, sticking to the inner walls of the drain. Over time, food particles cling to the grease, eventually causing a full blockage.

Tip: Never pour cooking oil or fat down the sink — allow it to cool and dispose of it in the bin.

2. Wet Wipes and Sanitary Products

Despite being labelled as “flushable”, wet wipes and sanitary products do not break down like toilet paper.

Common problem items include:

• Wet wipes

• Baby wipes

• Sanitary towels

• Cotton buds

These materials get caught in pipe joints and quickly create stubborn blockages, especially in older drainage systems.

3. Tree Root Ingress

Tree roots are a major cause of blocked drains in Ringwood, Dorset and Hampshire, particularly in properties with mature gardens.

Roots naturally seek out moisture and can:

• Enter drains through small cracks or loose joints

• Grow inside the pipework

• Trap debris and restrict water flow

This often results in recurring blockages until the root issue is professionally removed.

4. Ageing or Damaged Drain Pipes

Many properties in Ringwood have older drainage systems, often made from clay or even cast iron. Over time, these pipes can suffer from:

• Cracks or fractures

• Collapsed sections

• Misaligned joints

These defects reduce flow and make it easier for debris and roots to accumulate.

5. Leaves, Mud and Outdoor Debris

Blocked drains are not always caused indoors. External drains can become blocked by:

• Fallen leaves

• Moss and algae

• Mud washed in during heavy rain

This is especially common in autumn and after storms.

6. Excessive Toilet Paper Use

Using too much toilet paper at once can overwhelm older pipe systems, particularly if there is already a partial blockage present. This often leads to slow flushing or toilet backups.

7. Heavy Rainfall and Surface Water Issues

Sudden heavy rainfall in Ringwood can overwhelm surface water drains. This may:

• Push debris into drainage systems

• Expose existing blockages

• Cause water to back up or overflow

8. Incorrect DIY Drain Treatments

Chemical drain cleaners may seem like a quick fix, but repeated use can:

• Damage pipework

• Harden grease blockages

• Cause long-term drainage problems

Professional drain cleaning is always safer and more effective.

How to Prevent Blocked Drains

To reduce the risk of blocked drains in your Ringwood home:

• Avoid pouring fat or oil down sinks

• Only flush toilet paper (no wipes or hygiene products)

• Use drain guards in sinks and showers

• Clear outdoor drains of leaves regularly

• Arrange periodic CCTV drain inspections for older properties

Need Help With a Blocked Drain in Ringwood?

If you’re experiencing slow drainage, bad smells, or recurring blockages, it’s best to act quickly before the problem worsens.

Ringwood Drains provides:

• Emergency drain unblocking

• CCTV drain inspections

• Drain cleaning and maintenance

• Repairs for damaged or collapsed pipes

📞 Contact us today for fast, reliable drainage services in Ringwood and the surrounding areas.