Kingston, a beautiful city situated on the eastern banks of Lake Ontario, is also home to a growing population – and with it, plumbing challenges. Among the many domestic issues that residents often grapple with are blocked drains. These blockages are not only a nuisance, they could also pose serious health and environmental threats if not quickly resolved. By understanding common causes of this issue, we can implement effective preventative measures, reducing both stress and expenditure for Kingston citizens.
One of the primary culprits of blocked drains in Kingston is inappropriate disposal of waste. The old adage of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ unfortunately doesn’t apply when you flush or wash away items that your drainage system isn’t designed to handle. From tissue paper and wipes (yes, even the ‘flushable’ ones) to food scraps and cooking grease, these substances build up over time and eventually obstruct flow, causing water to back up into your property.
Next blocked drains kingston on the list is the intrusion of tree roots. Kingston, like many other regions, is sporadically adorned with lush green trees – a sight to behold but a potential menace to your pipes. The trees’ root systems tend to grow towards underground pipes where there’s a steady supply of water, nutrients, and oxygen. Over time, they can infiltrate these pipes, leading to blockages.
Hard water sediment build-up is another common cause of blockages in Kingston. Hard water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium which can precipitate out and adhere to pipe surfaces, causing blockages over time. Kingston has slightly hard water as per the guidelines of Municipal Drinking Water Systems, raising the possibility of this issue in the area.
Additionally, old and damaged infrastructure can often lead to blocked drains. Kingston has a rich history, and with it comes old build properties and piping systems. Corrosion over time can cause cracks and breaks, or a complete collapse of pipes, leading to blockages. Similarly, poor pipe installation or configuration can result in slow draining or frequent clogs.
Plastic pollution is a somewhat underestimated cause of blocked drains. Improperly disposed plastic items ultimately find their way to the drain pipes under the streets. From microplastics in beauty and cleaning products to larger items like plastic bags and wrappers, this pervasive material can easily clog up pipelines and is notoriously difficult to clear out.
Changing weather can also affect your drain performance. Kingston experiences a considerable range of temperature throughout the year. Ground movement caused by freezing and thawing can lead to drain pipe displacement and hence, blockages. Such issues are more common in winter when water in the ground can freeze and expand, placing pressure on the pipes.
Needless to say, blocked drains are a significant problem in Kingston, causing both inconvenience and potential health risks. Whether it’s the inappropriate disposal of waste, tree root intrusion, old infrastructure, hard water sediment, plastic pollution, or changing weather conditions, reliable solutions are essential to keep the city’s drains running smoothly.
By increasing awareness of these common causes, residents can take more proactive measures in preventing blocked drains. This could include more responsible waste disposal, regular professional pipe inspections, or investing in updated infrastructure where required. In doing so, we can maintain the health, comfort, and wellbeing of our community, while protecting the beautiful city of Kingston’s environment and preserving its heritage.