If you’ve ever experienced a blocked drain in your Oxford home, you’ll understand how inconvenient it can be. But have you ever wondered what causes these stubborn clogs and how they can be avoided? This article takes a deep dive into the science behind blocked drains for the residents of Oxford.
To begin with, it’s essential to understand that the drainage system is designed to guide water and water-soluble items. It includes pipes that move water and waste from your home’s sinks, toilets, washing machines, and dishwashers into the sewer system. Blockages occur when non-degradable or large items accumulate in these pipes.
So, what does science have to say about blocked drains? The answer lies in the principles of gravity, fluid dynamics, and the properties of substances that go down our drains. When we pour water into a sink, gravity pulls it downwards through the pipes. However, when these pipes are filled with debris or non-soluble materials, the efficiency of the gravity is compromised leading to slower or blocked movement of water.
Understanding fluid dynamics, the study of how liquids behave, can also help in comprehending blocked drains. In a clean pipe, the water flows smoothly, and the pressure is constant. But when a blockage occurs, the water movement is impeded, and pressure builds up behind the obstruction leading to slow drainage or even backups.
Now, what are these substances causing clogs? The most common culprits include fats, oils, and greases (FOG), plastic hair bands, wipes and cotton swabs, hair, food particles, coffee grounds, and even small toys. These items might seem harmless, but when they’re not properly disposed of, they can turn your smooth-running drainage system into a blocked nightmare.
The principle of cohesion also plays a part here. Certain substances, like fats and oils, are sticky and cohere together when they cool down or react with detergent, forming hard, stubborn masses. These fats and oils are insoluble in water and can bind with other substances like calcium resulting in fatbergs – large lumps of fat, grease, wet wipes, and other debris – that can entirely block drains.
Hair is another common cause of blocked drains. It can bind with soap scum to create dense, knotted lumps that are difficult to dislodge. Furthermore, hair does not decompose easily, exacerbating the problem. When combined with other substances, it can trap more material, increasing the size of the mass and enhancing the blockage.
Addressing these clogs requires either mechanical means— like a plunger, plumber’s snake, or hydro-jetting—or enzymatic/bacterial drain cleaners that ‘eat away’ at the blockage. Chemical drain cleaners are also an option, but their corrosive nature can damage pipes over time.
Education blocked drains oxford and conscious disposal of the ‘No-Gos’ for drains can drastically reduce the frequency of blocked drains. Install drain strainers to catch solids, avoid pouring FOG down the drain, and dispose of small, hard items appropriately.
In conclusion, the science behind blocked drains is a mix of simple fluid dynamics, cohesion properties of substances, and human behavior. Understanding this can help residents of Oxford maintain their plumbing and dodge the woes of a blocked drain.