Blocked drains often come with warning signs that are important to look and listen out for, developing gradually through innocuous everyday workplace habits that, for all intents and purposes, seem harmless but do pile up over time. Understanding all the small things that contribute to blockages can reduce the likelihood of needing urgent corporate drain unblocking later down the line.
Is This a Staff Kitchen or a Domestic Kitchen?
A busy kitchen area in the workplace needs to be monitored, as it can put strain on drainage, what with coffee grounds and small pieces of food being washed into the drain system throughout the day. One incident is unlikely to cause a blockage alone, but repeated disposal creates material that can collect inside pipework. If you thought the dishwasher would be a safer bet, think again; plates that appear relatively clean could still carry food residue into the system during the washing cycle. Businesses can reduce this risk by providing clearly labelled food waste bins and encouraging staff to scrape plates thoroughly prior to washing them.
Assuming Anything Labelled ‘Flushable’ is Safe
Shared workplace toilets receive frequent use, and users may not always know what should or should not be flushed. Products marketed as flushable can behave differently from plain toilet paper once they enter drain pipes, accumulating to form blockages over time. Providing suitable sanitary disposal bins and clear signage in washrooms prevents unnecessary callouts regarding drain unblocking for businesses.
Forgetting About Floor Drains
Easily forgotten, floor drains are often found in commercial workshops, kitchens and washrooms. Dust and debris swept across a floor gradually enters these drains during routine cleaning. Mopping may then push further material into the system, clogging it further. Regular checks and cleaning for drain covers stops this debris progressing down a pipe.
Pouring Cleaning Water Away (Without Checking Its Contents)
After water has been used to clean, buckets have the potential to contain fine debris and grit from floors, which can settle inside pipes once the water has been emptied. Over time, deposits will contribute to restricted flow. Cleaning teams should consider where wastewater is being disposed of and whether solids need to be removed beforehand.
Ignoring Initial Signs of Restricted Drainage
One of the most common day-to-day mistakes is carrying on as normal when a drain begins to run slowly. Slow drainage and gurgling or unusual smells may indicate that material is already accumulating inside the system. Slow drainage and persistent odours are among the signs that professional drain attention may be required. Leaving the problem can allow a partial obstruction to become a complete blockage. Commercial drain clearance at an early stage allows the restriction to be resolved before it affects essential facilities.
Small Habits, Expensive Problems
Businesses tend to have far more people using their drainage systems than a typical household, and small habits are repeated many times each day, allowing relatively minor amounts of waste and debris to accumulate at a fast rate. Where a blockage has already developed, professional diagnosis will identify the location and determine the appropriate method of removal. Grey-Water Drainage Solutions provides internal and external unblocking using specialist equipment including mechanical tools. If your business is experiencing recurring drainage problems, speaking to seasoned commercial drain specialists will take you a step towards identifying measures that can reduce further disruption.
