Blocked or clogged drains are very unpleasant, as they can allow sediment and even raw sewage to back up into a sink or tub. However, beyond unpleasant, blocked drains can also be costly, as ignoring a clog or blockage of any sort can lead to burst pipes and other damage. If you're a homeowner, note a few questions you might have about blocked drains in your home, so you know how to avoid them and how to address them if they should occur.

Will getting new plumbing pipes protect the drains from blockage?

It's a common misconception that older pipes are more prone to blocked drains than new pipes. This may be true to a certain extent, as blockages can build up over time; for example, oily or greasy substances poured down a kitchen sink can eventually solidify, so that a blockage occurs. However, newer pipes can be just as prone to clogs, if you don't protect your home's drains. Allowing hair to get into the bathtub drain, flushing items like cotton swabs and baby wipes down the toilet, and other such bad habits can mean that even brand new plumbing pipes will eventually suffer clogs and blockages.

Do homemade solutions really work?

There is no easy answer as to what will work on a particular clog, as this will depend on why a drain is blocked. If a bathtub drain is full of soap scum, hair, and other debris, you might be able to add some baking soda and vinegar to the drain, and the resultant expanding foam can clear the blockage. In a kitchen sink, hot water and a thick dish detergent without added lotions might dissolve a greasy, oily clog. On the other hand, these home remedies won't work if your drains are blocked due to a foreign object in the pipe, or because an outside pipe has cracked and is now blocked by tree roots.

What are vent pipes?

Vent pipes are attached to the home's plumbing pipes, and these pipes run to the home's roof. This is to allow air into the pipes, which helps create a vacuum effect, pushing materials through the plumbing pipes. It's important to know this, as blocked vent pipes can lead to clogged pipes and blocked drains. If your home gets persistent clogs but the pipes are in good condition, and you don't put anything down a drain that would cause clogs, examine the roof vent pipes, to ensure they're not blocked or damaged. If so, have these repaired or replaced, and this may get the home's plumbing flowing again.