In many older buildings, the original pipes are made of galvanised iron or lead, materials that over time corrode and reduce in diameter. This leads to the build-up of sediment and blockages. In this comprehensive guide we will explore the common causes of these clogs and, more importantly, what preventative methods you can use to avoid complicated and costly repairs without renovating or trampling your pavement.
What causes frequent traffic jams in old buildings?
Internal corrosion of pipelines
Rust deposits adhere to the inside of metal pipes, reducing their capacity and slowing down the flow. Over time, the irregular flow encourages the accumulation of solid debris.
Accumulation of limescale and domestic waste
In areas with hard water, such as the Marina Alta, limescale mixes with grease and organic debris, creating crusts that clog drains. This is often manifested by slow drains and persistent odours.
Seepage and encroaching roots
Cracks or deteriorated joints allow tree roots or soil to get inside the pipe. For more information, see our guide to root infiltration in pipes.
Inappropriate use and outdated facilities
Throwing away greasy debris, wipes or other residues that do not dissolve accelerates clogging. To learn reliable home methods, check out how to clean pipes without aggressive products.
Effective strategies to prevent traffic jams without road works
Visual and camera inspection
Regular inspection of the internal network, especially at critical points such as elbows or downpipes, allows wear and tear to be detected before it becomes a blockage. Camera inspection provides an accurate diagnosis without the need for building work.
Professional preventive cleaning
The use of high pressure washers in drains removes compacted sediment, roots or stubborn grease. In addition, we offer specialised pipe cleaning to maintain optimum flow.
Trenchless internal rehabilitation (relining)
When there are cracks or loss of diameter, relining renews the system without the need for building work. If you want to know more, see our repair option without building work.
Spot repair of joints and splices
Leaks or seepage often originate from damaged joints. Repairing them or replacing affected segments prevents major problems and protects the overall installation.
When should you seek professional help?
Clear warning signs
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Persistent weeping in drains
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Water overflows when using sink or washbasin
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Metallic noises or knocking in downpipes
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Permanent unpleasant odours
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Too frequent occurrence of traffic jams
If you identify any of these signs, it is advisable to contact specialised technicians.
Services we provide
Our services combine:
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Urgent unblocking (24 h) with hydrocleaner
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Pressure pipe cleaning
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Camera inspection for accurate diagnosis
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Refurbishment without building work if internal damage is detected
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Emptying of septic tanks, in case of stand-alone systems
Every intervention is completed with a technical report and service certification, as explained in our section on clogging and breakage localisation.
Benefits of preventive maintenance
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You avoid high emergency expenses
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You protect your building from damp and leaks
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You maintain the standard of hygiene and sanitation
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You increase the service life of the installation
A real example: in a community of neighbours in Gandía, a costly renovation was avoided after a no-build renovation combined with pressure cleaning, as infiltrated pine roots were identified.
To broaden your knowledge, we recommend that you review the best practices and technical standards in sanitation from the Construction Technology Institute of Catalonia (ITeC):✅ Good practices in sanitation - ITeC
Recommended next steps
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Schedule a camera inspection this quarter
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Reduces waste going down the drain.
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Plan a high-pressure cleaning before discomfort occurs.
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It values relining as a long-term solution.
At Limpiezas Domingo, our teams are available to help you in Marina Alta and La Safor. Consult or hire directly from the following services: urgent unblocking, pipe cleaning, camera inspection or emptying of septic tanks.