Clogged drains are an unwelcome nuisance in any home. Not only can they cause long-term damage to plumbing lines, but they can also be difficult and expensive to repair. Knowing the top culprits of clogged drains can help homeowners take steps to reduce their chances of experiencing this issue. This article will explore the most common causes of drain clogs and offer advice for preventative maintenance.
The first common cause of drain clogs is hair that has accumulated in the pipes over time. Hair is a particularly difficult type of drain clog as it often becomes matted and tangled within the drainage pipe, making it hard to remove without specialized tools or equipment. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent hair from being washed down the shower or sink drain, such as using a mesh catch basin or installing a device like a “DrainWig” that captures hairs and other debris before they reach the plumbing lines.
Similarly, soap scum buildup is another common cause of clogs that can be prevented with regular cleaning and maintenance. Soap scum is a residue left behind when soap interacts with minerals found in hard water; overtime this residue can accumulate on the walls of pipes and lead to blockages. Homeowners should regularly clean their drains with solutions designed specifically for removing soap scum, such as vinegar or baking soda, in order to keep them clear of build-up.
By taking proactive steps to identify and address potential sources of clogs, homeowners can reduce their risk of dealing with costly repairs down the road. The remainder of this article will provide additional information on how best to prevent and manage drain clogs caused by these top culprits.
Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing issues faced in households. Clogs can occur due to various factors, such as improper disposal of solid waste, the accumulation of grease, and the buildup of hair and debris. The most common causes of blocked drains are discussed below.
Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) are some of the leading causes of blocked drains. When FOG is poured down a drain, it cools and solidifies when it reaches cooler parts of the drain pipe system. As more FOG is added to the system, it accumulates and sticks to the walls of the pipes, forming a thick layer that eventually blocks water from passing through. This blockage can lead to severe plumbing problems if not dealt with promptly.
Hair is another major cause for blocked drains. Hair clumps together when it comes into contact with water and soap residue, forming a thick wad that can clog up a drainpipe quickly if left unchecked. The same holds true for other debris such as food particles, leaves, dirt and small objects like toys or jewelry that may find their way into a sink or toilet bowl. All these items can accumulate over time and form blockages that need to be removed professionally.
To prevent clogged drains in households, regular maintenance should be carried out to ensure any potential blockages are identified before they become serious issues. This includes disposing of FOG properly by avoiding pouring it down sinks or toilets; cleaning up hair regularly; straining food particles from sink strainers; and removing any foreign objects that could find their way into pipes. Taking these preventative steps can help reduce common plumbing problems caused by blocked drains in households.
The top drain clog culprits are often everyday objects. Hair, grease, and soap scum are among the most common causes of blockages in pipes. But other items such as toys, jewelry, coins, and utensils can also cause obstructions. In addition to these objects, paper products like facial tissues, wipes and hygiene products can be flushed down the toilet and cause a clog.
It is important to remember that these items should not be flushed or washed down drains. Even if an object looks small enough to fit through the pipes, it can still catch on rough spots and create a blockage further down the line. Additionally, some materials like plastic or cloth may not decompose easily and can become tangled within the pipe system.
Therefore, it is essential to dispose of foreign objects properly in order to prevent drainage problems from occurring. Some items may need to be thrown away in a garbage bin while others will require special disposal methods due to their hazardous nature. Paying attention to what goes into your drains can help you avoid costly repair bills and keep your home’s plumbing system functioning smoothly for years to come.
A common cause of drain clogs is hair buildup in the drainage system. Hair, when it accumulates over time, can create a plug that blocks water from flowing and causes clogs. This type of clog is especially prevalent in bathroom sinks, showers and tubs due to the amount of shedding that occurs while grooming. It is important to take steps to prevent hair build-up before it gets out of control as it can be difficult to remove once it has become a problem.
The first step in preventing hair build-up is to install drain covers or strainer baskets to catch any loose hairs before they make their way into the pipes. Many times these are provided with the fixture when purchased, but if not, they can be purchased at any home improvement store and installed easily. Additionally, using cleaning products designed for drains can help break up any existing grease and oil deposits that may be collecting in the pipes which will allow for better water flow and reduce the amount of hair that sticks to the walls of the pipe.
Finally, regular maintenance such as snaking or hydrojetting should be done periodically to help keep your drains clear and free flowing. Snaking involves running a long flexible cable down into the pipes to physically remove any debris such as hair and other organic matter that has collected in the pipe. Hydrojetting uses high pressure water jets to scour away built-up grease, sludge, dirt and debris so that your pipes remain clear and functioning properly.
Grease and oil accumulation is one of the top causes for drain clogs. It often occurs in kitchen sinks from cooking activities that involve oils and fats. Grease and oil can coat the interior of pipes, leading to a gradual buildup that gradually becomes thick enough to slow or stop water flow. In bathrooms, grease and oil accumulation may be attributed to hair products such as shampoo and conditioner, as well as body lotions that are washed down drains.
A simple solution for preventing grease-based clogs is to dispose of fatty liquids such as bacon grease by pouring it into a can or jar and then discarding it into the trash rather than down the sink drain. An effective way of cleaning out existing grease buildup is to pour boiling water down the drain followed by a mixture of baking soda and vinegar which helps break up any residue on pipe walls.
Homeowners should also regularly use commercial products that are specifically designed to eliminate grease buildups in pipes before they become too extreme. These products come in liquid or powder form, are easy to use, and are an affordable way of avoiding costly plumbing repairs associated with clogged drains caused by excess grease or oil accumulation.
Aside from grease and oil accumulation, there are a variety of other elements that can cause clogged drains. Foreign objects, such as toys or jewelry, are common culprits for clogged drains. These objects can get stuck in the pipes and cause a blockage. Another common cause of clogs is the buildup of hair, soap scum, and other debris in the pipes. This type of buildup accumulates over time until it forms a solid blockage that prevents water from flowing through the pipe.
Tree roots are also known to be major causes of clogged drains. Tree roots can grow into pipes and create obstructions that prevent water from flowing properly through them. Additionally, dirt and sediment may accumulate in pipes over time and cause a blockage. This is especially true if homeowners do not maintain their drainage systems on a regular basis to keep the pipes clear of debris.
These are just some of the many possible causes for clogged drains. It is important to identify the source of the problem quickly so that proper action can be taken to repair it before further damage occurs. Professional plumbers have specialized tools and knowledge to help determine what is causing a drain blockage and provide effective solutions to clear it up quickly.
At Lake Pleasant Plumbers, we specialize in a wide range of plumbing services in Peoria, Arizona, from small repairs to major remodeling projects. No job is too small or too big for our experienced plumbing contractors. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with all your plumbing needs.