Clogged drains can be a frustrating issue to homeowners. From the kitchen sink to the bathroom tub, it seems that clogs are lurking around every corner. Knowing the top drain clog culprits can help homeowners take preventive steps to avoid them. This article explores the most common sources of drainage problems and provides solutions for avoiding costly repairs in the future.
Clogs in drains can cause major issues for a home’s plumbing system. They can lead to backups and overflows that require extensive cleaning, as well as repairs or replacements of pipes and fixtures. In some cases, this type of water damage may even require professional restoration services. To prevent these costly issues, it is important to understand what causes them and how to prevent them from occurring.
This article will detail the top drain clog culprits and offer advice on avoiding them in the future. Through understanding common causes of clogs, homeowners can take proactive steps towards preventing drainage problems before they occur. With this knowledge, homeowners can rest assured that their home’s plumbing system will remain free of clogs and other potential issues throughout the year.
Clogs, much like the bane of many a homeowner, are often difficult to trace and even harder to eradicate. From the smallest kitchen sink stoppage to the most substantial shower drain clog, pinpointing the origin of the issue can be a daunting prospect. Understanding common culprits behind clogged drains is essential for any homeowner hoping to tackle a blocked pipe without resorting to costly professional help.
Hair is one of the most common causes of clogged drains. Tiny strands shed from hairbrush bristles or head follicles can accumulate in pipes, creating an impenetrable mess that can quickly grow out of control if not addressed promptly. Similarly, soap scum, which builds up over time from body wash and shampoo residue left behind after bathing, can act as a glue-like substance that holds masses of hair together in a blockage that resists all attempts at removal.
Grease is also a major player when it comes to drain clogs. Fatty substances like bacon fat or vegetable oil that goes down sinks as liquid but solidifies with cool temperatures will eventually form an obstruction that’s almost impossible to remove without professional help. The same holds true for starches such as rice or pasta which swell with water ingestion and create an airtight seal in pipes that’s hard to break apart.
In order to prevent these common causes of drain clogs, regular maintenance is key: regularly removing hairs from shower drains; washing greasy pans with hot soapy water rather than rinsing them; and running cold water while disposing starch-based foods into drains are all effective practices for keeping pipes clear and free flowing.
Hair buildup is one of the most common causes of clogged drains. Hair has a tendency to form clumps and settle in pipes, creating blockages that impede the flow of water. In bathrooms, hair can accumulate from the use of showers and bathtubs, as well as from brushing and styling products. In kitchens, hair can enter the drain from washing dishes or from disposing food waste.
The removal of hair buildup requires specialized tools, such as a plumber’s snake or a handheld auger. These tools are designed to break up clumps and dislodge debris that is blocking the pipe. If these tools are not available, there are some DIY methods that involve using boiling water, a coat hanger, or a plunger to remove the obstruction.
In order to prevent further accumulation of hair in pipes, it is important to install mesh filters on drains in areas where there is frequent contact with human hair. Mesh filters will collect any strands that may fall into the drain before they get stuck in the pipes. Additionally, it is advisable to regularly inspect drains for signs of accumulation and clean them out when necessary.
Slipping and sliding, like a snake on the ground, grease and oil can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. A common cause of clogs, grease and oil buildup in drains is often overlooked when searching for a quick fix. Grease and oil are both made up of long-chain hydrocarbons which will not dissolve in water. As these substances cool down they become thicker, eventually forming a solid mass that will clog the pipes.
The best way to avoid this problem is to prevent grease and oil from entering the drain in the first place. This can be accomplished by never pouring any type of fat or oil down the sink or toilet. Instead, allow any remaining grease or oil to cool before wiping it away with an absorbent material such as paper towel. This material should then be placed in a sealed container, such as an old coffee can, before being disposed of properly in the garbage.
Taking preventative measures can save you time and money down the line by avoiding costly repairs due to a clogged drain caused by grease and oil buildup. Even if you do experience clogging issues due to this pesky buildup, there are various methods that can be used to restore your pipes back to full functionality without breaking your budget.
Soap scum is a common cause of clogged drains. It is formed when soap reacts with hard water and then sticks to the sides of pipes. The build-up can become thick, sticky, and difficult to remove. This can lead to clogs that are challenging to clear out without the help of a professional plumber.
One way to prevent soap scum from forming in the first place is by using special soaps or detergents labeled as low-sudsing. These products contain surfactants that reduce the amount of suds they create, meaning less foam and fewer bubbles that can stick to pipe walls. Additionally, installing a softener can help reduce the amount of soap scum buildup that occurs in pipes over time by removing minerals from hard water before it enters them.
Regular maintenance is also essential for preventing soap scum build up in drains. Routinely cleaning drain surfaces with vinegar or baking soda can help keep them free from thick layers of residue. This is especially important for areas like showers and bathtubs where soap use is frequent. Keeping up with this basic housekeeping task will make sure that your drains remain clear and functioning properly.
Foreign objects such as jewelry, toys, and small kitchen items can be counted among the top causes of a clogged drain. These items are easily lost down the sink or tub and can become lodged in the pipes, leading to an obstruction. An accumulation of items creates a blockage that prevents water from draining properly. As a result, wastewater pools and can eventually back up into the home or building.
The best way to avoid foreign objects becoming lodged in pipes is to keep them away from drains. Kitchen sinks should be kept clear of small items like bottle caps, while bathroom tubs should be supervised while children are bathing, as toys can easily find their way down the drain. In addition, it is helpful to check for any lost items before running water through the drain since most objects will not pass through plumbing pipes once caught in them.
It is possible to remove foreign objects from drains with special tools or by snaking out the pipe with plumber’s snake auger. However, it is always wise to consult with a professional plumber if there is a suspected object stuck in the drain line so that damage does not occur during removal efforts. Taking these preventative steps can help ensure that foreign objects do not become clog culprits and cause costly problems for homeowners or property owners.
At Rocky Mountains Plumbing Experts, we specialize in a wide range of plumbing services in Aurora, Colorado, 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.