A clogged drain or pipe can really make things a mess. It’s the kind of mess that homeowners don’t want to deal with – especially the backups and foul odors. Not to mention, the cost of repairing them can pile up if nothing is done fast. This guide will discuss the five most common causes of this typical plumbing issue.
Here’s the thing you need to know: it’s a common plumbing problem that is easily preventable. Most of the time it is anyway. But sometimes, clogs can form without it being your own fault. Nonetheless, it’s important to know what the common causes are and how to prevent a clogged drain.
Ready to check out the list below? Let’s waste no more time and get started.
Hair
Whether it’s shaving over the sink or some small strands falling off while you wash it or shower, hair can be a huge problem for drains. If it piles up over time, that’s when the clogs can create blockage. This can be preventable by installing a mesh drain cover.
Whether you know it or not, any licensed plumber recommends you have them for all of your plumbing fixtures. Your bathroom in particular should have them because that’s where most hair-related clogs happen. These mesh drain covers will trap hair before they ever enter your drain.
They don’t cost a ton of money either. So grab a few for each of your plumbing fixtures where using them makes sense. It’s a worthy investment that can prevent a clogged pipe from happening.
Food waste
Aside from your bathroom, installing another mesh drain cover in your kitchen sink will be a good idea as well. The reason: food waste. Here’s the thing: your pipes are not a substitute for a trash can. Some will learn that lesson the hard way by the foul odors that come from their pipes.
That’s what happens when food waste sits in your pipes for a while and well…goes bad. It’s a gut wrenching kind of smell that will truly make you lose your appetite. Taking the preventative measures will be simple here. Please throw away any food particles in the trash (or use your garbage disposal if you have one).
Grease and oil
It may look like a liquid at first. But oil and grease solidifies at room temperature. Enough of it will cause a pipe clog. Whether it’s grease from a pan or some kind of cooking oil you use, putting it down the drain is a huge no-no.
The worst part is that other debris will even stick to the solid matter created by the oil or grease itself. While we’ve preached proper disposal as the best way to prevent a clogged drain, what’s the course of action for oil and grease? Putting it in a container and disposing it in the trash is the best option.
Residential homes won’t have a grease disposal bin like you’d see at fast food restaurants. Besides, it would be too much work dealing with those in a home setting anyhow. So your best option is properly placing it in a container and throwing it away like anything else.
“Flushable” wipes or other hygiene products
This is where things can get quite tricky. Yes, toilet paper was meant for being flushed. However, too much can be a bad thing. So make sure you use the appropriate amount.
Another thing we highly don’t recommend that you do is flush down are flushable wipes. We get it – this is confusing. Why call them “flushable” when we don’t recommend you flushing them down the toilet?
Here’s the caveat: these wipes don’t break down as easily as regular toilet paper.
The same applies for similar hygiene products. These products can pile up over time and cause clogs. The proper way to dispose of these flushable wipes and similar products is to throw them in the trash.
Doing so will prevent sewer leaks from happening.
Legendess Plumbing has seen this before. Sewer backups due to flushable wipes of all things. Shouldn’t these wipes be called anything else rather than “flushable”? We told you that this was tricky.
Soap scum, residue, and mineral buildup
This is something that is of no fault of your own. Almost every single personal hygiene product or soap for dishes contains minerals that can create soap scum, residue, and mineral buildup. Over time, build up will be more than enough to cause clogs.
With soap scum and residue, the best way to prevent clogs is to clean your pipes regularly. Instead of chemical drain cleaners that can damage your pipes, consider mixing baking soda and vinegar. This cleaner made with two natural ingredients can knock down the build up and keep everything flowing smoothly.
As for mineral buildup – this can stem not just from the products you use, but also hard water. Thus, it’s important to consider the idea of having a water softener installed. Legendess Plumbing offers a whole home water softening system that will ensure that hard water doesn’t wreck havoc on your entire plumbing system.
Hard water can also make it difficult for those with regular skin sensitivities. Showering or even doing laundry with hard water can trigger these. All the more reason to talk to a licensed plumber from Legendess to install a water softener at the best opportunity possible.
Final Thoughts
Clogged drains and pipes can turn into a nightmare for any homeowner, landlord, or tenant. Taking the best care of them can lead to a lot of money being saved. Not to mention, plenty of time wasted and the headaches that go with it. Legendess Plumbing offers repair services for Media, PA and the surrounding area.
We can inspect your plumbing system for possible issues. If you need repairs done, we’ll be able to accomplish it with the help of our licensed plumbers. Even better – we offer same day service that is second to none. Call us today at 484-352-2220 for more information now.