Clogged drains can cause significant damage to your plumbing system if not addressed. Everyone is familiar with the unpleasant smell and inconvenience that clogged drains create. Knowing how to recognize the signs of a blocked drain and the common causes of them can help you prevent further damage from occurring in your home or business. As a professional plumbing company, ClimateMakers understands the importance of avoiding clogs, so here’s our guide on the common causes, signs, and solutions associated with clogged drains.
Grease and Oil
One of the most common causes of clogged drains is grease and oil. When these substances are poured down the drain, they can solidify and stick to the sides of the pipes, eventually leading to a blockage. This can be a particularly problematic issue in the kitchen, as grease and oil are often used in cooking.
To avoid this issue, it's important to properly dispose of grease and oil. Instead of pouring it down the drain, try wiping it off into a disposable container, such as a coffee can or an old milk jug. Once the container is full, you can throw it in the trash.
It's also a good idea to avoid pouring hot grease down the drain. While it may seem like a good idea at the time, the heat can actually cause the grease to stick to the sides of the pipes more easily, leading to a faster buildup. Instead, let the grease cool down before disposing of it.
If you do experience a clogged drain due to grease or oil, there are a few things you can try at home to resolve the issue. One option is to use a plunger to try and loosen the blockage. You can also try using a mixture of hot water and dish soap to help break down the grease and clear the drain. If these methods don't work, it may be necessary to call a professional plumbing company to help resolve the issue.
Overall, preventing grease and oil from going down the drain is the best way to avoid a clogged drain. By being mindful of what goes down your drains and properly disposing of grease and oil, you can help keep your plumbing running smoothly.
Hair
Hair is another common cause of clogged drains. It's easy for hair to become tangled in the drain cover and eventually build up, leading to a blockage. This is a particularly common issue in the bathroom, as hair is often washed down the drain in the shower or bathtub.
To prevent this issue, it's a good idea to use a hair catcher in your shower or bathtub. These devices are designed to catch hair before it goes down the drain, helping to prevent clogs from forming. They are easy to install and can be purchased at most home improvement stores or online.
Another option is to use a drain cover with small holes. These covers allow water to pass through while catching smaller strands of hair that may otherwise go down the drain. They are also easy to install and can be purchased at most home improvement stores or online.
If you do experience a clogged drain due to hair, there are a few things you can try at home to resolve the issue. One option is to use a plunger to try and loosen the blockage. You can also try using a mixture of hot water and dish soap to help break down the hair and clear the drain. If these methods don't work, it may be necessary to call a professional plumbing company to help resolve the issue.
Overall, using a hair catcher and a drain cover can help prevent clogged drains due to hair. By taking these simple precautions, you can help keep your plumbing running smoothly and avoid the hassle of a clogged drain.
Soap Scum
Soap scum can also contribute to clogged drains. As soap is used and washed down the drain, it can leave a film on the sides of the pipes that eventually hardens and builds up. This can be a particularly problematic issue in the bathroom, as soap is often used in the shower and washed down the drain.
To avoid this issue, there are a few things you can try. One option is to use a drain cleaner regularly to help break down soap scum and prevent it from building up. These cleaners can be purchased at most home improvement stores or online and are easy to use. Simply follow the instructions on the label to use the cleaner properly.
Another option is to consider using liquid soap instead of bar soap. Liquid soap is less likely to leave a film on the pipes, which can help prevent clogs from forming. It's also a good idea to avoid using excessive amounts of soap, as this can increase the likelihood of soap scum building up.
If you do experience a clogged drain due to soap scum, there are a few things you can try at home to resolve the issue. One option is to use a plunger to try and loosen the blockage. You can also try using a mixture of hot water and dish soap to help break down the soap scum and clear the drain. If these methods don't work, it may be necessary to call a professional plumbing company to help resolve the issue.
Overall, preventing soap scum from building up is the best way to avoid a clogged drain. By using a drain cleaner and being mindful of your soap usage, you can help keep your plumbing running smoothly and avoid the hassle of a clogged drain.
Foreign Objects
Foreign objects, such as toys or small household items, can also cause clogged drains. This can be a particularly problematic issue in the bathroom, as it's easy for small objects to be accidentally dropped into the toilet or washed down the drain.
To prevent this issue, it's important to properly dispose of trash and small objects. Make sure to keep trash cans in a secure location, especially if you have young children, to prevent them from accidentally being flushed down the toilet or washed down the drain. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on what goes down the drain, especially in the bathroom, and make sure that only appropriate items are being disposed of.
If you do experience a clogged drain due to a foreign object, there are a few things you can try to resolve the issue. One option is to use a plunger to try and loosen the blockage. Another option is to try using a drain snake, which is a long, flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain to remove the foreign object. If these methods don't work, or if you are unable to locate the foreign object, it may be necessary to call a professional plumbing company to help resolve the issue.
It's important to remember that prevention is the best course of action when it comes to clogged drains due to foreign objects. By properly disposing of trash and small objects and keeping an eye on what goes down your drains, you can help avoid the hassle and expense of a clogged drain.
Tree Roots
In some cases, clogged drains may be caused by tree roots growing into the pipes. This can be a more difficult issue to prevent, but there are a few steps you can take to minimize the risk.
One option is to keep tree roots trimmed away from the pipes. This can help prevent them from growing into the pipes and causing a blockage. It's also a good idea to pay attention to any trees or shrubs near your plumbing and be mindful of their root systems. If you have large trees with extensive root systems, it may be a good idea to have them professionally trimmed or removed to prevent potential issues with your plumbing.
Another option is to use a root-killing chemical to help prevent tree roots from growing into the pipes. These chemicals can be applied to the soil around the pipes and are designed to kill any roots that come into contact with them. It's important to follow the instructions on the label when using these chemicals, as improper use can be harmful to the trees and the environment.
If you do experience a clogged drain due to tree roots, it may be necessary to call a professional plumbing company to help resolve the issue. They will be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of action, whether it be removing the roots or repairing the pipes.
Overall, taking steps to prevent tree roots from growing into your pipes is the best way to avoid a clogged drain. By keeping tree roots trimmed and using root-killing chemicals, you can help protect your plumbing and avoid the hassle of a clogged drain.
Conclusion: Preventative Measures Are Essential For Optimal Performance
As a plumbing company serving the Charleston area for many years, ClimateMakers has seen our fair share of clogged drains. While they can be a nuisance, they are often preventable with a little bit of knowledge and effort. In this blog post, we outlined some of the most common causes of clogged drains and provided tips on how to avoid them.
With simple maintenance and preventative care, clogged drains can be avoided in most cases. At ClimateMakers, our team of experienced plumbers is committed to providing personalized service solutions for all your plumbing needs. With a wide range of services, including drain cleaning, repairs, and installation, we guarantee satisfaction with every job. So contact us today, and let us help you keep your drains running clear!