Remember those gigantic drains in horror movies? Wouldn’t you love to avoid living any kind of horror with your drains?
Drains become clogged when too much and the wrong type of materials go through them. Over time, this can cause trouble you want to avoid at all costs.
Let’s look at five common causes of clogged drains and what to do about them.
1. Hair Clogs
Hair is a major culprit when it comes to clogged drains. When we wash our hair in the shower or brush it over the sink, some strands fall out and go down the drain.
Over time, these hairs can get tangled up and create a blockage. To prevent this, use a hair catcher or drain cover to trap the hair before it goes down the shower drain. Cleaning the hair catcher regularly will help keep your drain flowing smoothly.
2. Grease Buildup
Grease and oil can cause clogs in your kitchen sink. When we pour leftover cooking oil or grease down the drain, it may seem fine at first.
But as the grease cools down, it can solidify and stick to the inside of the pipes. Eventually, this can lead to a blockage.
Instead of pouring grease down the drain, let it cool and dispose of it in the trash. This will help keep your drains grease-free.
3. Food Debris
Food particles that go down the drain can accumulate and cause clogs. When we wash dishes or scrape plates in the sink, small bits of food can find their way into the drain.
To prevent this, always scrape your plates into the trash or compost bin before washing them. Using a sink strainer can also be helpful as it catches any food scraps and prevents them from going down the drain.
4. Flushing the Wrong Things
Flushing items down the toilet that are not meant to get flushed can lead to clogs. Items like wet wipes, paper towels, and even cotton balls should never get flushed down the toilet. Unlike toilet paper, these items do not break down easily and can clog the pipes.
To reduce clogs, never flush anything that is not toilet paper, and pay attention to what goes down your sink or shower drain. Having strainers in place over the drains can help capture things like hair before they reach the pipes. If all else fails, you can always have a plumber do a full drain inspection and repair.
5. Soap Scum Buildup
Soap can leave behind a residue called soap scum, which can accumulate and clog drains over time. This, in turn, results in plumbing issues.
Regular cleaning of your drains can help prevent this buildup. You can use hot water and vinegar to dissolve the soap scum and clear your drains. Simply pour the mixture down the drain and let it sit for a while before rinsing it with hot water.
Fix Your Clogged Drains Today
Fixing your clogged drains now will save you time and money in the long run. Don’t wait until the problem becomes bigger than it is. It is more cost and time efficient if you get it done right away.
So don’t delay! Call a plumber today to help you fix your clogged drains!
Was this article helpful? For more useful and informative reads, check out some of our other blog posts.
