5 Common Causes of Clogged Drains (and What to Do About Them)
High markup? High property values? How about high water bills!?
Clogged drains are a big cause of high water bills, and can also lead to higher property taxes if the causes aren’t addressed. High taxes mean less money for improving your home and for you!
So what causes a drain to clog, and how can you fix the most common clogs? That’s what we’re looking at today.
1. Fats, Oils, and Grease
This is because when cooking with these ingredients, small amounts can quickly accumulate and form solidified lumps that not only restrict the flow of water but can cause odors and bad bacteria over time.
To keep drains clear of these common clogs, it is best to regularly wipe off any excess fat, oil, or grease from cookware and dishes before rinsing them down the drain. Pour boiling water down the drain once a week to discourage build-up and ensure that any excess fats, oils, and grease to unclog drains.
2. Food Scraps
Food scraps can easily escape sinks and toilets, make their way through drains, and then clog up when they get stuck. To avoid clogged drains due to food scraps, it is advised to keep any solid food, such as coffee grinds, egg shells, produce, grease, and small items like fish bones out of the drain.
If food scraps do get clogged, you can use a combination of hot water and liquid detergent to loosen the obstruction, but if that has not worked, then it is better to call a local plumber.
3. Foreign Objects
Objects like jewelry, food, toys, and hair are usually the primary culprits, as they can easily become wedged in the confines of the drain line. When this happens, the blockage is usually so severe that it takes specialized tools to clear it. Before attempting to clear the blockage yourself, it is best to call a professional for plumbing glossary problems.
There are a variety of tools that a professional can use to remove the obstruction, such as a drain snake and drain auger, allowing them to safely and effectively get the job done.
4. Tree Roots
When trees are planted near a home’s sewer line, the tree’s roots can grow and wrap around the pipe. As more water passes through the pipe, the roots take advantage of its warmth and invade the pipe by penetrating tiny cracks and holes. This causes a blockage, leading to a clogged drain.
If a clog does occur, homeowners should contact experienced plumbers to assess the damage and take the necessary steps to fix the issue; either by snaking, jetting, or replacing the pipe, depending on the severity of the clog.
5. Flushing Trash
Flushing items such as plastic, paper, and cloth down drains can cause clogs. Over time, these items can accumulate and lead to slow or clogged drains.
The first step to take when trying to unclog drains is to use a natural drain cleaner. Baking soda and vinegar are both excellent cleaning agents that can help break down organic matter.
Different Reasons for Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can be a hassle and occur for many different reasons. Regularly checking for common causes of clogged drains, such as root intrusion, misplaced foreign objects and hair buildup, will aid in preventing any backup. When clogs do form, clearing the drain with a drain snake or calling a plumber are good choices to clear the clog.
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