What Causes Drain Clogs?
Whether it’s slow drainage or a full backup, clogged drains are incredibly frustrating to deal with. They make it difficult to wash dishes or take a shower and can also result in serious damage that’s expensive to fix. Fortunately, the majority of clogs happen because of simple things you can avoid, like grease buildup or hair accumulation. Here’s a closer look at the top causes of drain clogs and how you can prevent them with drain clearing before they become major plumbing issues.
Hair Buildup
Where it happens: Bathtub, sink and shower drains often have clogs from hair accumulation. The hair clings to shampoo, conditioner and soap as they travel down the drain, resulting in a buildup of muck that eventually obstructs the pipe.
How to prevent it: Install a hair catcher to trap loose strands from falling into the drain. Make sure to clean the catcher thoroughly every few days to prevent buildup and blockages. Brushing your hair before you shower can also help reduce shedding from going down the drain.
Grease and Cooking Oils
Where it happens: Kitchen sinks are where the majority of grease and oil clogs occur. As the grease travels through the pipes, it eventually cools and hardens, causing blockages that slow drainage and lead to drain backups.
How to prevent it: Don’t ever pour grease or oil down the drain. Instead, pour it in a container and dispose of it properly in the trash can. Take a paper towel and wipe down all pots, pans and dishes before washing them so leftover grease doesn’t end up in the drain.
Soap Scum
Where it happens: Clogs caused by soap scum mostly occur in bathroom sinks, tubs and showers. Once enough buildup forms, the water will back up and drain slowly or not at all.
How to prevent it: Instead of bar soap, use a liquid soap or low-residue body wash. Cleaning the drain regularly with baking soda and vinegar can help break up scum before it hardens and causes a stubborn clog.
Flushable Wipes and Hygiene Products
Where it happens: Flushable wipes cause the most problems when flushed down a toilet. Even though the packaging may say “flushable,” don’t believe it. These wipes end up clumping together in your pipes and causing serious blockages. Flushing feminine products like tampons or pads, along with any cotton balls or diapers, will also result in major sewer clogs that can back up into your home.
How to prevent it: The only things you should ever flush down the toilet are toilet paper, human waste or water. Keeping a trash bin right next to the toilet will help ensure everyone disposes of non-flushable items properly. If you have any young kids in the home, make sure to go over the flushing rules so they understand what can and can’t go down the toilet.
Food Waste
Where it happens: Waste from food, like vegetable peels or coffee grounds, will clog your kitchen sink and may even cause problems in the dishwasher. Starchy foods like rice and pasta will expand in water and create sticky clogs.
How to prevent it: Never put bones, coffee grounds or peels down the drain. Make sure to scrape and rinse all plates before washing them; this applies to both hand-washing and using a dishwasher. If you have a garbage disposal, it’ll need regular cleaning to keep it smelling fresh and working properly.
Foreign Objects
Where it happens: Sometimes, clogs happen because someone places a foreign object in the drain. This is quite common in homes with young children. They may place toys, jewelry and other small household items in spots they don’t belong.
How to prevent it: Install screen covers over all drains to prevent any foreign objects from making their way into the pipes. Keep the toilet lid down when not in use to discourage kids from dropping items into the bowl. If something does fall into a drain or toilet, don’t try to flush or remove it unless you’re absolutely sure it’s safe. A plumber can remove the object without damaging your plumbing.
Tree Roots in Sewer Lines
Where it happens: Even though you don’t see them, tree roots can invade your underground sewer lines; this is particularly common in older homes. The roots seek moisture inside the pipes and make their way into the sewer line through small cracks and loose pipe joints. Once inside, they quickly spread and block the flow of wastewater.
How to prevent it: A plumber can use advanced camera technology to inspect your sewer line every few years. This will help catch potential blockages or root growth early, which makes it much easier and less expensive to fix. You should avoid planting large trees near any underground sewer or drain lines to prevent roots from invading the pipes.
Hard Water and Mineral Buildup
Where it happens: Hard water is very common throughout the Downtown, Countryside and Island Estates neighborhoods in Clearwater. As the minerals in the water stick to the inside of your plumbing, especially in bathroom sinks and showers, they will build up over time. The calcium and magnesium eventually create a crusty layer that narrows the inside of the pipes and slows down the flow of water.
How to prevent it: One of the best ways to get rid of hard water problems is to install a water softener. A plumber can go over the different options to ensure you choose the right setup for your home’s plumbing. The softener will remove excess minerals so soap and residue don’t bond and form buildup.
Final Thoughts
Now that you understand the main causes of drain clogs, it’s time to schedule plumbing maintenance. A yearly tune-up for your plumbing system will spot early warning signs and fix small issues before they cause major backups. If you’re dealing with a current clog that won’t go away, you can use our drain clearing methods for fast, long-lasting relief.
Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing now to access the best services for clearing drains in Clearwater. If there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay.