Clogs are a common plumbing issue that most homeowners have to deal with at some point. While using a plunger or drain snake may help to clear occasional clogs, persistent clogs can be a persistent and annoying problem. However, by becoming familiar with the usual causes of persistent clogs and taking preventative steps such as installing drain covers, avoiding improper waste disposal, and arranging regular drain cleaning services, we can prevent clogs from happening and minimize their impact.
What exactly causes blocking the drains and pipes?
There are various reasons why we may need to contact a plumber frequently, and some of them are preventable. However, we might be unintentionally contributing to the problem by disposing of certain items down the toilet drain. These items include:
Cotton balls and Toilet paper:
Toilet paper, paper towels, and cotton balls should not be flushed down the drain regularly, even though they are useful for cleaning. This is particularly problematic when they are used excessively and pushed down the drain forcefully. Furthermore, because they are bulky, some toilet paper might combine with hair or other materials to create a clog that won’t go down.
Food Wastes
Food waste can cause drain clogs when it rots and becomes slimy and sticky. The decomposed material can cling onto other items in the drain and build up over time to create a blockage. Food waste is particularly problematic for and creates blockage because it is moist and contains bacteria that can further break it down. It is important to avoid throwing certain types of food waste down the drains and pipes, such as avocado pits or coffee grounds, to prevent clogs from forming.
Hair
Hair is one of the common culprit behind clogs in drains and pipes. Since people shed around 100 hairs each day, it only takes a few days for a significant amount of hair to accumulate and clog up the drains and pipes. When hair gets wet and mixes with soap or toilet paper, it becomes a perfect recipe for creating a clog. Moreover, hair tends to stick together, which exacerbates the issue over time.
Soap scum
The accumulation of soap scum in our drains and pipes is another common reason for clogs. Liquid soaps and body washes that expire quickly can exacerbate the problem by creating a slimy, gunky film on the interior of your pipes. This buildup can lead to slow draining or a full-on clog. To avoid this problem, it’s essential to use soap with an extended shelf life.
Tree Roots
The presence of trees around the house can lead to clogs in your drain pipes. This is because the roots of the trees can grow into anything that stands still for too long, including sewer lines. As the roots grow larger, they take up more space inside the pipes and can prevent water and waste from flowing freely. Furthermore, the roots can entangle with hair, food remains, and other debris, creating a significant blockage that is difficult to remove. If anyone lives in an area with many trees, it’s important to keep an eye on the drains and take preventative measures to avoid clogs caused by tree roots.
Gases/ oils
Grease and oils can accumulate inside the pipes of our kitchen sink and become problematic if they’re not disposed of correctly. Due to their thick and sticky properties, they can form a paste-like substance that hardens around the inside of the pipes, making it challenging for water to flow through. Even if you use various cleaning methods like boiling salt water or baking soda and vinegar, the grease buildup will always be present, especially if you’re not careful with how much you pour down the drain. Over time, this buildup can cause your pipes to become clogged and result in plumbing issues.
When to call Professionals?
While there are many preventive measures we can take to avoid clogged drains, there are times when it’s necessary to seek professional help. If we have tried using home remedies like plungers and drain snakes but still cannot clear a clog, it’s best to call a plumber who has specialized tools and techniques to clear even the toughest clogs.
Multiple slow drains in our home can also indicate a severe issue, such as a clog in the main sewer line. In this case, it’s important to call a professional plumber who can diagnose the problem and provide the best solution for our specific situation.
Unusual smells or backups coming from our drains are also signs that we should call a professional plumber immediately. These could be indications of more severe plumbing problems like a broken sewer line, which need to be addressed promptly.
To prevent clogs from happening in the first place, it’s essential to be proactive in maintaining our plumbing system. Regular drain cleaning by a professional can help prevent clogs and other issues from occurring, saving us from costly repairs and keeping our home’s plumbing running smoothly for years to come.
Contact Katy Plumber’s Today
If you’re in need of plumbing services in Katy, look no further! Our team of experienced and licensed plumbers is here to help you with all of your plumbing needs. We offer a wide range of services, including drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, leak detection and repair, pipe repair and replacement, and much more.
Our plumbers are knowledgeable and equipped with the latest tools and techniques to diagnose and fix any plumbing problem you may be facing. We understand how inconvenient and stressful it can be to deal with plumbing issues, which is why we are committed to providing quick and efficient services to get your plumbing system back up and running as soon as possible.