Common Causes of Clogged Drains and How to Avoid Them
Dealing with clogged drains can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience. While it's easy to reach for a chemical drain cleaner or call a professional plumber, understanding the root causes of clogged drains and how to prevent them can save you time, money, and headaches. This blog post will discuss the top five common causes of clogged drains and provide tips on avoiding them.
Hair and Soap Scum Buildup
One of the most common causes of clogged drains is hair and soap scum buildup. This is especially true in bathroom sinks, showers, and bathtubs. Over time, hair and soap scum can accumulate and blockage in your drain, causing water to back up and potentially leading to a messy overflow.
How to Prevent:
- Install a hair catcher or drain strainer in your sinks and showers to catch hair and other debris before they enter your drain.
- Regularly clean your drain strainers to ensure they are functioning correctly.
- Consider using liquid or body wash instead of bar soap, as it is less likely to leave behind soap scum.
Grease and Food Particles
Another common culprit of clogged drains is grease and food particles in kitchen sinks. When grease is poured down the sink, it can solidify and stick to the walls of your pipes, eventually causing a blockage. Similarly, food particles can accumulate over time and create a clog.
How to Prevent:
- Never pour grease or cooking oil down your sink. Instead, allow it to cool and solidify, then dispose of it in the trash.
- Use a sink strainer to catch food particles before they enter your drain.
- Regularly clean your garbage disposal to prevent buildup and clogs.
Foreign Objects
Foreign objects, such as toys, sanitary products, or paper towels, can easily cause a clogged drain if they accidentally enter your plumbing system. These items are not meant to be flushed down the toilet or washed down the sink and can quickly lead to a blockage.
How to Prevent:
- Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Dispose of other items in the trash, such as baby wipes and sanitary products.
- Keep small items away from sinks and toilets to prevent accidental flushing or washing down the drain.
Tree Roots
Tree roots can cause clogged drains, especially in older homes with clay or cast iron pipes. Roots can infiltrate your plumbing system through small cracks or gaps, eventually causing a blockage.
How to Prevent:
- Regularly inspect your property for signs of tree root intrusion, such as slow-draining sinks or toilets.
- Consider hiring a professional plumber to inspect a septic system and address potential issues.
- If you are planting new trees, consult a landscaping professional to ensure they are planted safely from your plumbing system.
Pipe Damage or Collapse
Over time, pipes can become damaged or collapse, leading to clogged drains and other plumbing issues. This is more common in older homes with aging plumbing systems.
How to Prevent:
- Have your plumbing system inspected by a professional plumber, especially if your home is older or has a history of plumbing issues.
- Address any signs of pipe damage or wear, such as rust, corrosion, or leaks, as soon as possible.
Understanding the common causes of clogged drains and taking preventative measures can save you time, money, and headaches.
Contact Bahama Plumbing today if you're experiencing persistent clogged drains or other plumbing issues!