Having clogged drains at home is a constant concern for homeowners. It’s no fun to have to deal with a backed-up stink and a toilet that won’t flush or a bathtub that overflows. The good news is that there are easy ways to prevent these problems from happening in the first place! In this article, we will share 9 of the most common causes of clogged drains and how you can prevent them.
HAIR
One of the most common causes of clogged drains is hair. Hair can build up in the drain over time and eventually cause a blockage. There are a few ways to prevent this from happening.
First, you can use a drain cover to keep hair and other debris from going down the drain. Second, you can regularly remove hair from the drain with a plunger or plumber’s snake. Finally, you can use an enzyme-based drain cleaner to eat away at any build-up of hair in the drain.
If you follow these steps, you can help prevent hair from causing clogged drains in your home.
SOAP SCUM
One of the most common causes of clogged drains is soap scum. Soap scum is a build-up of soap residue and dirt that can accumulate on the walls of your drain. Over time, this build-up can cause your drain to become blocked.
There are a few ways to prevent soap scum from building up in your drain. First, you can use a drain catch to trap soap scum before it has a chance to enter your drain. Second, you can use a plunger or plumber’s snake to clear any existing soap scum from your drain. Finally, you can use vinegar and water solution to break down soap scum and prevent it from accumulating.
If you find that your drain is already clogged with soap scum, you can use a plunger or plumber’s snake to try to clear the blockage. If this does not work, you may need to call a professional plumber to help clear the blockage.
FOOD WASTE
When people wash dishes or cook, food particles can end up going down the drain. Over time, these particles can build up and cause a blockage.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to scrape all food waste into the trash before washing dishes or cooking. This will help to ensure that food doesn’t end up going down the drain. Additionally, it’s a good idea to run hot water down the drain after each use to help flush away any particles that may have made their way down.
TREE ROOTS
Another common cause of clogged drains is tree roots. Tree roots can grow into the pipes and cause blockages. They can also break the pipes, which can lead to leaks.
To prevent tree roots from causing problems, it is important to have trees trimmed back from the house. If tree roots are already causing problems, a plumber can use a rooter machine to remove them.
To prevent tree roots from causing problems is to make sure that the downspouts and gutters are clear. This will help to prevent water from pooling around the house and seeping into the ground near the foundation.
GREASE AND FAT
One of the most common causes of clogged drains is grease and fat. When hot grease or fat is poured down the drain, it cools and solidifies. This can cause a build-up in the pipes, which can eventually lead to a clog.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to never pour hot grease or fat down the drain. Instead, let it cool and then dispose of it in the trash.
Another way to prevent grease and fat build-up in your drains is to pour a cup of baking soda down the drain once a week. This will help to break up any grease or fat that may be starting to accumulate.
TOILET PAPER
Toilet paper can build up in the drain and cause a blockage. To prevent this, be sure to only flush toilet paper down the toilet. Do not flush other items, such as feminine hygiene products or wipes, down the toilet. These items can cause a clog.
Another common cause of clogged drains is hair. Hair can build up in the drain and cause a blockage. To prevent this, be sure to sweep or vacuum your floors regularly to remove any hair that may have fallen. You should also avoid putting grease or oil down the drain, as this can also cause a clog.
FOREIGN OBJECTS
One of the most common causes of clogged drains is foreign objects. These can include things like hair, food scraps, and small toys. It’s important to be careful about what you put down your drain, as even small objects can cause a blockage.
To prevent foreign objects from clogging your drain, make sure to use a drain cover. This will catch any stray hairs or other objects before they have a chance to go down the drain. You should also be careful about what you put down the drain, and avoid putting anything but water and soap down it.
If you do accidentally drop something down the drain, don’t wait for it to cause a problem. Try to remove it as soon as possible so that it doesn’t have a chance to build up and cause a blockage.
CHEMICAL DRAIN CLEANERS
Chemical drain cleaners are designed to break down and dissolve clogs. However, they can also damage your pipes if used too frequently. If you must use a chemical drain cleaner, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and only use it as a last resort.
CORROSION
Corrosion can happen when the drain pipes are made of metal and come into contact with water. The water can cause the metal to corrode and break down over time. This can eventually lead to a clog.
To prevent corrosion, it’s important to make sure that the drain pipes are made of materials that won’t corrode. This includes materials like PVC or stainless steel. It’s also important to keep the water in the pipes clean and free of debris. This will help to prevent corrosion and clogs.
Clogged drains can be a nuisance, but they can usually be avoided with some simple preventive measures. We hope this post helped you find the solution to your clogged drains.
If you are tired of struggling with clogged drains, just call Reactive Plumbing today for professional clogged drain assistance.
