A clogged drain pipe is an issue that needs to be dealt with immediately, or else it can escalate into a major problem. Despite knowing this, many homeowners keep delaying the cleaning work for days, and even for weeks at a time, all the while putting up with the inconvenience. This delay eventually results in complete drain blockage and ends up costing them double the amount they would have initially paid.
At Snell Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, cleaning of clogged drains is one of the many services we offer, and we have seen a number of reasons for such hassles. Here are some of the most common causes of slow drains that we know.
1) Hair
One of the common reasons for clogs in the bathroom and laundry drains is hair. This includes both human hair as well as animal fur and thin stringy items such as dental floss. Hair strings are particularly problematic as they tend to get knot up with substances like soap and grease and attach themselves (albeit a little stubbornly) to the inner parts of a drainage system.
2) Dirt
Many people make the mistake of washing away dirt and mud from their clothes down the bathroom drain. This is not always a good idea as the dirt eventually builds up and contributes to the clogging of the pipes. Try to dust off as much dirt as possible outside before washing the clothes inside.
3) Food Waste
No matter what, never drain your food waste down your kitchen pipes, even if you have a garbage disposal in your sink. It is a better idea to keep a separate composting bin for all your wet waste. Wastes such as tea leaves and coffee grounds do not break down easily. Hence, such waste items should be disposed of in compost. Other wet waste that you need to be cautious of includes fried items, junk foods, or practically anything that can result in grease buildups.
4) Oil & Grease
Oil and grease take a long time to build up. However, once they do, it becomes very hard to get rid of the residue. They slowly accumulate in the insides of the pipes and solidify over time. A homespun solution for cleaning oil and grease is to pour hot water down the drain with a little bit of baking soda.
5) Mineral Buildup
This is especially a problem in homes with hard water. The mineral components in hard water slowly build up inside the pipes, causing insoluble masses to block the drains. You can use a water softener to tackle the problem. Another option is to regularly descale the pipes to prevent mineral deposits from getting collected.
6) Toilet Paper & Wipes
Flushing toilet paper down your toilet is okay. However, too much toilet paper can sometimes clog your drains and stop the toilet from flushing. To avoid this, make sure to properly dispose of your toilet paper after use. If your toilet is somewhat clogged but the water is still running through, use a plunger to dissolve the remaining paper. If nothing helps, call an expert to solve the problem.
7) Small Objects
It is easy for small objects to make way into your plumbing system and cause problems. Children sometimes flush down their toys while attending to their business. Small accessories enter shower pipes when the opening is left unprotected. Outside drains also tend to get filled up with unwanted objects that flow into them during rain. Regular cleaning is the best way to ensure that no blockage happens in your drains.
If you need immediate professional assistance for your drain blockage problems, our expert plumbers at Snell Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning will help you! We will inspect all of your plumbing systems to provide you with the right repair solutions! Contact us today at 301-459-5888!
