Drains get clogged. It seems like a fact of life, just like plumbing issues. If you have a home, you are bound to experience a clogged drain at least once. But why do drains get clogged to begin with? Is there anything you can do to prevent clogs from occurring, or are you fated to battle with your plumbing for all eternity?
If you want to learn more about pipe repair.
According to blocked drains Newcastle, one of the leading causes of clogged or blocked drains is a lack of education around what can and what cannot go down the train. To make things easier, we’ve listed some reasons and their solutions below so you can win the war against clogged drains once and for all.
Common Reasons Drains Get Clogged & Their Solutions
Many substances go down the drain. Some of those things can cause problems if they’re left to build up over time.
1. Soaps, Shampoos, & Conditioners
Known as soap scum, the residue from hand soap, body wash, lotion, conditioners, and shampoo clings to the interior of the pipeline. Over time, soap scum builds up, constricting the diameter of the drain pipe like plaque in an artery. As other substances travel down the drain, they also get stuck among the soap scum, clogging the pipe further.
If you want to stop soap scum, you can try soap-free or environmentally-friendly options. Those are usually less clingy. To rid the pipes of soap scum, pressure cleaning is the best solution.
2. Oils & Fats
You might have been taught to run hot water when pouring grease, oil, or fat down the drain; that’s not going to work. Oils and fats always end up solidifying in the pipeline, leading to a clog.
Don’t pour these kinds of things down the drain. Period. Wipe up oils and grease with a paper towel and throw it away. Larger amounts should be poured into a jar or can then placed in the garbage.
3. Unflushables
Let’s call anything that shouldn’t go down a drain “unflushable.” Feminine products, used diapers, small toys that are accidentally dropped in the toilet bowl… you should never try flushing these things. Feminine hygienic products, diapers, and wipes aren’t made to disintegrate like toilet paper. Some of the products even swell when introduced to water, and that can lead to restricted water flow or even a backflow, depending on where the system gets clogged.
Properly throw away tampons, pads, wet wipes, diapers, and other small items. Teach your children not to play near the toilet or the sink with their toys. If you’re worried about the latter, put mesh or hair catchers over the drain to prevent accidents.
4. Minerals
If you have hard water where you live, the minerals could congest your plumbing system over time. To stop this from happening, make sure you have a water softener installed. A professional plumber can also come to your home and descale the affected pipes.
5. Trees & Plants
Roots are always looking for water. Pipes are prey to thirsty trees and plants. Even the tiniest cracks in a pipeline can attract roots to invade. When that happens, you have a problem—a potentially very big problem.
Since there is little you can do against this, it’s wise to be proactive. Have a professional plumber perform video inspections of your pipes to find issues before they get too expensive.
Final Thoughts
Clogged drains happen a lot. Good thing they can also be fixed quickly if you catch them in time. Knowing the cause behind clogs will help you stop issues before they begin. Also, don’t forget to have your pipes routinely inspected. If any drains are gurgling or there seems to be a problem, don’t wait. Call a plumbing professional today.