Have you ever been in the middle of a shower and suddenly, out of nowhere, the water stops draining? What if we told you that there is a way to prevent this from happening in the future? Clogged drains are an irritating problem that can be easily prevented. This article will discuss the top culprits for causing drain clogs, so that individuals can take steps to avoid them.
Drains are important components of plumbing systems and require regular maintenance to keep them working properly. In order for drains to remain clear, it is important to understand what causes clogs and how they can be avoided. Many common items found in households have a tendency to cause clogs when not disposed of correctly.
Hair, cooking grease, soap scum, and food particles are all major contributors to blocked drains. Even small items like cotton swabs or floss can accumulate over time and create blockages. Understanding the causes of drain clogs can help individuals take proactive steps towards preventing them from occurring in the future.
The causes of blocked drains can be numerous, and depending on the severity of the blockage, they can range from minor to major. One common cause of drain clogs is improper maintenance and incorrect disposal of waste materials. Hair, soap scum, food debris, and grease can all accumulate in pipes over time and eventually lead to a full or partial blockage. Furthermore, tree roots can sometimes penetrate through cracks in underground pipes, leading to extensive damage and further blocking of the drain system.
Foreign objects that are not meant for drainage systems can also contribute to clogs. These objects may include toys, paper towels, sanitary napkins, diapers, and other non-biodegradable items which have been flushed down toilets or washbasins. In some cases, these objects become lodged in pipes or pass through them but become trapped at a certain point due to their size.
Finally, corrosion of pipes over time may lead to an accumulation of sediment which might eventually block the flow of water through the pipe completely. Corrosion is especially prevalent in old plumbing systems that have been installed with outdated materials such as galvanized steel or cast iron. This type of corrosion occurs when exposed metal parts are exposed to air or water containing chemicals such as chlorine or sodium hydroxide.
In summing up then, blocked drains can occur for a variety of reasons ranging from improper maintenance practices to foreign objects being flushed down toilets or washbasins as well as corrosion caused by outdated plumbing materials used during installation.
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of clogged drains are not caused by trees, leaves, or dirt. In fact, the leading cause of a clogged drain is built-up debris from materials that people use daily. Common culprits include hair and soap scum from showers, grease from kitchen sinks, wipes and feminine products flushed down toilets, and even toothpaste and shaving cream residue.
Hair is one of the most common items found blocking a drain. Hair builds up quickly in a shower or sink drain due to its fine texture and tendency to stick together when wet. Over time the hair can become matted together with soap scum which further compounds the issue by creating an impenetrable blockage. Grease from cooking also accumulates over time and can eventually form a solid blockage in the pipe walls.
Wipes marketed as flushable may seem convenient but they do not break down as quickly as toilet paper does once inside the pipes. Even small amounts of tissue paper can accumulate over time causing a drain blockage if left unchecked. Feminine hygiene products such as tampons should never be flushed down a toilet as they do not disintegrate quickly enough and often lead to costly repairs to plumbing systems. Similarly, toothpaste residue or shaving cream build-up will cause problems if they are allowed to accumulate in any type of drain or sink fixture for too long.
It is important for homeowners to be aware of what types of material should not be put down their drains in order to prevent future clogs and maintain their home’s plumbing system in optimal condition. Regularly cleaning out drains with natural homemade solutions such as baking soda will help keep them running smoothly throughout the year.
Moving on from common clogging materials, hair is another significant source of drain blockages. Hair, along with bits of skin, can form a sticky matrix which builds up over time and narrows the pipe diameter. This restricts water flow and causes clogs to develop. It is important to be aware that all types of hair can cause these blockages, including human, pet and synthetic fibres.
The most effective way to prevent hair-related blockages is to install a filter or strainer in the drain opening. These are typically made of metal mesh or plastic and help capture large pieces of debris before it enters the plumbing system. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install or remove and maintain when needed. Additionally, they are effective at capturing some other materials such as soap scum and food particles that may also contribute to clogs.
Regularly cleaning out the traps beneath sinks, tubs and showers is another preventive measure that should be done regularly. Often this is enough to keep small amounts of debris from entering the pipes and causing a major blockage farther down the line. In some cases, installing a larger trap will help capture more debris before it enters into further sections of piping that may be harder to reach for regular maintenance. Taking these simple steps can help prevent hair from causing significant damage to your home’s plumbing system.
As the adage goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and this is particularly true when it comes to drain clogs. By understanding the most common causes of clogs and taking a few simple preventative steps, many plumbing problems can be avoided.
The first step in preventing drain clogs is to be mindful of what goes down sinks, showers, and tubs. In the kitchen sink, food should never go down the drain as it will build up and cause blockages over time. In other drains, things like hair, soap scum, and other debris should not be allowed to accumulate. Additionally, cleaning products such as bleach or drain cleaners should not be used regularly as they can damage pipes over time.
Finally, an important preventative measure for avoiding clogs is regular maintenance. Drains should be inspected on a regular basis for any signs of blockages or leaks. If any concerns are identified, a professional plumber should be contacted for service or repairs to ensure that any potential issues are addressed before they become larger problems.
By following these steps, homeowners can save themselves from costly plumbing repairs due to clogged drains in the future. In addition to keeping drains clear and working properly, these measures also help promote belonging within a home by ensuring that everyone’s safety and comfort are taken into account.
Moving on from preventive measures, the next step in dealing with a clogged drain is to identify and address the underlying issue. There are several common causes of a clogged drain that require professional solutions. Hair and soap scum are two of the most frequent culprits in top drain clogs. The build-up of these materials can accumulate over time, eventually leading to a complete blockage. Additionally, tree roots can enter pipes through cracks or loose joints and cause obstructions in the system. Finally, items like food waste and grease buildup can also contribute to a clog.
In order to effectively address these issues, it is important to contact an experienced plumber who understands how to diagnose and treat top drain clogs. Professional plumbers will utilize specialized tools like augers and water jetting systems to break up any material that has built up in the pipes. However, if tree roots have infiltrated the system, they may have to be removed manually. Once any obstructions have been cleared away, they will then be able to install new piping or repair existing ones as needed.
In some cases, a combination of preventive measures combined with professional solutions may be necessary in order to fully solve the problem. This can include installing new fixtures or replacing old ones as well as adding protective filters or screens around drains that are prone to clogging. These steps will ensure that future problems are prevented before they occur and help maintain a healthy plumbing system for years to come.
At Charm City Plumbing Solutions, we specialize in a wide range of plumbing services in Baltimore, Maryland, from small repairs to major remodeling projects. No job is too small or too big for our experienced plumbing contractors. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with all your plumbing needs.