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From a buildup of hair and soap scum to food particles and grease, there are many reasons why your drain may become clogged. Learning how to unclog your own drain is a valuable skill to have, but in some cases you may want to have our plumbers unclog the drain for you.

 

In this article, we’ll explore ten of the most common causes of clogged drains and provide some simple tips on preventing them. By taking a few simple precautions, you can keep your drains flowing smoothly and avoid the frustration of a clogged drain.

 

Recent Blog: Do Plumbers Unclog Drains? YES WE DO!

CAUSES OF CLOGGED DRAINS

Knowing the reasons behind clogged drains makes it simpler to prevent them from occurring in the first place. The following list covers ten common reasons for clogged drains along with solutions.

 

FOOD WASTE

Kitchen sinks may quickly become clogged when food waste is washed down the drain line. Food residue may accumulate in pipes over time and cause blockages.

 

Scrape food scraps into the trash bin rather than washing them down the drain line to avoid food waste creating a large blockage. Installing a filter in your sink can also help to catch particles you may not notice.  

 

GREASE, FAT, AND OIL

Grease, fat, and oil can quickly adhere to the inside of pipes, generating a thick, sticky material that can harden and obstruct water flow. This is what happens when people dump grease, fat, and oil down the main drain. Over time, this material may accumulate and cause a serious blockage that is difficult to remove.

 

You should never throw grease, lard, or oil down the drain to avoid blockages. Rather, allow them to harden and cool before discarding in the trash. Additionally, before washing greasy or oily dishes, wipe them down with paper towels.

 

HAIR AND SOAP BUILDUP

Two of the most frequent causes of clogged bathroom drains are hair and soap residue. Hair can become tangled in soap and other materials as it flows down the drain, generating a sticky mass that can quickly accumulate and obstruct the flow of water. 

 

A drain cover should be used to capture hair before it falls in order to avoid soap and hair accumulation. A hair catcher for your bathtub or shower drain is another option. A liquid soap that is less prone to cause soap scum accumulation in your pipes than bar soap.

 

TREE ROOTS

Invading tree roots frequently choke underground pipelines. Tree root development is most likely to occur in a blocked sewage line with small leaks or splits. Tree roots can grow into pipes and cause a full blockage or burst.

 

If you believe tree roots are the cause of a blockage, get in touch with a licensed plumber so they can use specific equipment to remove the roots and correct the problem without harming the pipes.

 

BROKEN DRAIN PIPES

Clogs can result from damaged or broken drain pipes, which allow debris to build up in the affected region. It may result in serious obstructions that need to be cleared by a professional.

 

Upgrading your central drain system may be your only option if your home is older. 

 

FOREIGN OBJECTS

Blockages in drains can occur when toys or jewelry are inadvertently dumped down the drain. These things have the potential to block and seriously clog pipes. This can cause the pipe to break or get damaged.

 

If something has unintentionally dropped down the drain, wait for a licensed plumber to collect or remove the object before using the sink drain again.

 

TOILET PAPER

If toilet paper is not flushed properly, it can build up in pipes and cause clogs. Blockages are especially problematic when patchwork-patterned toilet tissue is used.

 

To avoid accumulation, just use the prescribed amount of toilet paper and make sure it is flushed completely. Items that might block pipes, such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, and dental floss, should not be flushed.

 

MINERAL BUILDUP

Mineral deposits can progressively accumulate along the walls of your pipes if your home has hard water, limiting water flow and leading to blockages. High concentrations of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, can separate from the water and accumulate inside pipes to produce a hard, scale-like buildup. This is what is known as hard water.

 

Installing a water softener to lessen the hardness of your water will help avoid mineral accumulation. Hydro jetting can be used to eliminate obstructions and mineral deposits efficiently. 

 

CAT LITTER

Cat litter flushed down the toilet can seriously block pipes. To avoid blockages, never dump cat litter down the toilet. Throw it in the trash instead.

 

CHEMICAL DRAIN CLEANER

We recommend that you stay away from using chemical drain cleaners in your home. They can actually do more harm than good. The chemicals used in these cleaners are toxic and can damage parts of your plumbing system over time.

 

We use non-toxic, environmentally-friendly cleaners that are extremely effective against clogs without damaging pipes.

 

All things considered, clogged drains are a frequent problem for many homes and can often end in major inconvenience. Proactive action saves you money and keeps your plumbing in great condition. 

 

Recent Blog: How Do You Unclog a Severely Clogged Drain?

 

We know how to best protect your home and maintain it before and after a storm. Rooter Man is a Local Full Service Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Company.  Our expert plumbers have served New Orleans, Metairie, LaPlace, Mandeville, Covington, and all surrounding areas for over 37 Years.

 

We are conveniently located at 2545 Delaware Avenue in Kenner, LA 70062. Call us today (504) 464-0145.

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