Drain clogs are an all-too-common occurrence in most households, and they can be quite vexing if left unaddressed. Whether your shower refuses to drain or your sink exhibits slow drainage, it’s highly probable that a clog is the culprit. Familiarizing yourself with the usual suspects behind these clogs can empower you to prevent such nuisances in the future.
Soap Scum and Hair Build Up
Soap scum and hair are common causes of drain clogs, especially in your bathroom shower and sink. Hair strands tangle together and residue from your soap latches on to these creating a mass that is gunky and sticky. Over time, water flow obstruction occurs.
It is vital to clean your drain cover and the part of the drain that you can reach regularly. This will help to stop soap scum and hair from accumulating and causing a clog. You can also talk to a professional about snaking your drains occasionally to remove the buildup before it can become a problem. A plumber can also help you with drain catchers or screens in your drains. These will catch the scum and hair before it gets into the drain and clogs it up.
Food Debris
Grease and food debris are common culprits for causing a clog. When you rinse your plates, whatever is left on them goes down your drain. Over time, this collection of food will accumulate and can result in a clog. Before you put plates into the sink, make sure that you scrap the excess food into a trash can. This will eliminate a lot of the food debris that gets into your drain. Never pour any oil or grease into your sink. Use a container to pour it into and then dispose of this so that it does not clog the drain.
Sink strainers are an easy way to catch food debris that remains on your dishes. Just pull it out and empty it once you notice it starting to accumulate food. You should also wash it so that it does not clog up due to food scum. After you do a load of dishes, you should run some hot water for a minute. This will help to remove any leftover food particles or grease so that they do not sit in your drain. A plumber can let you know the periodic maintenance tasks that you should be performing. For example, they might recommend something to flush your drains every now and then to prevent clogs.
Mineral Deposit Accumulation
Over time, mineral deposits can build up inside your pipes. This is usually due to hard water in your home. As the deposits accumulate, clogs and decreased water flow are possible. Magnesium and calcium usually make up these deposits, so they are usually not easy to remove, requiring the help of an experienced plumber.
Soak your showerheads and faucets once in a while to dissolve mineral deposits. Your plumber can let you know how often to do this and what type of solution you should use. If the accumulation of mineral deposits is significant, a plumber should take care of them for you. This could require descaling of your pipes to make sure to fully remove the deposits.
Water softening is something to discuss with your plumber to significantly reduce the risk of mineral deposits accumulating. They can let you know which type of water softener is the best choice for your home.
Non-Flushable and Foreign Objects
There are times when someone flushes something that should not go down the drain. For example, someone may flush a feminine hygiene product or kids may put small toys in toilets or other plumbing fixtures. If these get down the drain, it can cause a clog. Make sure the people in your home know what is safe to put down the drain and what is not. You can also use childproofing measures to stop kids from getting into the bathroom. Another option is a lock for your toilet lid so that they cannot get into the toilet without an adult’s help.
Always keep a trash bin near your plumbing fixtures. This will encourage people to throw away items that should not go down the toilet or sink. If you have a foreign object in your plumbing system, call a professional right away. Trying to remove it yourself could lead to more damage to your system.
Tree Roots
If you have any trees on your property, especially older trees, there is a risk of the roots getting into your plumbing system. These may infiltrate your drainage or sewage pipes. Roots are always looking for moisture, so even the smallest crack can cause them to go towards the pipes.
If you suspect a tree root is the source of your plumbing issues, you should have a plumber come out. They know what to look for and will use a camera to find out how bad the issue is and its location. Your plumber can then remove the tree root and make any necessary pipe repairs. As a preventative measure, they can talk to you about root barriers so that you are not dealing with the issue again in the future.
You should have regular maintenance and inspections to keep an eye on your trees and how they are affecting your plumbing. This makes it easier to identify a tree root that could cause an issue before a problem arises.
Corroded and Aging Pipes
Plumbing issues, including frequent clogs, can occur when your pipes are aging or have significant corrosion. Over time, deteriorating pipes can collapse and crack, allowing debris to get in and cause clogs. The insides of old and corroding pipes also get rough, resulting in trapping debris and reducing the flow of water.
Regular maintenance, in addition to professional drain cleaning is important since it will help a plumber identify pipes that need attention. They can also identify other issues, such as a clog that is building up. Pipes that are in poor condition may require replacement and they can help you with this. By getting rid of problem pipes, you are extending your system’s lifespan and preventing other issues down the road.
Consequences of Clogged Pipes
If you have a clog in your pipes, it can lead to other issues over time. One of the most common problems is your drains working slowly, allowing water to build up when using your sinks or showers. If your pipes are backing up, this can lead to bad odors that can permeate throughout your home. Water damage can also occur over time.
Drain Experts in Media
Any drain clog in Media, PA, is something you want to call a professional for drain cleaning right away. Once we finish up with your pipes, we offer a variety of other services. Let us know if you need some help with your cooling and heating. Our professionals can also assist with your home’s electrical needs.
Contact Dream Team Home Services in Media today to get help with your clogged drains.
