The drainage system is an integral part of a well-cared-for home and when it is not working properly it can create headaches for homeowners. Not only is a clogged drain an inconvenience it can create foul-smelling rooms or lead to leaky pipe joints and structural damages. In this article, we will take a closer look at the common drain clog and determine some of the more popular causes. We will also discuss ways to avoid clogged drains and offer some DIY solutions as well as remedies best left to professional plumbers.
What Is A Clogged Drain?
A drain that is clogged is a drain that contains unwanted materials which have become lodged inside the pipe blocking wastes from exiting into your sewer line. A clogged drain can cause wastewater to back up into your sinks, tubs, and showers causing water damage and making the plumbing fixtures inoperable. A clogged drain does not appear to be a plumbing emergency but clogged drains that are neglected can morph into real plumbing emergencies.
Cause Of Clogged Drains
A drain pipe has a relatively smooth interior that allows solid and liquid waste to pass by easily and be disposed of in a sanitary manner. However, there are times when the interior pipe lining becomes infiltrated with various materials such as dirt and debris causing the pipe to become blocked. Kitchens and bathrooms are usually the rooms where these clogs occur.
In the kitchen grease, fats, and oils that are poured down the drain can congeal as they cool. This coating lines the pipe’s interior eventually restricting water flow or even stopping it altogether. This gunk also acts as a magnet for food particles and other debris passing by. Garbage disposals are another contributor to kitchen drain clogs. Homeowners frequently abuse their disposals by feeding in fibrous or starchy food scraps that quickly clog drains. Other forbidden food wastes are egg shells, coffee grinds, and hard-to-grind foods such as meat bones.
In the bath, tub drains are constantly being subjected to oily bath products and the buildup of soap scum not to mention strands of hair. Toilets are treated as trash receptacles where everything from feminine hygiene products to cotton balls is disposed of without a second thought. These items can become entangled in the drains causing hard-to-remove blockages requiring professional help.
Preventing Clogs
There are many preventative steps homeowners can take to prevent their drains from clogging. They can install drain guards that will catch unwanted items from going down the drain in all sinks and bathtubs. Homeowners can learn proper disposal habits and put into place alternatives to food scrap removal. They can avoid flushing anything other than human waste in the toilet and keep an eye on children who seem to relish flushing toys.
Education is a good tool in the prevention of clogs in pipes. Learn about hard water and the role it plays in the destruction of plumbing and how the corrosion it causes can limit water passage in plumbing lines.
The best defense against clogged drains is to have them professionally cleaned and a plumbing video camera inspection performed to monitor the condition of your pipes and to detect any issues while they are just developing.
Solutions For Clogged Drains
There are many good habits homeowners can put into practice and much information is available to help prevent the development of clogged pipes. However, no matter how diligent you may still be faced with a blocked drain that will require some solid solution-based thinking.
If the clog is superficial, hand removal of debris from the drain guard and the entrance to the drain pipe may be all that is needed. If the blockage is a little further down the drain line the use of a plunger or auger may be your best choice.
Chemical cleaners are harsh on drain pipes so a homemade solution of baking soda and vinegar is advised. Simply mix the two ingredients and pour them down the drain. The reaction between these two substances is often enough to clear the clog.
If none of these steps are sufficient it is best to call in a professional plumber. They have advanced knowledge and the right equipment to remove blockages from any source. Hydro jetting services as well as camera inspections can help them in locating and removing any substances that are causing an issue. They can also advise homeowners on the solutions to the effects of hard water that may be contributing to pipe blockages.
Call Us For Drain Cleaning In North County
A clogged drain is a serious plumbing problem many homeowners face. It can be a simple inconvenience or pose a serious threat to your home and should never be ignored. Understanding the common causes of blocked drains can help homeowners prevent them from occurring and can guide them to solutions that work. If you are facing a clogged drain do your best to remedy the situation and, if unsuccessful, call in the professionals. We know how to send plumbing clogs down the drain! Contact us today for a drain cleaning service.
