A clogged drain is one of the most common and frustrating plumbing problems for homeowners. Whether your morning shower finds you ankle-deep in water or your kitchen sink won’t drain during meal prep, in today’s busy world, no one has time for clogged drains.
When you have a clogged drain, you need to fix the situation as soon as possible. Here we present the four most common reasons for clogged drains and what you can do to try to prevent or fix them.
1. Food, Oil, Grease (FOG)
For busy households, it’s tough to prevent byproducts of cooking from sneaking down the drain. Hot grease quickly solidifies, forming a clog as it catches other food scraps or dirt along the way. A FOG clog builds up pretty fast and, left untreated, may cause leaks, flooding and even damage your pipes,
The best way to prevent FOG from causing a clogged drain? Avoid pouring anything cooking related down the drain, even if you have a garbage disposal. Dispose of these items in the trash. Keep a container nearby to dispose of grease, oil and food scraps.
2. Hair
Hair, both human and animal, will build up and create a clogged drain in your shower or bath. Over time strands of hair get caught in the pipes and mingle with soap, shampoo, conditioner and the like. The cluster creates a blockage which in turn prevents water from flowing down the drain.
Installing a drain guard and removing the hair after every shower, bath or puppy spa day helps prevent clogged drains in your bathroom. There are drain guards specifically designed to catch hair before it becomes an issue.
3. Non-Flushable Items
The only item that should ever get flushed is toilet paper. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean certain items won’t end up being flushed and clogging your toilet. So-called “flushable wipes,” diaper wipes and all sorts of non-flushable items (If you have a toddler, you likely know the list is endless!) that don’t exactly travel well through your plumbing system can easily cause backups that require expensive repairs.
Be flush aware and keep a wastebasket close at hand for items such as wipes, cotton balls and the like. Make sure the number one rule you, your family and guests follow is “only flush toilet paper.”
4. Tree and Shrub Roots
If your home is older and your pipes have cracks or fissures in them, your clogged drain may be the result of tree or shrub roots. The roots of trees, shrubs and all other plants rely on water to grow. The roots are just doing what roots do—seeking moisture. If your drains are backing up regularly and there is no rhyme or reason for it, you probably have a tree root issue.
You will need to contact a plumber to resolve your problem. Pro-Service Plumbing is your repair and replacement specialist. We have served homeowners in the Collin County area for three decades. Our professional plumbing techs are experienced and knowledgeable, and we take pride in providing you with peace of mind. Contact Pro-Service Plumbing today for your clogged drains or any plumbing needs.
