Clogged drains are a common household problem that are not only an inconvenience but can lead to much larger plumbing issues if left unaddressed. Learning how to prevent clogs from forming in the first place can go a long way in protecting your plumbing system from unwanted damage and potentially costly repairs. In this guide, we explore the common causes of clogs and ways to help you keep your home clog free for years to come.
The Signs of Clogged Drain Lines
- Slow-Draining Water is a common sign of a clogged or partially clogged drain.
- A Gurgling/Bubbling Sound coming out of the pipe while water is draining is usually a sign of a partial blockage cutting off airflow in you drain line.
- Unpleasant Smells coming from your drain is likely caused by standing water created by a blockage.
- Water Coming Back Up your drains and other plumbing fixtures is a clear indicator of a blockage somewhere in your lines.
Common Causes for Clogs and Ways to Prevent Them
- Hair is one of the most common causes for clogged drains in your home, most often in your bathroom. It combines with soap and other debris to create a mass that can clog your pipes over time.
A good way to combat hair is by placing strainers in the drains of your sinks, showers, and tubs. These little devices will reduce the likelihood of clogs by preventing hair and other debris from entering your drain lines. Just make sure to clean them on a regular basis to ensure they continue to work effectively.
- Grease and Oil can contribute to drain clogs in the kitchen sink. When they are poured down the drain, they solidify into a barrier that traps other debris, forming a blockage.
Instead, of pouring grease down the drain, try collecting the grease in a disposable container and throwing it away with the trash once the grease has solidified.
- Food Scraps can also get stuck in your drain line and build up over time, causing clogs in your kitchen sink.
To stop food from entering you drain, you should install a food strainer in your kitchen sink and scrape large food scraps into the trash before rinsing off your dishes. Alternatively, you can consider installing an in-sink garbage disposal. Garbage disposals are designed to efficiently grind through food waste, helping to reduce particles that lead to unwanted odors and clogs.
- Minerals left over from soaps and hard water can accumulate in both your kitchen and bathroom sinks and tub overtime and eventually cause drainage issues.
Periodically pouring hot water down the drain can help dissolve residue and using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can also help break down soap scum and keep your sink draining smoothly.
If your home suffers from hard water, it might be a good time to consider adding a water softener system to your home to help prevent long term mineral buildup in your plumbing system.
- Foreign Objects that aren’t meant to be flushed into your plumbing system, often find their way down the drain. There are many misconceptions on what can be flushed down the drain. Some common items include Q-tips, pads, “flushable wipes”, tissues, paper towels and other hygiene products.
Since none of these items are designed to break down in water, they form large blockages and lead to severe plumbing issues if left inside your drain lines. A good rule of thumb to follow when it comes to what you send down the drain, is if it isn’t toilet paper, don’t flush it.
Clogs will always be a potential problem for your plumbing system, but with consistent proactive care and attention, you can greatly minimize the risk of clogs in your drains and keep your plumbing system running smoothly and water flowing freely.
If your home is currently suffering from any of these signs of drain line blockages, now might be the perfect time to get in touch with a trusted plumbing professional for an overall inspection of your system. Reach out to the experts at Tudi today for all your plumbing needs.