We have all been there, walking into the bathroom, hoping to take a luxurious hot shower, only to find that the drain is now clogged. All the plans you had are now ruined. But what actually caused the drain to get clogged?
In many cases, clogged drains are the result of normal wear and tear. Yet, oftentimes, it is a sign that something else is going on.
Let’s take a look at the top five causes of blocked drains and how to prevent them in the future.
1. Grease Buildup
Grease buildup occurs when hot fat and oil are poured down the drain. It results in a thick, sticky substance that gradually sticks to the walls of the pipes and blocks them.
Grease buildup quickly accumulates and can eventually lead to a clogged sink drain or a clogged shower drain. To prevent this, food scraps should never be poured down the drain. Hot fat and oil should also be cooled down before discarding it.
2. Poor Water Flow
Poor water flow can occur for a variety of reasons, such as mineral deposits or obstructions in the pipes. This can happen due to the accumulation of debris in the pipes and drainage areas, which can eventually impact the amount of water being able to flow through the drains.
To prevent clogged drains caused by inadequate water flow, there are a few measures that should be taken such as the following:
- Install Drain Strainers
- Regular Cleaning
- Flush with Hot Water
- Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain
- Regular Plumbing Maintenance:
3. Hair Accumulation and Tree Roots
Hair, when washed down the drain, can accumulate over time and eventually clog the drain. Tree roots, on the other hand, can penetrate the soil near the drain and seek out moisture.
This causes the roots to break through the pipe walls, which creates an obstruction and prevents the water from flowing properly. To prevent a clog from these two sources, it is important to regularly inspect drains for any build-up of hair or tree roots.
4. Foreign Objects
If improperly disposed items, such as paper towels, hygiene products, and toy pieces, can enter a drain, they can obstruct water flow. Foreign objects may cause a complete blockage of the drain, which can lead to costly repairs.
To prevent clogged drains, clear debris from the sink, bathtub, and toilet regularly. Do not flush products down the toilet besides toilet paper, never pour grease down the sink, and avoid putting hard objects down the drain.
5. Soaps
Soaps contain oils, fats, and heavy particles that can easily build up and stick together, creating a sticky mess. This can cause build-up in your drain which can eventually lead to a clogged drain.
To prevent a clogged drain, it’s important to scrape off excess soap before it has a chance to settle in the drain and create build-up. You can also use a drain strainer or a hair catcher to prevent soap or other small particles or debris from entering the drain. Visit mrrooter.com to find the right experts for your clogged drain.
Avoid Clogged Drains Today
Clogged drains are an annoyance, but they can be easily prevented by being proactive. With these precautions, you can avoid the headache of a clogged drain.
Call a professional plumber today to learn more about how to avoid clogged drains at home. Time to implement these preventative measures, for a healthier plumbing solution!
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