A clogged drain is every homeowner’s nightmare. Not only are they a huge inconvenience, but they can also lead to some serious plumbing issues if not dealt with in a timely manner. This is because collapsed pipes will require a plumber to fix them. But what causes drains to become clogged in the first place? And more importantly, how can you prevent it from happening? Read on to find out.
1. Hair
One of the most common things that cause clogged drains is hair. Whether it’s from shaving or simply shedding, hair can quickly build up and create a blockage. To prevent this from happening, invest in a drain catcher that will catch any loose hairs before they have a chance to go down the drain. You should also make sure to clean your drain regularly to get rid of any hair that may have already made its way down.
2. Soap Scum
Another common culprit of clogged drains is soap scum. This happens when soap mixes with hard water and forms a sticky residue that can adhere to your pipes and cause a blockage. To prevent this from happening, invest in a good quality water softener and always use liquid soap instead of bar soap. You should also regularly clean your pipes with a vinegar and water solution to prevent soap scum buildup.
3. Grease and Oil
Grease and oil are another common cause of clogged drains because they can solidify and adhere to your pipes over time. To prevent this from happening, never pour grease or oil down your drain. Instead, dispose of it in the trash or recycle it if possible. You should also regularly clean your pipes with a vinegar and water solution to remove any grease or oil buildup.
4. Food Scraps
Food scraps are another major cause of clogged drains because they can easily build up over time and cause blockages. To prevent this from happening, always scrape food scraps into the trash instead of down the drain. You should also regularly clean your garbage disposal unit to get rid of any food scraps that may have already made their way down the drain.
5. Foreign Objects
Foreign objects are another leading cause of clogged drains because they can get caught in your pipes and cause blockages. To prevent this from happening, never put anything down your drain other than water and toilet paper (if you have a septic system). If you think there may be a foreign object in your drain, call a plumber for assistance rather than trying to remove it yourself.
6. Tree Roots
Tree roots are one final leading cause of clogged drains because they can grow into your pipes and cause blockages. To prevent this from happening, keep trees trimmed away from your house so their roots don’t have access to your sewer lines. If you think there may be tree roots in your drain, call a plumber for assistance rather than trying to remove them yourself as this could damage your pipes even further..
Unclogging Your Drain Today!
Clogged drains are every homeowner’s nightmare but thankfully there are things you can do to prevent them! By following the tips listed above, you can hopefully avoid having to deal with any pesky clogs in the future!
