Are you always finding your drains clogged? Have you noticed that your sink or bathtub is draining slower than usual? Does it seem like clogs keep coming back even after you’ve poured drain cleaner down the drain?
If this is a common issue in your home, you might be wondering what causes your drains to continuously clog.
If your drains haven’t been serviced by a plumber lately, chances are that clogs are a common issue. Drain cleaners will usually unclog small debris. These types of cleaners are corrosive and can damage your pipes. Drain clogs are common in most households because of what’s dumped down them. Items such as grease, paper towels, and hair can clog drains very quickly.
Here are some items that can clog your drains:
- Hair
- Grease & Oil
- Soap Scum
Hair Clogs
One of the most common causes of clogged pipes is hair. Debris can quickly accumulate in the pipes, creating a blockage that restricts the water flow. In order to prevent this from happening, make sure to use a shower drain cover over any bathtub or shower drains in your home.
Drain covers will catch loose strands of hair before they make their way down into the pipes and cause a blockage.
Tip: pour boiling water down your drains at least once a month to help loosen up any built-up residue blocking water flow.
These are some methods you can try which are easy to implement. When your drain becomes too entangled, call an expert.
Grease And Oil
Kitchen sinks are prone to clogging due to grease and oil buildup from cooking. Grease and oil can solidify when cooled, so make sure not to pour any fats or oils from food preparation down the kitchen sink drain.
Tip: Instead of pouring any grease or oil down the drain, scrape all grease and oil off plates into the trashcan before washing them in the sink. Doing so will prevent those materials from making their way into your pipes.
If you have been pouring grease and oil down your kitchen sink drain, give Oak Plumbing a call, and we will come up with a plan to prevent any further damage.
Soap Scum
Soap scum can also build up over time in plumbing pipes, leading to clogs and unpleasant odors coming through your drains. To prevent soap scum buildup, avoid using too much dish soap or shower gel when cleaning dishes or even when taking showers. Too much soap can leave behind residue that accumulates in your pipes over time.
Tip: Regular cleaning of your drains and pipes with a brush or chemical products can help reduce the chances of soap scum buildup.
Also, running hot water down the drain. Cleaning can help wash away soap residue. It may be beneficial to install a filter on your shower heads and taps to catch and prevent any soap scum from getting into your plumbing system.
How to Fix a Clogged Pipe
Snaking Your Drains
Snaking your drains is one of one of the easier ways to clear clogged pipes. This method involves putting a small probing device down the drain to break up different kinds of clogs. .
In most cases, snaking may be combined with chemicals or other treatments, such as hydro jetting, for a more thorough clean. Snaking is also used to locate specific problems within the pipes, such as leaks or breaks in the line.
Augering Your Drains
An auger is a drill-like tool that can break up clogs and debris. This method will allow water to flow freely again. Plumbers have the appropriate augers and tools needed to complete a job safely and correctly. Augers come in different sizes depending on the size of the job and are typically made of metal or plastic.
Using Plungers and Drain Cleaners
Plunging can be an effective way to dislodge the blockage and clear pipes. In order to correctly do this, you need to insert the cup of the plunger over the drain opening and create a seal by pushing down firmly.
Then use quick and powerful strokes pressing up and down on the handle of the plunger vigorously until you feel or hear a "pop" that indicates that pressure has been released.
Try to avoid using drain cleaners. They work on minor clogs but have been known to corrode drains. If you want to prevent future damages from occurring, call Oak Plumbing to handle the issue.
Regular Cleaning of Your Drains
Regular cleaning of your drains is an essential part of preventative maintenance that can help to reduce the likelihood of clogs. To clean your drains, start by using a plunger or drain snake to remove any debris and blockages from the pipes.
You can also pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain every few months to break up grease buildup.
If you have a garbage disposal, be sure to run it regularly with cold water running for about one minute after each use. This will help break up food particles before they become stuck in the pipes.
Use strainers on all sinks and bathtubs to filter out debris, such as hair which can cause clogs if left unchecked. Remember, never pour cooking oils or fats down your drains. Once they solidify, they turn into solids which are hard to break through.
Tip: pour grease and cooking fats into an old coffee can!
Plumbers Tackle Clogged Drains
When dealing with clogged drains, it's important to avoid using harsh drain cleaners frequently in your drains. While they are great for mild clogs, an experienced technician should be your go-to for major clogs.
These can damage the pipes and create further problems. The best solution for clearing a clogged drain is to hire a qualified plumber.
Plumbers have the knowledge and experience to properly inspect and clear drains without causing further damage. Since they are professionals, plumbers also have access to specialized tools that are unavailable to the average homeowner.
A plumber will first use an auger device to dislodge whatever is blocking the pipe and flush out any residue with water. Augers are best used in toilets, while snaking is done in the other drain areas of the home.
If necessary, Oak Plumbing may resort to using snakes or hydro-jetting techniques in extreme cases of blockage.
Faster Response Time
We are the go-to professionals when dealing with tough clogs in both residential and commercial plumbing. Thanks to our extensive experience and knowledge, our plumbing experts can easily identify the cause of a clog and quickly provide appropriate solutions.
When you hire us to take on your drains, know that we use specialized tools that are designed to safely remove difficult blockages without damaging pipes or other fixtures.
We'll even suggest preventative measures that both homeowners and business owners can take to avoid future clogs.
Why Call Drain Clog Experts?
Clogged drains don't have to be an ongoing problem if you take the necessary steps to prevent them from happening in the first place. By being mindful of what substances are going down your drains.
By regularly using a shower drain cover for hair removal and using less soap when cleaning dishes/ taking showers, you should be able to keep your drains clear.
Don't fall prey to your home’s drains. Contact Oak Plumbing today and take care of your drains professionally. When tough clogs happen, we're the ones to handle them!
Need reliable drain experts? Call our crafted plumbers today at 1(800)397-3799 to receive a quality evaluation.
