Clogged pipes cause headaches – from minor hassles to major damage and expense to you. Whether the plumbing water encounters a full or partial obstruction, consequences can include anything from slow drainage to a complete backup. Fixing clogged pipes can simply be done by yourself, but, depending on the cause of the problem, professional help may need to be called in. Keep reading to understand a few causes of clogged pipes.
9 Causes of Clogged Drains
- Dirt: Shake excess dirt off of your clothes and skin while outside prior to using the shower or laundry. Large amounts of dirt can cause buildup in pipes.
- Food Waste: Contrary to popular belief, food waste should not go down the drain even if you have a garbage disposal. Instead, try composting. Be especially cautious with oily foods and waste like tea leaves and coffee grounds.
- Hair: Hair can clump and clog your drains, especially when it combines with sticky substances like grease. Try to prevent these blockages by regularly cleaning your drains and install guards in drains to catch the hair.
- Soap: Although you wouldn’t think so, soap can sometimes lead to drain blockages. Traditional soap is made with fat which can combine with minerals and oils, which results in dense soap scum buildup.
- Toilet Paper/ Flushable Wipes/ Feminine Products/ Paper Towels: Too much toilet paper or flushable wipes can stop your toilet from flushing, and feminine products and paper towels should never be flushed down the drain. Sometimes you can use a plunger to shift and dissolve some of the toilet paper, but if the toilet fills without draining, you’ll need to call a plumber.
- Mineral Buildup: Mineral deposits from hard water (that is, water with high concentrations of magnesium and calcium) causes clogged drains and can even go as far as damaging plumbing. Cleaning can be difficult and often requires professional help.
- Small Objects: Unfortunately, accidents happen, and small objects make their way into our plumbing. Be cautious around open drains and toilet bowls to ensure no foreign object falls into the pipes.
- Tree Roots: A small crack in your pipes can attract tree roots. Once tree roots find your pipes, they can quickly expand and cause serious blockage, resulting in complex repair and the need for a professional.
- Improper Installation: Undersized pipes or incorrect slope could cause drainage problems and possibly blockage. Make sure those working on your plumbing are professionals and hold proper licenses and credentials.
Remember: the best way to deal with clogged pipes is to prevent the clogs in the first place. Nothing but water, degradable toilet paper, human waste and appropriate cleaning products should go down the drain.
Discover Quality, Expert Services from Parkway Plumbing
Because of our numerous years of experience, the experts at Parkway Plumbing have seen it all. If you have a clogged drain, give us a call; we’re happy to find the root cause of the problem and will find a solution to resolve the issue.
Contact us today to learn how we can collaborate.