Every homeowner will experience clogged drains at some point. But, while it may be a common home-related issue, it can still cause a lot of panic, especially if it’s your first time. As you’re enjoying a nice shower, you’d suddenly realize that the water doesn’t drain properly and just continues to slowly rise. What’s supposed to be the perfect morning may turn out to be your worst nightmare. At times like this, the immediate reaction is to call a plumber or DIY the problem if you think it’s manageable.
It’s easy to dismiss issues like this as something minor. But, unless you address the problem right away, it may become even more costly in the long run. A clogged drain may just be the beginning of many other plumbing-system related issues like corrosion and flooding. Whether it’s in chilly Salt Lake or sunny LA, there’s always something unexpected clogging your pipes. Avoid all of these bigger problems by recognizing all the possible causes right away. Here are the most common culprits:
Dirt
Drains and pipes may be there for all your washing needs, but it doesn’t mean that whenever you get something cleaned, you should just let all the dirt pass through. When you’re washing dirty clothes, for example, all the excess dirt you’ve removed may build up in your drains and cause them to get clogged. So, before taking everything in your sink, make sure to shake or rinse all your clothing items outside first.
Hair and Dental Flosses
Everything that has strands, whether it’s hair, your pets’ fur or even dental flosses, is among the biggest causes of clogged drains. Your bathtub, shower, bathroom, and laundry drains may have bigger issues when all these strands get knotted up and mixed with other substances that also cause clogging like grease and soap.
Soap
You may be thinking soaps melt, so what could be the problem? How can these possibly cause clogging? But, here’s the truth: regular soap bars are usually made using either grease of fats. Once these substances get mixed with minerals that are present in water, these will get stuck in the pipes and cause clogging problems. That’s why it’s more advisable to use bath washes instead, as the soap buildup will leave traces in your pipes that can only be addressed with pipe pressure cleaning services from professionals.
Toilet Paper Buildup
Some countries manufacture biodegradable toilet paper that melts even when flushed. So, unless you’re using this type of product, never throw your used papers in the toilet, as the buildup will soon make it difficult to flush the toilet properly. Don’t wait until your toilet is already filled and only the pros can fix it. After flushing, if you see that water can still run through the toilet, grab a plunger and see if it can solve the issue. Move the toilet paper around and try to dissolve them, if possible.
Finally, check your kitchen sinks and you’ll realize how much food waste is causing them to get clogged. If you’re a big coffee or tea drinker, leaving the coffee grounds and tea leaves just flow through the sink can definitely cause clogging issues as these don’t typically melt or break down. So, avoid all these problems by being careful of what literally goes on in your sinks and drains.