The most common plumbing problem is clogged drains and toilets.
Have you experienced being called home to repair a clogged drain, plumbing pipes, or a messy backup? Having serviced plenty of houses and managed many properties in a working capacity, we would say that clogged drains and toilets are among the most common plumbing issues we usually face. And we face these common plumbing problems the least we expect them. The bathroom or kitchen drain always clogs at the most inconvenient time. Lets face it, clogged drains are a pain to deal with alone. Sometimes there is a need to call for a professional fix, and it can be expensive.
If you are worried about your clogged drain or toilet, we are here to help! Below is the list of the most common causes of clogged drains and pipes. We will also guide you with a detailed explanation of each cause, along with some suggested ways to fix or prevent the problem.
Common causes of clogged drains and plumbing pipes
Clogged drains and blocked pipes may appear to be minor issues that you can shrug off at first. But if you don’t pay enough attention, these issues can soon turn into ongoing problems. Slow water drainage, flooding, corrosion, and (in the worst-case scenario) sewage backup, and costly repairs can result from a clogged drain. Recognizing the first signs and their causes is vital in preventing them.
Soap Residue
You might be wondering how soap can clog your pipes. Traditional soap bars’ main ingredients are grease or fat that leaves residues. The soap’s fat reacts with the minerals in the water, forming a hard deposit often called soap scum that colors bath fittings and clogs pipes.
How to avoid this:
Switch to soap-free washing and get your pipes pressure cleaned regularly.
Hair Strands
Our hair is continually falling out, so every time you comb, shower, or bathe, it ends up in the drain, and if you don’t remove it right away, more of it gets accumulated. Over time, this hair accumulation leads to a larger clump that can be mixed with soap residue and other junk, causing the water to move slowly down the pipes.
How to avoid this:
Avoiding hair blockages in the first place is the most effective way to deal with them. Make sure all drains have hair guards and clean them regularly.
Dirt and Mud
Your drain and pipes are not designed for washing anything away. If you are into pottery or gardening, you may encounter a lot of dirt and mud that needs washing. However, if you want to remove dirt and mud from your body and clothes, it can build up in your drains and cause problems.
How to avoid this:
Before washing your clothes or body, shake off or rinse any excess dirt and mud.
Food waste
Yes, you have a garbage disposal in your sink, but remember that food waste should never go down the drain. Use a composting pile instead to dispose of food waste. This is also essential for non-biodegradable wastes like grease or oil, for example. They should be avoided because these types of waste will solidify in the pipes and cause a blockage.
How to get rid of food waste clogged in your drain:
- Prepare one cup of baking soda, followed by one cup of white vinegar.
- Mix them, then pour them down the drain.
- Wrap the drain opening with a rubber stopper or another sink hole cover.
- Allow 15 mins for the vinegar and baking soda mixture to settle and unclog your drain
- Remove the drain cover and clear the clog with hot tap water.
Small Objects
Small things might get into your plumbing system and cause damage. Only water, toilet paper, and human waste should be flushed, washed, or poured down the drain. Any other items should be disposed of in the garbage, compost, or recycling. If any foreign object has gotten into your plumbing supply and is causing problems, you’ll most likely require professional assistance to remove it and restore your plumbing system.
Dissolved and Built-up Minerals
Minerals dissolved in hard water can accumulate and form insoluble clumps, which can readily clog your drains. Mineral buildup clogs can be tough to remove after they’ve formed, so if your drains and pipes aren’t running like they used to, call a professional plumber to get them checked.
How to avoid this:
Install a water softener for your home if hard water is an issue in your area. If it’s not available, you will need to regularly descale and remove residues and build-up.
Random Roots
Tree roots can penetrate even the tiniest fractures or leaks in your plumbing pipes. And tree roots quickly grow larger once they are within your pipes, impeding water flow and causing damage. Roots can be challenging to remove from pipes, requiring rooter service, trenchless repair, pressure jet cleaning, or even excavation.
How to avoid this:
Examine the root structure of your trees and plants, as well as the quality of your drains, to avoid costly and time-consuming repairs.
Toilet Paper Buildup
Too much toilet paper clogs the drains and prevents you from flushing your toilets. You can use a plunger to suck, shove and dissolve some of the toilet paper if water still runs through your toilet after flushing. If this doesn’t work, you might need to hire a plumber to clear the obstruction.
How to avoid this:
The most straightforward technique to avoid clogs is to flush properly. This entails being more conscientious about what you flush down the toilet. Make sure you’re flushing the proper amount of toilet paper, excess is the culprit!
Knowing all these things can prevent most issues. However, despite your best efforts, you may still encounter a clogged pipe or drain that you just can’t fix by yourself. If that happens, we’ve got you covered! We stand behind our work with full plumbing service warranties. Contact us today.
