Master Rooter

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a single leaky faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year. Now, imagine the amount of water wasted due to drain clogs that go unnoticed or unaddressed. It’s a significant amount!

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of drain clogs and how to prevent them, so you can save water and avoid costly plumbing repairs.

Common Causes of Drain Clogs

Drain clogs happen for various reasons. Sometimes they are caused by hair, grease, or food particles. Other times, soap scum or foreign objects can be the culprit.

Hair

Hair is one of the main reasons for clogged bathtub and shower drains. When we wash our hair, strands can fall out and accumulate in the drain. Over time, the hair builds up and forms a clog.

To prevent and address hair clogs, you can:

• Use a drain screen or strainer to catch hair before it enters the drain
• Clean the drain regularly to remove any hair that may have gotten through

Grease and Oils

Grease and oils from cooking can cause a clogged sink in the kitchen. When we pour these substances down the drain, they can harden and stick to the pipes. This leads to a blockage that prevents water from flowing smoothly.

To prevent and address these clogs, you can:

• Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain.
• Use hot water and dish soap to break down and remove any grease or oil that may have entered the drain.

Food Particles

Food particles are another common cause of clogged sinks, especially in kitchens with garbage disposals. Small bits of food can get stuck in the drain, making it difficult for water to pass through.

To prevent and address these clogs, you can:

• Run cold water when using the garbage disposal to help flush food particles down the drain.
• Avoid putting large amounts of food or hard-to-grind items in the garbage disposal.

Soap Scum

Soap scum can lead to clogged sinks, bathtubs, and showers. When we use soap, it can mix with minerals in the water and create a hard residue. This residue can build up in the drain and cause a blockage.

To prevent and address these clogs, you can:

• Use a liquid soap or shower gel instead of bar soap, which is less likely to create soap scum
• Regularly clean the drain with a mixture of hot water and vinegar to break down and remove soap scum

Foreign Objects

Foreign objects can cause clogs in any sink, tub, or toilet. Examples include toys, sanitary products, or paper towels. These items can get stuck in the drain and block the water flow.

To prevent and address these clogs, you can:

• Keep small items and objects away from drains
• Use a plunger or toilet auger to dislodge and remove foreign objects from the drain

Signs of a Clogged Drain

It’s important to know the signs of a clogged drain so you can address the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. In this section, we’ll discuss some common signs that indicate you may have a clogged drain.

Slow Draining Water

One of the most obvious signs of a clogged drain is slow draining water. If you notice that water takes longer than usual to drain from your sink, bathtub, or shower, it could mean there’s a blockage in the pipes. The slow draining water might be due to hair, soap scum, or other debris stuck in the drain.

Unpleasant Odors

Unpleasant odors coming from your drain can also indicate a clog. When a drain is blocked, water and waste can get trapped in the pipes, causing bad smells. If you notice a foul smell around your sink, bathtub, or clogged toilet, it might be a sign that there’s a blockage in the drain.

Gurgling Noises

Gurgling noises coming from your drain can be a sign of a clog. When water has trouble passing through a blocked pipe, it can create a gurgling sound as it tries to find its way around the obstruction. If you hear gurgling noises when you use your sink, bathtub, or toilet, it could mean there’s a clog in the drain.

Water Backup

Water backup is another sign of a clogged drain. If water starts to come back up the drain after you’ve used the sink, bathtub, or toilet, it could mean there’s a blockage in the pipes. In some cases, water might even overflow from the drain, creating a messy situation.

Drain Clog Prevention and Maintenance

Taking care of your drains can help prevent clogs from forming and ensure your plumbing system works well. In this section, we’ll discuss several ways to prevent and maintain your drains to avoid clogs and keep them in good condition.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning your drains regularly can help prevent clogs from forming. You can use a mixture of hot water and vinegar to break down and remove buildup in the drain.

For bathroom sinks and showers, it’s also helpful to remove any visible hair or debris from the drain cover. Performing regular maintenance can help keep your drains clear and prevent clogs from forming.

Using Drain Screens or Strainers

Drain screens or strainers can help catch hair, food particles, and other debris before they enter the drain. By using a drain screen in your kitchen sink, you can prevent food particles from going down the drain and causing clogs. In the bathroom, a drain strainer can catch hair and soap scum, preventing these materials from creating a blockage in the drain.

Proper Disposal of Waste

Being mindful of what goes down your drain can help prevent clogs. Avoid pouring grease or oil down the kitchen sink, as these substances can harden and block the pipes. Instead, pour the grease into a container and dispose of it in the trash.

Similarly, be cautious about what you put in your garbage disposal. Avoid putting large amounts of food or hard-to-grind items in the disposal, as they can cause clogs. In the bathroom, avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet, as other items can cause clogged toilets.

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, despite our best efforts to prevent and address clogs, more significant issues can arise. In these situations, it’s essential to know when to call a professional plumber to help with your clogged drain.

Persistent or Worsening Clogs

If you’ve tried using a plunger, a drain snake, or a chemical drain cleaner, but your drain is still clogged or seems to be getting worse, it’s time to call a professional. Persistent or worsening clogs can indicate a more significant issue with your plumbing system, such as a blocked sewer line or damaged pipes. A drain technician can diagnose the problem and provide the best solution to fix it.

Signs of Potential Damage to Pipes

In some cases, clogs can lead to damage to your pipes. If you notice any signs of potential pipe damage, such as leaks, cracks, or water stains on your walls or ceiling, it’s essential to call a professional plumber right away. Pipe damage can lead to more severe issues, such as flooding or structural damage to your home.

Multiple Clogged Drains

If you notice that multiple drains in your home are clogged at the same time, it could indicate a more significant issue with your plumbing system, such as a blocked main sewer line. In this situation, it’s crucial to call a professional plumber right away. They can inspect your entire plumbing system, identify the cause of the problem, and provide the necessary repairs to get your drains flowing smoothly again.

Recurring Clogs

If you’re experiencing recurring clogs in the same drain, it’s a sign that there might be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed by a professional plumber. Recurring clogs can be caused by several factors, such as damaged pipes, incorrect pipe installation, or a buildup of grease and debris in the drain.

Sewage Backup

If you notice sewage backing up into your home, it’s essential to call a professional plumber immediately. Sewage backup can be caused by a clogged main sewer line or a damaged septic system and poses a significant health risk to you and your family.

Lack of Proper Tools or Expertise

If you don’t have the proper tools or expertise to handle a clogged drain, it’s best to call a professional plumber for help. Attempting to fix a clog without the right tools or knowledge can lead to further damage or even injury. A professional plumber has the experience and equipment necessary to address the clog safely and effectively.

Keep Your Drains Flowing Smoothly

Understanding the various types of drain clogs and their causes can help you prevent and address these problems effectively. By following the tips and recommendations in this article, you can maintain your drains, safeguard your plumbing system, and avoid the inconvenience of frequent clogs.

If you’re experiencing persistent or severe drain clogs and need professional help, don’t hesitate to contact Master Plumbing. Our team of experts specializes in all your residential and commercial plumbing repairs, maintenance, installations, and replacements. Get in touch with us today for assistance with all your plumbing needs!