Causes of Clogged Drains and How to Prevent Them

A clogged drain may only be a minor concern in the beginning. But, it can turn into a major problem fast. Clogged drains can slow down water drainage. They can also cause flooding, corrosion and sewage backup in more severe cases, and repairs can be expensive.
By recognizing what causes a clogged drain, you can prevent it from happening.
Having said that, here are the most common clogged drain causes in the household:

Soap –

Many soap bars today are made with fat or grease. The fat then mixes with the minerals in the water, and forms soap scum (hard residue). It then causes bath fitting stains, and clogged pipes. Using soap-free washes, and pressure-cleaning your pipes will help remove any soap build-up.

Dirt –

Sure, your drains are meant to wash excess dirt away from your clothes and body. But, it can accumulate in your pipes and cause blockages. To prevent dirt buildup in your drains, shake off excess mud and dirt from your body and clothes outdoors before washing them indoors.

Hair –

Hair can form clogs by binding with grease, as well as other sticky substances. You can prevent blockages caused by hair by making sure your drains have guards. You must also clear the guards on a regular basis.

Minerals –

Hard water-dissolved minerals can accumulate and form insoluble masses that can clog your drains. To prevent this, install a water softener if you have hard water. Otherwise, you must remove the buildup on a regular basis. Once they have settled, clogs caused by mineral buildup can be tough to get rid of. You need professionals like Spartan Plumbing to address the problem when it happens.

Toilet Paper –

Regularly flushing toilet paper can cause clogging over time. If water still runs through the toilet when flushing, you can try shifting and dissolving the toilet paper blockage using a plunger. However, if the toilet only fills up without draining, there is nothing else you can do but call a plumber.

Excess Food –

Never let your excess food go down your drain, even if your sink is equipped with a garbage disposal system. Get rid of your food waste in a composting pile. Some waste like coffee grounds and tea leaves don’t break down. You should also refrain from disposing oil or grease in your sink because they will solidify and block your pipes. Use paper towels to absorb oil before throwing them in the compost.

Small Objects –

Bear in mind that your drain, sink, and toilet can only accommodate water and human waste. All other waste should be responsibly disposed of. This is what trash cans, compost bins, and recycling containers are for. In case a foreign matter gets through your plumbing supply and starts to cause problems, let a professional plumber handle the job for you.

Tree Roots –

Tree roots may grow in small leaks or cracks in underground pipes. Once the roots grow bigger inside the pipes, they will cause an obstruction in the water flow. They will also damage the pipe. However, it is not easy to clear the tree roots. It may need pressure jet cleaning, rooter service, trenchless repair, or excavation. To prevent expensive and major repairs, inspect the root structure of the plants and trees near your home, and monitor your drains’ condition.
Many things can cause clogged drains, but these can all be prevented. Just make sure nothing that shouldn’t go down the drain goes down the drain. But if you still experience clogged drains and you cannot fix the plumbing problem, schedule an appointment with Spartan Plumbing right away.
The article Causes of Clogged Drains and How to Prevent Them is courtesy of

Spartan Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
6211 E Speedway Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85712
(520) 617-1000
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