Clogged drains are more than just a minor inconvenience—they can lead to serious plumbing issues if not addressed. While many of us know that grease or hair can be culprits, several other causes of clogged drains often go unnoticed.
Let’s look into some of these overlooked causes and learn how to keep your drains clear and your plumbing running smoothly.
1. Grease and Fat Build-Up
Most people are aware that pouring grease down the drain isn’t a great idea. However, even a small amount of grease can cause problems over time. As the grease cools, it hardens and sticks to the walls of the pipes, gradually building up and restricting the water flow. This blockage can become severe, leading to a complete clog.
How to Prevent It
- Avoid pouring any type of grease or fat down the drain.
- Wipe greasy dishes with a paper towel before washing.
- Use strainers to catch food particles that may contain oil residues.
2. Soap Scum
It might be surprising, but even soap can be one of the causes of clogged drains. Traditional bar soap is made with fat and oils, which can combine with the minerals in your water to form a hard, scaly buildup known as soap scum. Over time, this can clog the pipes, especially in showers and bathroom sinks.
Prevention Tips
- Switch to liquid soap, which is less likely to leave residue.
- Regularly clean your drains with a mixture of hot water, vinegar, and baking soda.
- Install a water softener to reduce the mineral content in hard water.
3. Hair and Pet Fur
Hair is one of the leading causes of clogged drains, particularly in the bathroom. When hair goes down the drain, it can bind with soap scum and other debris, creating a dense blockage. Pet owners also have to deal with fur, which can worsen the problem.
Prevention Strategies
- Use drain covers to catch hair and fur before they enter the drain.
- Clean the drain cover regularly to ensure it’s effective.
- Brush pets before bathing them to remove loose fur.
4. Food Waste
Although kitchen sinks often have garbage disposals, they aren’t designed to handle all types of food waste. Coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous vegetables like celery can easily clog the pipes. These items don’t break down easily and can build up over time, leading to blockages.
Avoid Clogs By:
- Disposing of coffee grounds and food scraps in the trash.
- Running plenty of water when using the garbage disposal.
- Avoiding putting fibrous or starchy foods down the drain.
5. Mineral Buildup
Hard water contains a high concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals can accumulate inside the pipes, narrowing the passageway for water and leading to slow drainage or complete clogs.
What You Can Do
- Install a water softener to reduce mineral buildup.
- Regularly flush your drains with a vinegar solution to dissolve mineral deposits.
- Schedule professional drain cleaningto remove any stubborn blockages.
6. Toiletries and Hygiene Products
Items like wipes, cotton balls, and feminine hygiene products are not meant to be flushed down the toilet or put in the drain. Even “flushable” wipes don’t break down easily in water and can lead to major blockages.
Prevent Clogs By:
- Only flushing toilet paper down the toilet.
- Disposing of hygiene products in the trash.
- Educating everyone in your household about proper disposal methods.
7. Tree Roots
Yes, even your landscaping can affect your drains. Tree roots naturally seek out water sources, and if there are small cracks in your sewer pipes, roots can grow into them. This intrusion can cause significant damage and lead to clogs or even pipe ruptures.
Preventive Actions
- Regularly inspect older sewer lines for signs of root intrusion.
- Consider replacing clay pipes, which are more prone to root invasion.
- Use root barriers if planting trees near your sewer line.
8. Small Objects Accidentally Flushed or Washed Down
It’s surprisingly easy for small items like toys, jewellery, or even toothbrushes to end up in drains, especially in households with young children. These objects can get stuck in the pipes, causing immediate and severe clogs.
How to Avoid It
- Keep small objects away from sinks, bathtubs, and toilets.
- Use sink strainers to catch foreign objects.
- Childproof bathroom areas to prevent kids from flushing or dropping things down the drain.
9. Cooking Flour and Dough
Many people don’t think twice about rinsing flour or dough down the kitchen sink. However, when mixed with water, these ingredients create a sticky paste that can cling to the pipes and cause clogs.
Better Practices Include:
- Wiping flour or dough remnants into the trash before rinsing dishes.
- Using cold water when washing any kitchenware that has been used for baking.
- Avoiding putting large amounts of starchy substances down the sink.
10. Old or Damaged Pipes
Over time, the plumbing in your home can deteriorate, leading to issues with your drains. Old pipes made from materials like clay or cast iron are more susceptible to corrosion, cracks, and collapse, which can cause frequent clogs and leaks.
Stay Ahead of Problems
- Have your plumbing inspected if your home is more than 30 years old.
- Replace outdated pipes with modern, durable materials like PVC.
- Consider repiping if you experience recurring plumbing problems.
Why Routine Drain Cleaning Matters
Taking preventative steps to avoid clogs is important, but regular drain cleaning can help ensure your plumbing remains in top shape. Professional drain cleaning helps remove buildup from inside the pipes, such as grease, hair, soap scum, and mineral deposits, preventing these substances from causing major blockages.
Regular drain cleaning plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy plumbing system. Let’s break down each benefit to see why scheduling routine maintenance can save you time, money, and hassle.
· Plumbing System’s Lifespan
Over time, substances like grease, hair, soap scum, and mineral deposits can build up in your pipes. This buildup puts extra strain on your plumbing system, forcing water to flow through narrower spaces and increasing the risk of corrosion.
If left untreated, these clogs and deposits can lead to pipe damage, requiring costly repairs or even replacement. Regular drain cleaning helps remove these materials, keeping your pipes in good condition and extending their lifespan.
· Prevent Unpleasant Odours
Clogged or dirty drains often result in stagnant water, decomposing food particles, and other debris collecting inside your pipes. These materials can cause foul odours that permeate your home, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Even if your drains seem to be functioning properly, the accumulation of organic matter can create a breeding ground for bacteria, further exacerbating the smell.
· Reduces Emergency Plumbing Risks
Clogs can lead to more serious problems like burst pipes, backed-up sewage, and water damage, which may require emergency plumbing services. These issues can escalate quickly, turning a simple drain problem into a major repair that disrupts your daily life and racks up costs. By scheduling regular drain cleaning, you catch potential problems early, addressing minor clogs or slow drainage before they develop into emergencies.
What To Do If You’re Facing Clogged Drains
Even with preventative measures, clogs can still happen. When they do, it’s important to address the problem quickly to avoid bigger plumbing issues. Don’t rely solely on store-bought chemical drain cleaners, which can damage your pipes over time.
Call Sweetwater Plumbing for drain cleaning Ontario CA!
When you’re dealing with persistent clogs or slow drains, let Sweetwater Plumbing handle the job. Our team of licensed and insured plumbers in Ontario, CA offers reliable drain cleaning Ontario CA and sewer line repair services to get your plumbing back in working order. With our 24/7 emergency service, trenchless technology, and video pipe inspection, you can count on us to resolve any issue, big or small.
Why Choose Sweetwater Plumbing?
- Experienced Team:Our plumbers are fully trained to tackle any drain and sewer problem, from basic clogs to complex repairs.
- Emergency Services:We offer around-the-clock service to address urgent plumbing needs quickly. For an emergency plumber in Ontario, contact us anytime.
- Advanced Techniques:We use the latest tools and techniques to provide effective, long-lasting solutions.
- Customer Satisfaction:With a commitment to quality service, our highly rated reviews speak to our dedication to keeping customers happy.
Don’t let a clogged drain lead to a bigger plumbing disaster. Contact Sweetwater Plumbing to schedule your drain cleaning service or to learn more about how we can help keep your plumbing in great condition. If you need water heater repair in Ontario, CA, water heater installation in Ontario, CA, or water heater service in Ontario, CA, our team is here to help!
