Clogged drains are among the most common plumbing problems out there, which necessitates the question: why do your drains get clogged so easily? The inconvenience when your drain gets clogged is not just annoying, but can also result in further issues and damages to your plumbing system. Do your drains get clogged easily? There are several reasons for this. Here’s what you need to know about why your drains get clogged and how you can prevent further clogs from happening in the future.
Common Causes Of Clogged Drains
Some reasons why your drains get clogged frequently are more common than others. The more common the reason why your drains get clogged, the easier it is to prevent. Needless to say, when your drains get clogged, you’ll want to have it fixed as soon as possible. This isn’t just for your convenience, but also to prevent flooding and other such damages to your property. If your drains get clogged repeatedly, this can be an indicator of more serious problems with your plumbing.
Some of the common reasons why your drains get clogged include:
- Hair
This is one of the most common reasons why your drains get clogged, most frequently seen in bathrooms. Hair can bind with sticky substances down your drains and form blockages. Ensuring that your drains have guards to catch any hair that gets down them and cleaning said guards regularly can go a long way to prevent clogged drains.
- Soap
This comes as a surprise to many. How can soap make your drains get clogged? Isn’t its purpose to clean? Many soaps have fats and greases in them which can then combine with minerals in the water and leave soap scum that can end up clogging your pips. Pressure cleaning and switching your washes can prevent these clogs.
- Dirt
That dirt from our bodies and hands has to go somewhere when we clean ourselves – down the drain. However, excess dirt can build up over time and form clogs. You’ll want to either shake or rinse off any excessive dirt outside, if possible, before cleaning yourself or your clothes inside.
- Food Waste
Your garbage disposal is wonderful for getting rid of many things, however, there are some foods that just won’t break down or that will otherwise block your pipes, such as coffee grounds and starches. It’s a good rule of thumb that if it can’t be easily ground up into baby food, it shouldn’t go down your drain.
- Fats, Oils, And Grease
This goes along with the above point. It’s a common misconception that since fats, oils, and grease are liquids, it’s safe to pour them down your drains. These solidify, though, which will then block your drains. This is one of the most common reasons why drains get clogged in kitchens especially.
- Mineral Buildup
Minerals in hard water can build up over time, which results in clogs. If your drains get clogged because of this, installing a water softener in your home can resolve this issue.
- Toilet Paper
You know all those advertisements about how you only need a few squares of toilet paper? This applies for your drains too. Too much toilet paper can make your drains get clogged and make it so that you either need to use a plunger or call a plumber to clear the blockage.
- Tree Roots
Roots in your pipes can block water from getting through them, which can lead to serious issues over time. Even the smallest crack in your pipes can attract roots to grow into them.
What Happens If You Don’t Fix Clogged Drains?
Some of the reasons why drains get clogged are an easy fix. Most people have plungers they can use for their pipes. Plumber’s snakes can also help. But there are some clogs that are harder to fix, which makes some think maybe they can put off fixing their clogged drains. However, left unchecked, clogged drains can cause sewer blockages, corrosion, flooding, slowed water drainage, and expensive, complex repairs over time.
It’s important to have clogged drains fixed as soon as possible. S & B Plumbing has experienced plumbers who can repair clogged drains. We want to help you keep your plumbing system in the best condition possible. The best way to deal with clogged drains is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. If you are unsure of what you can do to keep your drains from getting clogged, don’t hesitate to contact us. Whether you need advice or repairs, S & B Plumbing is here to help!