Clogged drains are one of the major troubles that every household owner faces once in a while. Although it began as a minor issue, it builds up over time and eventually becomes a serious concern.
The problem of clogged drains doesn’t come solo; it accompanies by various other concerns, including water drainage, flooding, sewage backup, and corrosion. Facing clogged drains and looking for the way out? Here’s the comprehensive guide that will walk you through the eight primary causes that lead to the trouble and some practical ways to fix the problem.
1. Soap Residues
Wondering about how a soap residue can block drains and pipes? Well, here’s a much-needed explanation. The traditional soap is composed of grease and fat, which, when combined with minerals present in water, leave a greasy residue behind. It, in turn, stains pipes and bath fittings, thus leading to clogged drains.
How to fix it?
The best way to get rid of the trouble is to replace your traditional soap bar with liquids or switch to soap-free washes. You must also use the pipes’ pressure to clean the traces of the soap build-up from the drains.
2. Hair
Our locks are the primary reason that contributes to the drain blockage. They get stuck in the pipes and drains, leading to further clogging. The situation worsens when they get combined with grease or other sticky substances present in the pipes.
How to fix it?
The easiest way to deal with the problem is to prevent them from accumulating in one place. Ensure that your drains are equipped with the necessary guards to collect hair. Also, clear your drains regularly to avoid hair build-ups.
3. Food Waste
The next major reason that leads to the drain blockage is none other than the food leftovers. The food waste never passes through the drains. The food waste, like tea leaves or coffee grounds, doesn’t break easily, hence keeps on accumulating.
What’s makes the situation out of control is when the food waste is combined with the oily residue and gets solidified in the pipes, causing severe pipe blockages.
How to fix it?
The best way to root out the trouble is to use the paper towel to absorb oil and throw it in the compost. Also, you should set up a composting pipe to eliminate the food waste problem.
4. Dirt
While drains and pipes are mainly set up for washing dirt and grime, they get affected when the excess of dirt and dust particles accumulate in them, causing trouble. The dirt can build up deep inside the pipes and cause blockage.
How to fix it?
To fix this trouble, it is recommended to wash excess dirt and debris off your garments before washing them.
5. Minerals build-up
Surprised? Thinking where do these minerals come from? Continue reading to get a deeper insight. Minerals are usually dissolved in hard water. When you use the water for accomplishing different household chores, these dissolved minerals can build up and become insoluble masses that will further lead to drain blockage.
Unlike other residues, mineral build-ups are hard to remove. Therefore, you should pay attention at the early stages to avoid the hassle later on.
How to fix it?
The best solution is to get a water softener if your area has a hard water problem. Additionally, you should descale regularly and eliminate sediment and build-ups.
However, if your drains and pipes are no longer working, connect with professional plumbing services immediately to resolve the trouble.
6. Toilet Paper
Toilet paper build-ups are yet another significant reason behind drain and pipe blockages. The excess use of toilet paper blocks the drains while restricting the water from flowing down.
How to fix it?
You can use a plunger to shift and dissolve the toilet papers and see if it resolves the problem. However, if the pipe is completely blocked, look no further and call the professional plumber instantly to avoid trouble.
7. Small objects
No matter how much you have tried to keep your drains and pipes unclogged, small objects can still find their way into the supply and create trouble. These small objects could be anything, like dust particles, female products, soap scum, debris, tissues, and more.
How to fix it?
Keep in mind that only water and human waste should go down your drain, and all other elements must be disposed of either in the trash or compost. However, if these elements have gotten into your drains even after your immense care, you should instantly seek plumbing services to bring your supply back to normal.
8. Tree roots
Last but not least most common cause of drain blockage is the tree root. While it might sound surprising, unwanted tree roots that make their way to the drains through minor cracks or leaks are the primary reason for clogged drains.
Once these roots find a way to your drains, they proliferate quickly; hence, interrupting the water flow.
How to fix it?
The only way to get rid of this trouble is to cut down the tree roots from the pipe and seal the crack or leak so they won’t find the way again. Remember that removing tree roots from the drain is tricky and expensive.
You might need pressure jet cleaning, rooter service, or even excavation to accomplish the root cutting process.
That’s it!! While there are many ways to root out the clogged drains issue, the best solution is preventing it from being clogged. It is recommended not to put anything in the sink or drain that blocks the pipes and leads to this plumbing trouble.
However, if you still get stuck in the problem, worry not and connect with Ruttley Services today. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services, whether it’s blocked toilet, sink or drain, blocked drains, we got you covered.
