Clogged drains are a common plumbing problem that many homeowners face. Understanding the causes of clogged drains can help you prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some of the most common causes of clogged drains:
Hair: Hair is a common cause of clogged bathroom drains. Over time, hair can accumulate in the drain and create a blockage.
Food particles: Food scraps, grease, and oil can accumulate in kitchen drains and cause clogs. Avoid pouring cooking oil down the drain, and use a strainer to catch food scraps.
Soap scum: Soap scum can accumulate in bathroom drains and create a clog. Use a drain screen to catch soap scum and prevent it from entering the drain.
Mineral buildup: Over time, minerals can build up in drains and cause a blockage. Hard water can exacerbate this problem.
Foreign objects: Children and pets may accidentally drop toys or other objects down the drain, causing a blockage.
If you experience slow draining water, unpleasant odours, gurgling sounds, or backups, it may be a sign that you have a clogged drain. In such cases, it’s important to hire a professional drain cleaning service to resolve the issue before it becomes worse.
Tree roots
Sometimes, tree roots can grow into pipes and cause blockages. This is a common problem for older homes with clay pipes or pipes made of other porous materials. Signs of a root blockage include slow draining water, gurgling sounds, and sewage backups.
If you suspect that tree roots are causing a blockage in your pipes, it’s important to hire a professional drain cleaning service that can identify and remove the blockage, and fix the pipe too if needed. Just search ‘drain cleaners near me’ to find professionals in your area.
To prevent future root blockages, consider planting trees away from your sewer line or removing trees that are too close to your pipes. Additionally, regular maintenance such as flushing your pipes with copper sulphate can help prevent root growth.
Signs that indicate you need drain cleaning services
When you notice the signs of a clogged drain, it’s important to address the issue before it becomes worse.
If water takes a long time to drain from your sink, shower, or bathtub, it could be a sign of a clog. A foul smell coming from your drain is a clear sign of a clog. This odour can indicate that there is decaying matter in your pipes.
If you hear gurgling sounds coming from your drains, it may indicate that air is trapped in your pipes. This could be a sign of a clog. Perhaps the most obvious is if wastewater is backing up into your sink or shower. This is a clear indication of a clog. This is a serious problem that requires immediate attention.
Types of drain cleaning services available
There are several types of drain cleaning services available. Here are the most common ones:
- Hydro jetting: This method involves using high-pressure water to blast away clogs and debris in your pipes.
- Snaking: A plumbing snake is a long, flexible cable that is inserted into your pipes to break up clogs and debris.
- Chemical cleaning: A chemical drain cleaner can be effective for minor clogs, but it’s important to use them with caution as they can damage your pipes if used improperly. This is not the most environmentally friendly option.
Benefits of regular drain cleaning
Regular drain cleaning can help prevent clogs from forming in the first place. Clean drains also help improve water flow in your pipes, which can help prevent future clogs.
Regular drain cleaning can also help prolong the life of your plumbing system by reducing wear and tear on your pipes.
DIY tips for preventing clogs
Use a drain screen: A drain screen can catch hair, food scraps, and other debris before they enter your drain.
Dispose of cooking oil properly: Pouring cooking oil down the drain can cause clogs. Instead, dispose of it in the trash.
Run hot water: Running hot water down your drain can help flush away minor clogs.
Choosing a drain cleaning service
When choosing a drain cleaning service, look for a company with experience in drain cleaning. Make sure the company is licensed and certified to perform drain cleaning services. You can also check online reviews to see what other customers have to say about the company.
Cost of drain cleaning services
The cost of drain cleaning services can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the clog, the type of service needed, and the location. It’s important to get a quote from the company before hiring them.
