Despite the best prevention methods, there are times when our drains and toilets get clogged. When that happens, it’s time for a home repair!
Look for signs like slow draining sinks, gurgling sounds, or bubbling in the toilet. The following are the most common causes of clogged drains: hair, soap scum, grease, and hard water. Contact your local Plumbers Denton TX to learn more.
Hair
Hair is one of the primary culprits for clogged drains, especially in showers and tubs. Loose strands wash down the drain and build up over time, snagging on other debris in the pipes and forming thick clumps that restrict water flow. Regular maintenance and natural cleaning methods are the best ways to prevent this problem and keep your drains flowing smoothly.
Brushing your hair before showering or bathing helps to remove loose strands and reduce the amount of hair that ends up in your drain. You can also place a mesh drain cover or hair catcher over the drain to catch stray hairs before they wash down the drain. These products are designed specifically to be used with a shower or bathtub, so they’re safe and easy to use.
You lose millions of dead skin cells every day, and many of them make their way down the shower or tub drain as they rinse off. This organic matter can clog and block the drain and lead to water pooling on the floor.
Using a mesh drain cover or shower curtain can also help to prevent this issue, as will regularly cleaning the shower or tub drain. Another great option is a drain snake or plumbing auger, which can break up or pull out stubborn clogs of all types.
Dish soap, hot water, and a little elbow grease help to prevent this issue by breaking down the buildup of soap scum, which in turn helps to prevent hair clumps from sticking to the pipes. Be sure to avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners, as these can damage your pipes.
A simple yet effective natural solution to break down hair clumps and clear blocked drains is to combine baking soda with vinegar. Simply pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the suspect drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Allow the mixture to fizz and bubble for 15-20 minutes, then flush with hot water. This technique will dissolve hair, soap scum, and other organic material, opening the pipe to smooth water flow. If the clog persists, try using a bent wire hanger to reach down the drain and gently tug out any stuck hairs.
Soap Scum
Soap residue plays an important role in bathroom drain clogs. The fatty acids in soap combine with minerals in your water supply to create a thick composite that can clog pipes and restrict flow. This problem is exacerbated by hard water, which causes mineral deposits to cling to pipes and compound the effect of soap residue. Regular cleaning and switching to liquid soaps without added minerals can help prevent this issue, as well as reducing the use of chemical drain cleaners that can harm your pipes.
If you notice standing water in your shower or sink, that’s a clear sign of a blocked drain. It may be due to hair or soap scum, but it can also be caused by other factors like tree roots invading underground drainpipes. If left untreated, it could lead to sewage backups and costly repairs.
You can try to remove slow-draining debris yourself with a plunger or by pouring boiling water down the drain. If these tactics don’t work, call a plumbing professional for more thorough cleaning.
Paper products like towels, wipes, and kitty litter can contribute to slow toilet drains. Despite the fact that some are advertised as “flushable” or “septic safe,” these items can quickly clog your toilet, even if you use them infrequently. Educating household members on what they can and cannot flush can significantly reduce this risk.
Another major contributor to clogged toilets is the common practice of flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper. Items like sanitary wipes, cotton swabs, and feminine hygiene products can all cause blockages, especially when they’re mixed with other materials such as hair or tampon string.
A simple, yet effective way to prevent this issue is to clean your drains regularly with hot water and baking soda. When poured down your drain, the reaction between these ingredients can break down soap scum, hair, and other debris that collects inside of your pipes. In addition, opting for liquid soaps with fewer chemicals and using a water softener in your home can further minimize these issues.
Grease
The kitchen is the heart of a home and the source of many joyous moments. However, if you’ve ever had to dispose of cooking grease, you know how messy it can be. It may seem tempting to just pour it down the drain, but that shortcut can lead to a costly problem. Pouring FOG (Fats, Oils and Grease) down a kitchen sink causes a chain reaction that eventually leads to a blockage in the sewer pipe. This can result in raw sewage overflows, which are both unsanitary and hazardous to human health.
It is best to recycle or responsibly dispose of cooking oils rather than flushing them. Contact your local water provider to see if they offer cooking oil recycling or visit Tempe’s Water – Use It Wisely to learn more about how Tempe works with businesses to keep FOG out of the system.
Hard Water
Known for its high concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium, hard water can wreak havoc on plumbing systems, leading to an array of problems from clogged drains and appliances to reduced water pressure. Here are just a few ways hard water can cause problems:
Soap Residue Buildup
The minerals in hard water react with soap to form insoluble compounds that cling to surfaces and pipes. Over time, this residue can accumulate to create a filmy substance that leads to clogged drains and weakened pipe walls. The best way to prevent soap scum is to use liquid rather than bar soap and regularly rinse your sinks, tubs, and toilets.
Scale Formation
The abrasive nature of hard water can lead to the formation of scale deposits in household appliances, like water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. This causes them to work harder, which increases wear and tear on moving parts and shortens their lifespans. This can lead to reduced efficiency and increased repair costs, which in turn can increase energy bills.
Corrosion
The mineral concentrations in hard water can accelerate the deterioration of metal plumbing fixtures. This can lead to rust and corrosion, which in turn can cause leaks or even complete pipe failure. This can result in expensive repairs and replacements, as well as higher maintenance costs.
Water Heater Efficiency Decreases
The deposits in hard water can restrict water flow and decrease the efficiency of your water heater, causing it to work overtime to heat your home’s water. This can lead to increased energy bills and shorter appliance lifespans.
Preventive Measures
Installing a water softener can significantly reduce the impact of hard water on your plumbing system and help prevent clogged drains and reduced water pressure. Regular maintenance and periodic descaling treatments are also important for extending the lifespan of your plumbing and appliances. If you suspect your pipes are impacted by hard water, contact us to schedule professional services today. Our team can provide expert maintenance and installation of the best water softening products to keep your plumbing running smoothly for years to come.