common causes of clogged drains
Blocked drains are more than just a nuisance; they can actually be dangerous. Not only do they prevent water from flowing through a pipe, they can also create breeding grounds for harmful bacteria that cause health problems in your home. That’s why it’s so important to tackle the problem of clogged drains as soon as you notice them. But what are the most common causes of these annoying (and potentially hazardous) problems?
Over time, fats, oils and grease can build up in your pipes to form a hard-to-break down, sticky substance that “catches” everything else that’s trying to flow through your pipes. This can eventually lead to a complete blockage.
This is a common culprit, especially for drain cleaning. To help avoid this, try to dispose of all food scraps in the trash or compost bin instead of down your drains. You can also use a drain snake to break up any large chunks of food that have accumulated.
What are the common causes of clogged drains?
Toilet paper and other paper products like tampons, wipes, and napkins can also cause serious clogs in your drains. They often build up and clog your pipes because they’re so dense. To help minimize this, be sure to place strainers over your bathtub and shower drains, use paper towels to wipe yourself down after using the bathroom, and purchase a more eco-friendly, slow-flowing toilet tissue.
Soap residue is one of the most common causes of clogged drains. Over time, soap scum can build up and block your entire pipe system. To prevent this, be sure to rinse off your sinks and tub after every use with hot water, and consider installing double-sinks in bathrooms where you frequently wash hair or other wet items. In addition, utilizing soap traps can be extremely helpful for preventing this issue.
If your home is located near a tree, its roots can sometimes grow into your drain lines. This can lead to severe blockages, and it’s important to keep trees well-watered and trimmed to reduce the likelihood of this happening.
Chemical drain cleaners aren’t good for your pipes, but if used properly, they can be effective at dissolving tough, stuck-on clogs. For best results, always follow the directions on the bottle.
Whether you have a basic plunger or a more advanced crank snake, these tools can be very effective at breaking up and dissolving clogs in your home’s drain line. However, they’re not a good solution for stubborn, deep clogs that require the use of a cable or power drain auger.
There are a variety of DIY solutions on Reddit and other online forums that claim to be effective at clearing clogged drains, but most of these anecdotal methods can actually make your clogged drain worse. The best option is to invest in a quality tool, like the Ridgid Cable Drain Snake, which has ergonomic handles for added comfort and ease of use. It also has an instructional video on their website that will walk you through how to effectively and safely use it.