As a homeowner, most likely you only pay attention to your drains when they get clogged. No one can deny how much of a hassle it is to fix a clogged drain. Being elbow-deep in the drainage, you might be wondering, “How did it get this bad?”
Well, it turns out there are a lot of things that contribute to clogged drains, with some of them being so mundane, you don’t even realize you’re doing it. Here are four of the most common reasons your drains might be clogged:
1. Soap Scum
Soap scum is the mineral layer that occurs from the reaction between the water minerals and the soap you use in the bath or shower. It’s more common in the shower and bathroom drains because of the high volume of soap that flows down to it.
Don’t underestimate soap scum, as it could be stubborn and cause acidic reactions when it comes in contact with chemical cleaners. The worst-case scenario for a soap scum build-up? Broken pipes.
2. Fats, Oil, Grease (FOG)
Despite FOG existing in liquid forms, they actually turn solid once they cool down. And since most household owners drain FOG down their kitchen sink and garbage disposals, it’s highly likely that a thick layer of FOG will build up in the drainage, which is going to be difficult to remove. Aside from blocking your drain, it also emits a nasty smell, which can be a magnet for flies and other insects.
3. Hair
How many times have you seen hair in drains? It’s a little gross, right? However, sometimes they’re just unavoidable. Hair fall has become an inevitable part of life, especially if you’re older. However, allowing your hair to accumulate in the drain will cause a build-up, causing your drains to clog. The problem is that you probably don’t notice the build-up of hair until you find the giant lump clogging your drain, so it’s best to check and clean the drain of hair as often as you can.
4. Towelettes or Tissues
If you have developed the habit of flushing down tissue papers or moist towelettes, then you’re in for a rude awakening. Despite the “flushable” word on its packaging, these items can easily clog up your drains. Paper products can stick together and emulsify. Worse, they can travel really deep down into your pipes, and you’ll be in even deeper trouble when it clogs up the sewer line.
Conclusion
There are tons of remedies to use when you’re dealing with clogged drains in your home. Some of these remedies include a clothes hanger, a plunger, and the ever-popular vinegar and baking soda mixture. But what happens if even the most tried and tested home remedies don’t work? You call a professional plumber.
Having a regular plumber to rely on is essential, as they will assist you with your regular maintenance—something that all homes require. Aside from that, a plumber can also inspect other plumbing systems in your home to ensure that they’re all in good condition.
So, if you aren’t dealing with clogged pipes yet, don’t wait for it to become a problem! We are a reputable plumbing service provider in San Diego. Contact us today and let us know how we can help!
