A clogged drain can happen for many reasons. It can start as a minor annoyance, but in a little time, it can balloon into a serious problem that causes major damage and requires costly repairs. That’s probably the last thing that you need right now, right?
So why not learn more about why clogged drains happen and how to prevent them?
If that sounds good to you, keep reading below about six possible reasons for your clogged drain.
Toilet Paper
Let’s start in the bathroom. We all use the toilet pretty much every day, so it should come as no surprise that one of the most common reasons clogs happen is because of a blockage in the toilet. And it’s not always the fault of No. 2. In fact, clogged toilets usually occur because we use too much toilet paper. One way to prevent that from happening is to limit the amount of TP that goes into the toilet in the first place.
Soap
Isn’t soap supposed to clean things and not make them dirty? It turns out, when it comes to your pipes, soap can actually make things less clean. That’s because many soaps are made from fat, which can turn into soap scum when combined with minerals in hard water. Not only does soap scum stain bathroom fixtures, but also it can build up in pipes, causing a clogged drain. To prevent soap scum from building up in your drain, be sure to clear out any deposits with hot water regularly.
Hair
In the shower, one of the primary reasons that drains get clogged is because of hair buildup. While hair clogs can be difficult to remove if they are left for too long, the prevention is pretty simple: get a catch guard for your shower drain and make sure that they are clear.
Mineral Deposits
In areas that rely on hard water, mineral deposits can get so bad that they completely block the pipes. If you don’t want a clogged drain to get in your way, you might want to consider installing a water softener.
Dirt
Whether in the shower, in the kitchen sink, or in the pipes that drain the washing machine, dirt buildup is another common reason people experience a clogged drain. Don’t want a drain clog from excess dirt? Prevention is as simple as shaking as much off outside as possible before washing.
Food
Some people think that food waste is okay to put down the sink if you have a garbage disposal. These people are wrong. While it is perfectly fine to allow a small piece or two to go down, you shouldn’t ever put chunks of food down the sink, even with a disposal. Put your food waste in the garbage, or better yet, start composting.
Got a Clogged Drain? Contact the Experts at Custom Plumbing
Need help with a particularly tricky clog? Get in touch with us today! We’ll get your pipes running smoothly again.