Clogged Drains and How to Prevent Them

Have you ever had a clogged or blocked drain? It's not a fun experience. Not only does it make taking a shower or using the sink nearly impossible, but it can also be a major pain to try and fix. In this blog post, we're going to talk about what causes clogged drains, signs indicating you have a clogged drain, and how you can prevent them from happening in the first place. Keep reading to learn more!

Main Causes of Blocked Drains

Hair

Being the most common cause of blocked drains, hair can get washed down the shower drain or fall into your sink leading to a big blockage. Hair will wrap around the pipe and start to build up until it creates a clog. If you have long hair, consider using a filter for your bathtub. Even though they aren't completely clog-proof, they are still great at catching most of the hair that comes down.

Lint

Lint is one of the main causes of blocked drains, and it can be found in dryers or washing machines and will eventually work its way into your pipes. Once this happens, it will start to build up until you have a clogged drain on your hands. Be sure to clean out filters regularly to prevent this clog from occurring.

Dirt and Debris

When you have a big cleaning session, dirt and debris can easily get washed down the drain. This is especially common with outside drains. Try to make sure all of the dirt has been cleaned up before allowing water back into your pipes. If you are washing dishes, be sure to scrape off all the food particles into the garbage can before rinsing them off in the sink.

Grease and Fat

Just like with dirt and debris, grease and fat can easily find their way down your drains. When these substances mix with water, they will start to build up and create a clog. One way to help you prevent grease and fat from building up in your pipes is to use strainers on your sinks. Even though they don't always catch every bit of grease, they are still great at catching most of it.

Chemicals

If you use harsh chemicals around your house (many cleaning products fall into this category), make sure you dispose of them properly. When these chemicals mix with water, they can create a dangerous chemical reaction that will lead to a clogged drain.

Tree Roots

Tree roots are a common cause of clogged drains. The roots will grow around the pipe and start to constrict it, which will eventually lead to a blockage. If you have a tree near your house, be sure to keep an eye on the roots and how they are affecting your drains.

Signs of a Clogged Drain

If you are experiencing any of the following signs, it's likely that you have a clogged drain:

• Water is not draining properly from your sink, shower, or bathtub
• Gurgling noises coming from your drains
• Sewage backup
• Bad smells coming from your drains

How to Prevent Clogged Drains

Here are some ways you can prevent clogs from happening in the first place:

• Flush your drains with boiling water or vinegar. This will help clean out any gunk that might be caught up inside. Just remember, don't pour these things down while the drain is plugged!
• Use a strainer on your sink to catch any hair, lint, or other debris.
• Use a filter on your bathtub drain as well.
• Scrape off any excess food into the garbage can before washing dishes. Also, be sure to dispose of liquid and solid chemicals properly.
• Stay on top of your tree's root growth. If you are having problems with roots growing near the pipes, contact a tree service for assistance. They will be able to help you with your problem.
• Ask a plumber to snake your drain if it's not draining properly. Snaking is when they use a flexible metal wire to clear the drain and pipes of any clogs or obstructions. If you try doing this yourself, you might end up making things worse and damaging the pipe.

Clogged drains are a common occurrence in homes all over the world. Now that you have learned the main causes of blocked drains, it's important that you prevent them from happening in the first place. If you are experiencing any of the signs listed above, be sure to take action and call a plumber for help. They will be able to clear the clog and get your drains running smoothly again. That way, you can go back to living your life worry-free.

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