What clogs drains the most?
What if I told you that the most common thing to clog a drain wasn't hair, or food, but something else entirely? What would you say? What if I also told you that this 'something else' was completely preventable? Would you believe me then?
What causes most drain clogs?
Well, believe it or not, it's true! The most common thing to clog a drain is actually soap scum. And yes, it is preventable!
Soap scum is the residue left behind by bar soap, body wash, and other cleansing products. It builds up over time, and can eventually cause a clog.
How soap scum causes clogs:
Soap scum can build up on the walls of your drain, gradually narrowing the opening. When enough soap scum has accumulated, it can completely block the drain.
Soap scum can also catch hair and other debris, which can then lead to a clog.
Where do drains clog most?
It all has to do with the way drains are designed. Most drains have a small hole in the centre of them, called a drain trap. This trap is there to catch anything that falls down the drain, like hair or food, and prevent it from clogging up the pipes.
Drains clog most in the bathroom, specifically in the shower or tub. This is because there is a lot of soap scum and hair that gets washed down the drain. A kitchen sink is also a common place for clogs, because of all the food that gets washed down it.
What causes blocked drains outside?
The drains outside or separate from your house, like the ones in gutters or stormwater drains, can also get clogged. Blocked drains outside are usually caused by leaves, twigs, and other debris that have gotten into the drain. When this happens, it can catch rainwater and cause a clog.
What to do if your drains get clogged anyhow
If your drains do get clogged, there are a few things you can do to try and clear the clog.
One option is to use a plunger. A plunger can help to break up a clog and clear it out of the drain.
Another option is to use a drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible rod that can be inserted into the drain to help break up and remove a clog. Well, only plumbers use drain snakes. What you can use is something called a drain auger. In Australia, we call it a plumber’s friend. It is a hand-operated or power-operated device that can be used to clear clogged drains.
Will baking soda clear a drain?
Baking soda is a common household product that can be used for a variety of purposes, including cleaning.
One use for baking soda is clearing clogged drains. When mixed with vinegar, baking soda can help to break up and remove a clog. there you go, a home remedy for a clogged drain.
What are some common myths about drain clogging?
There are a lot of myths out there about what causes drains to clog. Here are a few of the most common ones:
Myth 1: Hair is the most common thing to cause a drain clog.
Hair can contribute to a clog, but it is not the most common thing to cause one. Soap scum is the most common thing to clog a drain.
Myth 2: Grease can be washed down the drain.
Grease and oil should never be poured down the drain. When they cool, they can solidify and contribute to a clog.
Myth 3: Food doesn’t belong in the garbage disposal.
While some food items, like bones, should not be put in a garbage disposal, most food can be safely disposed of this way. Just make sure to run plenty of water while the disposal is running, to help flush the food down the drain.
How do plumbers find clogs?
Plumbers have a few different methods they use to find clogs.
One way is to use a camera. A small camera is inserted into the drain, and the plumber can look at a monitor to see where the clog is located. These CCTV cameras are also used to find leaks.
Another way is to use a drain snake. The plumber will insert the snake into the drain and feel around for the clog. Once the clog is located, the plumber can use the snake to break up and remove the clog.
What happens if a plumber can't unclog a drain?
If a plumber can't unclog a drain, there are a few things that could be happening.
One possibility is that the clog is located too far down the drain for the plumber to reach. In this case, the plumber may need to excavate to get to the clog.
Another possibility is that the drain is damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced. This is usually the case with older homes.
If you have a clogged drain, the best thing to do is to call a plumber. They will be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
What are some tips for cleaning your drains regularly?
To help prevent your drains from getting clogged, there are a few things you can do:
- Use a drain cover. This will help to catch hair and other debris before it has a chance to go down the drain.
- Clean your drains regularly with a natural cleaner, like vinegar or baking soda.
- Use products that are designed to be safe for your drains, like liquid soap instead of bar soap.
- Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain.
- Use garbage disposal sparingly, and make sure to run plenty of water while it is running. You can find these at bunnings warehouse for a few bucks.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your drains clean and clog-free.
While there are a lot of myths out there about what causes drains to clog, the most common culprit is soap scum. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help prevent your drains from getting clogged, like using a drain cover or cleaning your drains regularly with a natural cleaner. And if all else fails, you can always call a plumber!
At Mitchell Plumbing and Gas, we’re experts in unclogging drains and solving any plumbing problems that may arise. So if you’re experiencing trouble with your drains, give us a call today!
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