Common Causes of a Clogged Drain 

Bar Soap Residue

Conventional bar soap contains oils and fats that can combine with minerals in your water supply to form soap scum. The sticky residue will cling to your pipe walls and eventually narrow the passageway where wastewater flows. Switch to liquid soap and flush your drains once a week with baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water to break down buildup and keep your pipes clean.

Grease and Fat

When it’s in the pan, fat and grease are liquified, and it easily slips down your drains. However, once it’s inside your pipes, it cools off and becomes solid. Eventually, accumulated grease will coat the inside of pipes and start to trap food. This creates a thick blockage that is very difficult to remove. Don’t pour grease down your drain; instead, put it in a sealed container or wipe down pots and pans with paper towels before you put them in the sink. You might want to install a grease trap to help capture excess fats and oils so they don’t go into your plumbing system.

Flushing the Wrong Items

The only items that should go into your toilet are human waste and toilet paper. Anything else could result in clogs. Items that are labeled flushable should also be avoided, including wipes. These will not break down in your pipes the same as toilet paper and will get lodged deep inside your pipes, where they may lead to future repairs and sewer backups. Provide waste bins in your bathrooms to prevent people from flushing cotton balls, dental floss, and feminine hygiene products. Be sure to discuss this with household members and guests as well. If you have young children, consider securing the toilet lids with safety devices so they don’t flush toys or small items.

Poorly Installed Pipes

Pipes that aren’t aligned properly can make your plumbing system vulnerable to clogs. Incorrect pipe grading, low-quality materials, and misaligned joints can all cause recurring blockages. If you’re concerned that your frequent plumbing backups are caused by pipe issues, a plumber can inspect your system to identify and correct any problems. If you need pipe replacement, repair, or installations in the future, be sure to hire reputable plumbers who can perform the task well.

Trees

Many people don’t see a connection between trees and plumbing systems. However, thirsty roots from nearby trees and shrubs will often find water and nutrients inside pipes and enter through small cracks. Over time, these tiny roots grow larger and eventually block the entire pipe. This is very common in aging sewer lines. Routine inspections and maintenance plumbing services can detect early signs of root intrusion so you can avoid unexpected emergencies. Root barriers and pipelining can help protect your system from roots in the future.

Food Waste

Having a garbage disposal doesn’t mean you can put whatever you want into your sink without consequences. Eggshells, pasta, fibrous vegetables, and coffee grounds can all create serious blockages that cause problems with your entire plumbing system. Scrape your food scraps into the trash can or compost bin before rinsing them in the sink. Doing this will help prevent trouble and will increase the longevity of your disposal.

Mineral Buildup

Homes with hard water are prone to mineral buildup in their pipes. Deposits will grow over time and restrict water flow. Scale buildup can also harm appliances like dishwashers and water heaters, so it’s important to take care of this common problem if you see signs of trouble. A water softener is the best way to permanently reduce mineral deposits and keep your plumbing system flowing. It’s also helpful to regularly descale and clean your pipes, showerheads, and faucets to reduce hard water issues.

Do You Need  Professional Plumbing Service for Your Clogs?

When clogs strike, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We provide dependable services for lasting results. Our team uses advanced techniques and equipment to diagnose problems and fix clogs fast. Whether you need a hydro-jetting service or a total pipe replacement, our plumbers are ready to help restore your system. Contact us to schedule your next plumbing service.