4 Common Reasons for Clogged Drains
Absolutely nobody likes dealing with a clogged drain. It doesn’t matter if you’re talking toilets, sinks, showers, or heaven forbid the sewer drain line. Removing them is annoying, and can even be expensive if you have to lean on a local plumber to get it handled.
So what’s better than having to deal with a clog? Avoiding one, of course! And today the specialists at Schneller Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating & Air are going to help you do just that by listing the top four causes of a clogged drain.
These Are The Most Common Cause of Clogged Drains
Probably the thing we find that surprises homeowners most is that it is very rare to deal with a sudden clog. There are some occasions where this will happen, sure, and there are even a few on the list. But the majority of clogs are actually very old, and the result of long-term buildup. That’s why drain cleaning for your Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky home is so important, but that’s a talk for another time.
- Soap scum and grease. If we had to name a number one cause of a clogged drain, this would have to be it! The residue left by soap is an unfortunate eventuality, and a big part of why keeping clean drains is important. To do a bit of control on your own you can use a vinegar and water solution to keep it under control between professional cleanings—just don’t reach for commercial cleaners!
- Foreign objects. Flushable wipes, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, hygiene products—the list could easily go on. We know it’s easy to just drop these in your drain without a thought. But don’t! They’re probably the second most common cause for a clog—and are a much bigger headache than just putting these things in the garbage.
- Tree roots. Invasive tree roots are typically somewhat out of your control, but they’re also an unfortunately common cause of drain line clogs, and particularly deep in the sewer main. To spot this problem watch out for puddles of gross water in the yard, odd odors in your home, and a large sudden presence of insects and pests. To do what little you can to keep this under control, keep up with keeping the yard free of plant matter that might take root near your drain pipes.
- Old piping. There was a time not too long ago (beginning in the 1900s, to be exact) where clay and concrete were the materials of choice for underground piping. These pipes were used all the way until the 1980s. They were great at the time, sure, but nowadays those materials are reaching the end of their life. This means your pipes, if they’re made of these materials, could be collapsing, or could see severe limescale build up, creating narrower and narrower paths for your water to flow through. This is why for homeowners with homes built before 1979, we often recommend a plumbing inspection to head off a high-cost problem early!
Complete Plumbing Repair in Cincinnati, Ohio
Whether you’ve got a little clog or lots of plumbing trouble, the professionals at Schneller Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating & Air are here to help. Don’t let plumbing stress you out! We’ve got you covered, and our no-nonsense pricing makes getting the help you need that much easier.