May10

By Dave Bangar

Common Causes of Clogged Drains and How to Fix Them

Clogged drains are a common household nuisance that can disrupt daily routines and cause frustration for homeowners. From kitchen sinks to bathroom drains, the accumulation of debris and other materials can lead to slow drainage, foul odours, and even complete blockages. Let’s explore common causes of drain clogs, effective DIY remedies to tackle minor clogs, and provide insights into when it’s best to enlist the help of a professional plumber. This article will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to conquer any clogged drain once and for all.

1. Fats, Oil, and Grease

Fats, oils, and grease are notorious for clogging drains when poured down sinks. They solidify as they cool, forming blockages. To fix this issue, pour hot water down the drain to melt the grease, then follow with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to break it down. To prevent clogs, dispose of oil and grease in the trash instead of down the drain.

2. Food Scraps

Food scraps often find their way into kitchen sinks when washing dishes and in garbage disposals, inevitably leading to drain blockages. To clear them, use a plunger or drain snake to dislodge the buildup. If the clog is in your garbage disposal unit, follow these steps on how to unclog your garbage disposal unit. 

3. Hair

Hair is a common culprit in bathroom drains, accumulating and forming blockages over time. Remove hair clogs using a drain snake or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Installing a drain cover can help trap hair before it enters the drain, reducing the risk of clogs.

4. Soap

Soap scum can accumulate on the walls of pipes, narrowing the passage for water flow. To address this, flush the drain with hot water and vinegar to dissolve the soap residue. Regularly cleaning the drain with a mixture of baking soda and hot water can prevent soap buildup.

5. Mineral Build-Up

Like soap, hard water can cause mineral deposits to accumulate in pipes, restricting water flow. To address this, use a commercial descaler or a mixture of vinegar and water to dissolve the minerals. Installing a water softener can prevent future mineral buildup in pipes.

6. Foreign Objects

Objects like toys, jewelry, and small items can accidentally fall into drains, causing blockages. Use a plumbing snake or magnetic retrieval tool to remove foreign objects from drains. Keep small items away from drains and secure drain covers to prevent objects from falling in.

7. Tree Roots

Tree roots seeking moisture and nutrients can infiltrate underground sewer lines, causing significant blockages. Professional assistance is often necessary to first identify the cause using through a video camera inspection followed by removal of the tree roots from sewer lines using specialized drain cleaning equipment. Regular maintenance, such as root barriers or chemical treatments, can help prevent root intrusion into sewer lines.

When to Call a Plumber

While some minor drain clogs can be resolved with DIY methods, there are instances where calling a plumber is the best course of action to ensure efficient and long-lasting solutions. Here are some scenarios when it’s time to enlist the expertise of a professional plumber:

• Persistent Clogs: If you’ve attempted to clear a drain multiple times with no success, it’s a sign that the clog may be deeper within the plumbing system. 
• Multiple Clogged Fixtures: When several fixtures in your home are experiencing simultaneous drainage issues, such as multiple sinks or toilets backing up, it could indicate a more extensive problem within your plumbing system. Call an emergency plumber to mitigate the problems causing more problems.
• Foul Odors or Gurgling Noises: Unpleasant odours emanating from drains or gurgling noises when water is draining are indicators of potential sewer line issues and should be addressed ASAP.
• Previous DIY Attempts Failed: If you’ve tried DIY methods such as plunging or using chemical drain cleaners without success, it’s time to seek professional assistance. Continued use of harsh chemicals can damage pipes and exacerbate the problem. A plumber can employ safe and effective techniques to clear the clog without causing further harm to your plumbing system.

Trust the Experts at My Plumber Kelowna to Fix All of Your Clogged Drains

Ready to bid farewell to stubborn clogs and drainage woes? My Plumber Kelowna delivers expert solutions tailored to your plumbing needs. Don’t let clogged drains disrupt your daily life any longer—contact My Plumber Kelowna and tackle all of your plumbing issues with confidence!