Common Causes Of A Clogged Drain.
Nearly every homeowner has experienced some blockage with the drains in their home. This page attempts to address the common causes of a clogged drain. If this problem is not addressed correctly, fixing blocked drains can be an expensive and time-consuming issue. The following is a detailed list of the most common culprits of stopped-up drains to help you in recognizing what to look out for and employ the necessary preventative measures to ensure your property remains in the best working condition. If you've got a clogged sink, shower, tub, or pipe, give the plumber in Springfield MO that you can trust, a call today.
Cause: Tree Roots and Leaves.
At times, trees and leaves may become factors responsible for blocked drains. In the process of getting moisture to keep trees alive, roots can head towards your drains, oftentimes cracking pipes and creating a blockage. Furthermore, during Autumn, you will notice an increase of leaves falling off the trees near your home. Eventually, these leaves can form a mass big enough to block your drains. To keep the problem of clogged drains at bay, adequate attention should be given to ensure trees and leaves are kept in check. Consider keeping your garden free from stray leaves and debris by raking on a regular basis, and keeping sure to always keep yard drainage grates clear and free from sticks, leaves, and loose dirt build-up.
Cause: Grease and Fat.
This is among the most common agents of clogged drains, yet it is also one of the simplest to prevent. Any fatty substances you wash down the sinks get attached to the inside of the pipes, eventually accumulating a lot to the extent that hinder liquid from flowing. You can easily avoid this by keeping a watchful eye over the liquids which you decide to put down the sink. A good idea is to always avoid pouring cooking oils or greases from cooked meat down the drain. Strain out the leftover food particles and throw them in the trash. With the grease or oil, either keep a glass jar by the stove with which to pour the hot oil in to, or take the pan of oil outside to a predetermined location where you can bend down close to the ground and safely pour it on to a spot on the ground.
Cause: Hair.
Accumulation of hair can also pose a huge problem to your drainage system. If left unattended to, this can worsen, inhibiting liquid from passing through it entirely. While you can fix this problem using devices that trap the hair before it enters the drains, you need to pay close attention to this simple, yet avoidable issue. If you have someone in your home with long hair or a person who loses hair frequently, investing in a trap is a good idea. Most hardware stores also carry small inexpensive tools that are meant to be stuck down the drain and then catch the hair clots as you pull the tool back out.
Cause: Foreign Objects.
You may experience clogged drainage when foreign objects like soaps, fats, toys or food accumulate along the drainpipe and the pipes that flow underneath your flooring. At first, the objects may not completely block the drain; however, over time these objects may continue to collect preventing water from flowing smoothly, eventually causing a blockage to your drains. To avoid small children placing toys and small object down the drain, placing drain covers over them will usually do the trick. For a ring or other small object that falls down the sink drain, we have spoken to many a home owner who has used a shop vac with panty hose over the end of the vaccuum tube to remove these small objects.
Cause: Toiletries.
You may also experience blocked drains caused by baby diapers and toilet paper. When flushed down the drain in great amounts, the pieces of paper can easily build up and get attached to anything inside the drainpipe resulting in a barrier.
Baby items, for instance, infant wipes and Huggies do not disband in the water like toilet papers do. Thus you should avoid putting them down the toilet. Baby wipes typically have higher chances of snagging on obstacles inside the drain pipes causing a blockage. Since Pampers are known to retain water and increase in size when completely submerged in water, they most likely will end up becoming to big to fit down your drain pipes.
A common problem is also the flushing of female sanitary objects such as tampons and sanitary pads. These do not belong down the toilet and will most certainly cause a blockage at one point or another as their intention is to expand with the presence of fluid. Another common mistake that adults make are using sanitary wipes that once were only for babies, but now have become more common. They clean good, but they are not intended to break apart in the plumbing system or septic system the way that toilet paper does. The same goes for bleach cloths that can be bought in a store and are commonly used to clean the toilet and bathroom areas.
Do not hesitate to contact plumbing experts whenever your home is experiencing blocked drains. With their specialized equipment and extensive experience, they can tackle any drain blockage problem you may have, no matter the extent of blockage.
Baby items, for instance, infant wipes and Huggies do not disband in the water like toilet papers do. Thus you should avoid putting them down the toilet. Baby wipes typically have higher chances of snagging on obstacles inside the drain pipes causing a blockage. Since Pampers are known to retain water and increase in size when completely submerged in water, they most likely will end up becoming to big to fit down your drain pipes.
A common problem is also the flushing of female sanitary objects such as tampons and sanitary pads. These do not belong down the toilet and will most certainly cause a blockage at one point or another as their intention is to expand with the presence of fluid. Another common mistake that adults make are using sanitary wipes that once were only for babies, but now have become more common. They clean good, but they are not intended to break apart in the plumbing system or septic system the way that toilet paper does. The same goes for bleach cloths that can be bought in a store and are commonly used to clean the toilet and bathroom areas.
Do not hesitate to contact plumbing experts whenever your home is experiencing blocked drains. With their specialized equipment and extensive experience, they can tackle any drain blockage problem you may have, no matter the extent of blockage.