Plumbing has certainly come a long way since it was first invented. It was around 3,000 B.C when the first plumbing system was created. While modern plumbing is as convenient as possible, there are still times when problems occur within a home. Many people contact plumbers for leaking faucets and pipes. This makes sense considering that a faucet leaking one drop per second adds up to 3,000 gallons of wasted water each year. However, another important plumbing situation involves an opposite problem. One of most common plumbing problems has to do with clogged drains. With that in mind, here are the six most common reasons for drains to clog.
- Excess Toilet Paper
Everyone uses toilet paper for a wide variety of reasons. Unfortunately, trying to flush down too much toilet paper at once is a common cause of clogged drains. In some cases, homes cannot push water through fast enough to move toilet paper out of the pipes. If you want to avoid this situation from happening in the future, flush small amounts of toilet paper more frequently. - Soap
You might think it’s odd to see soap as something that could clog your drains. After all, soap is often an essential part of staying clean for many people. That being said, it’s important to note that many soaps contain fat as an ingredient. As soap continues to be used, these fats have nowhere to go but down your drain. In certain situations, these fats form soap scum that often resides on the sides of a drain. - Hair
One of the most common causes of clogged drains is hair. In addition to being a major source of clogs, hair can attach itself to drain buildup. This means that hair can often attribute to small clogs becoming much worse. For many, it’s nearly impossible to stop hair from going into the drains. Considering that, you might want to consider placing a drain guard to ensure that falling hair is caught right away. - Accidentally Flushed Objects
Many people have frantically looked for emergency plumbing services after flushed down objects cause drain clogs. Whether a child flushing a toy or an adult losing car keys, many objects can cause clogged drains. That being said, it’s best to leave drain cleaning to a professional instead of trying to fish out any item on your own. In certain situations, you might actually end up pushing the object further back which can make the clog worse. - Food
There tends to be a major misconception about food going down sinks. While a garbage disposal is made for disposing of food, using this appliance can still leave food residue in your sink. In addition, certain food types simply can not break down. Therefore, this could begin to create a clogged drain. It’s wise to have a drain cleaning in order to ensure that all food waste is removed from your drains. This helps to avoid the potential threat for a drain fly infestation. These pests often form nests in clogged drains where they can feast on food waste. - Buildup From Hard Water
Certain homes throughout the United States have what is known as hard water. Hard water is known for containing an increased amount of minerals and deposits. As hard water travels throughout the pipes in your home, it leaves small traces of these deposits and minerals. Over time, these deposits can become a cause for clogged drains throughout your home.
In closing, there are many causes of clogged drains. If you’re dealing with this problem, it’s important to contact drain cleaning professionals. Statistics show that the United States plumbing industry employs nearly 473,020 workers. Considering that, you’ll want to take time to research a reputable drain cleaning service in your area. In turn, you’ll be able to have a local plumber use their tools and knowledge to find and repair clogged drains in your home.
