A clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing problems you’ll encounter, often starting as a minor issue. Whether it resulted from food bits or fallen hair in the shower, some people even think that it’s a rite of passage as a homeowner. However, when it results in blocked pipes, it often transforms into a major issue that requires plumbing repair right away.
Fortunately, you can prevent clogged drains by routinely maintaining your pipes. It also helps to understand the common causes of clogged drains, as you’ll identify whether these are contributing factors to a recurring problem. Here are five causes of blocked drains to watch out for in your household:
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Hair or Animal Fur
The most significant culprit in clogged drains is hair or animal fur. When taking a shower or bathing your pets, animal fur and hair often falls and builds up in your drain. It can even slow your bathroom sink, mainly if you spend extended time on it. Unfortunately, when hair mixes with other sticky substances like grease, it forms a clog that can wreak havoc on your bathroom.
To prevent this, install drain guards in your sinks, which will catch all the animal fur and hair that falls. Be sure to clean these regularly to avoid creating a clog of your own. However, be sure not to use commercial drain cleaners, as they can damage your plumbing system. Instead, call the best plumbers in Charlotte, who know the right way to clean and maintain your pipes and drains.
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Mineral Buildup
Although water is clear and mostly tasteless, it still contains many different minerals. Hard water, in particular, is notorious for creating a buildup of insoluble minerals, resulting in a clog. You can use a water softener to reduce these instances, but when it happens, be sure to call a professional plumbing service. They can remove the mineral buildup in your pipes, allowing water to flow faster and reducing blockage.
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Dirt
Many people often make the mistake of thinking they can wash away everything in a sink. However, excess dirt can accumulate in your drainage and clog it, combining with other substances like hair and grease, blocking your pipes. Although you’ll need a professional plumbing service to remove these from your lines, it will also help remove excess mud or dirt from your clothes before washing them down the drain.
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Soap
Soap may be the last thing you’ll expect on this list, but soaps have substances like fats and minerals that do not dissolve, causing them to accumulate and block your pipes. Known as soap scum or soap residue, they often block your bathroom and laundry drains. When they combine with the other causes in this list, they create formidable clogging problems.
Apart from using soap-free washes, you can also use pressure washing to remove all soap buildup traces. However, you’ll need to entrust this to professionals, as pressure washing involves skill and knowledge to use.
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Toilet Paper
It’s always important to wash and wipe after using the toilet paper. If you use it in moderate amounts, you shouldn’t experience any issues. However, if you’re overzealous about your toilet paper consumption, you’ll likely end up with a toilet that can no longer flush due to the backed-up pipes.
When this happens, use a plunger or a toilet auger to free up the pipes and throw the toilet paper away correctly. However, if this doesn’t work, it’s best to contact an emergency plumbing service in Charlotte, NC.
Conclusion
Taking care of your drains means being aware of what you wash down the sink and toilet, especially when it’s one of these major causes of clogged drains. Now that you know the typical culprits behind plumbing issues, you can save yourself and your household the headache that comes with dealing with blocked pipes!
Plumber Charlotte NC provides educational information about all things plumbing. Whether you need access to the best plumbers in the area or you want to learn how to maintain your water heaters, we’ve got you covered. Learn more plumbing tips and tricks by checking out our blog today!
