A clogged drain every once in a while, isn’t anything to fret over. However, if you’re having recurring clogs that disrupt your daily routines and cause unpleasant odors, that can be a different story. Wondering what causes frequent drain clogs in your home?
We’re going to discuss the top causes of clogged drains and explain when you should call a licensed local plumber for help.
Why Do Drains Keep Clogging?
Your home plumbing system sees frequent use. This normal daily use can lead to gradual buildup of debris in different drains or plumbing pipes. If you’re noticing frequent or recurring clogs in your drains, it’s important to consider what type of drains are being impacted.
Different drains, such as kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and your main sewer line experience different types of clogs. Identifying the root cause of a clog helps prevent repeated plumbing problems.
Routine maintenance and inspections by a local plumber can reduce the likelihood of recurring blockages at home. A plumbing professional can assess your drains with a camera inspection to pinpoint blockages and their causes.
Common Causes of Drain Clogs
There are plenty of different things that can cause drains to clog. Here are the most common culprits when it comes to residential drain clogs.
Hair Buildup
Hair buildup, especially in showers and tubs, is frequently the cause for bathroom drain clogs. When hair naturally falls out while bathing, it ends up in the drain if you don’t have an effective strainer. Use a metal strainer designed for showers and tubs to catch loose hair and prevent recurring hairball clogs.
Oils & Grease
Cooking oils and grease are one of the most common causes of drain clogs in kitchens. When grease is hot, it’s liquid, so many people think to dump it down the kitchen sink. However, when the grease cools, it solidifies and can create stubborn clogs in the pipe. Never pour grease or oil down your kitchen sink, even if you have a garbage disposal. Wait for it to cool and then throw it in the trash can.
Soap Scum & Mineral Buildup
Soap scum and mineral buildup are also frequent causes for drain clogs. Especially in areas with hard water, mineral scale can quickly form inside of pipes and narrow their diameter, contributing to clogs. You can install a water softener to help soften hard water and prevent mineral buildup in drains.
Food Debris
Food debris, especially in drains without a garbage disposal, can collect and form blockages and cause foul odors. When food gets stuck in your pipe, it begins to decompose and release foul smells up the drain. Use a strainer or your garbage disposal properly to ensure food debris doesn’t cause clogs.
Foreign Objects
Sometimes, foreign objects, like jewelry or small toys, get dropped down the drain. When this happens, a clog may form around the object. Additionally, feminine hygiene products or wipes should never be flushed down a toilet, even if they’re marketed as “flushable.” Only toilet paper is made to be flushed down a toilet.
Tree Root Intrusion
Deeper in your plumbing system, tree root intrusion may impact pipes and cause severe blockages. Sometimes, tree roots grow into small cracks in your pipes looking for moisture. They continue to grow and can prevent wastewater from flowing properly. A camera inspection can reveal whether your line has been impacted by tree root intrusion. Hydro jetting is the best solution for this issue and scours the pipe from all sides.
Failing or Broken Pipes
Often, clogged drains are actually caused by failing or broken pipes that allow debris to settle in a low spot. Pipes can collapse, crack, or shift over time from ground movement, aging, temperature changes, or corrosion. When older homes’ pipes develop “bellies,” water and waste can longer flow smoothly to the sewer. Debris can accumulate and from clogs in these low spots.
Sewer Line Issues
Similarly, sewer line issues can mimic a simple blockage. However, snaking or plunging may only provide temporary relief since the underlying pipe damage isn’t addressed. If you get recurring clogs in the same location, notice gurgling sounds, or have slow drainage throughout the entire house, call a professional plumber to assess your sewer lines.
How Can I Prevent Drain Clogs?
There are a number of different things you can do as a homeowner to help prevent clogs from forming in your drains. Follow these tips and best practices to keep your drains free and clear of blockages.
- Use drain strainers in sinks and showers: Drain strainers are highly effective at catching food scraps, hair, and other debris before it goes down the drain.
- Avoid disposing of grease down the drain: Never dispose of grease or oils down the drain. Even with a garbage disposal, these materials harden and cause stubborn clogs.
- Flush drains with hot water periodically: Some drains, such as the kitchen sink, should be flushed with hot water periodically to melt and clear any debris collected in the pipe.
- Dispose of food waste properly: Most food scraps shouldn’t go down the kitchen sink, even with a garbage disposal. Clear your plates over the trash can before washing them in the sink.
- Schedule routine professional drain cleaning: Professional drain cleaning clears buildup and stubborn clogs without heavy chemicals. A plumber may use a sewer line camera, drain snake, or hydro jetting to service your drains.
- Inspect older plumbing systems: Older plumbing systems made of galvanized steel or cast iron may have hidden issues from their age, such as corrosion, cracks, or partial collapse.
- Address slow drains before they become complete blockages: If you notice your drains are slower than usual, address the issue promptly to avoid blockages and backups.
When Should I Call a Plumber?
Unsure of how to know when it’s time to call a professional? You should reach out to a licensed plumber if you have:
- Recurring clogs despite DIY efforts
- Multiple clogged fixtures
- Sewage odors or backups
- Water pooling around floor drains
- Suspected sewer line issues
- Persistent slow drainage
If you need professional drain cleaning in Tacoma, WA or the surrounding areas, contact Mercurio’s today! Our team of licensed professionals is ready to jump into action to clear clogs and keep your plumbing system moving.
Call us at (360) 499-2980 or book an appointment online!
