Dealing with clogged drains can be frustrating. Whether it’s a slow drain in your shower or a full backup in your kitchen sink, clogs are something most homeowners will face. Kay Plumbing, a trusted name in Oak Grove, SC, is here to help you understand the common causes of drain clogs and what you can do to prevent them.
In this blog, we’ll cover the top five reasons for drain clogs in Oak Grove homes. Knowing these causes can help you avoid costly plumbing problems and keep your drains flowing smoothly.
Hair Buildup
Hair is a top culprit when it comes to clogged drains, especially in bathrooms. Over time, strands of hair can accumulate in your drainpipes, creating a tangled mass that blocks water flow.
This usually happens in shower and sink drains, where hair combines with soap scum to form a sticky mess. While it’s hard to entirely prevent hair from going down the drain, you can reduce the risk by using drain covers. These inexpensive covers catch hair before it enters your pipes, making cleanup much easier.
Prevention Tip: Install a drain cover to catch hair and clean it out regularly.
If a clog persists despite using drain covers, Kay Plumbing’s drain cleaning services may be needed to clear out the buildup.
Soap Scum and Grease
Soap scum may not seem like a problem at first, but it can build up over time and restrict water flow. When soap mixes with hard water, it forms a thick residue that clings to the walls of your pipes. This is especially common in areas like Oak Grove, where hard water is more prevalent.
Grease, on the other hand, is a well-known cause of kitchen drain clogs. Many homeowners make the mistake of pouring cooking grease or oil down the drain, not realizing that it solidifies as it cools. This creates a sticky buildup that can trap other debris, leading to a stubborn clog.
Prevention Tip: Avoid pouring grease down the drain and switch to liquid soap, which doesn’t leave as much residue. Regularly flush your drains with hot water to reduce soap scum buildup.
Food Scraps
Kitchen sinks are another hotspot for clogs, often caused by food scraps. Even if you have a garbage disposal, certain foods can cause problems. Starchy foods like pasta, rice, and potatoes swell when exposed to water, creating a thick paste that can clog pipes. Fibrous vegetables like celery and asparagus can also get tangled in your disposal blades, leading to a blockage.
Many people also forget that coffee grounds can clump together in pipes, contributing to clogging issues.
Prevention Tip: Always dispose of food scraps in the trash or compost bin, and use your garbage disposal sparingly.
If your garbage disposal needs repair or is consistently leading to clogs, kitchen plumbing services might help resolve these issues.
Foreign Objects
Small items like jewelry, toys, or even toothbrushes can accidentally fall into drains. These foreign objects may not seem like a big deal, but they can block pipes entirely, especially in homes with older plumbing systems.
If you have young children, be particularly mindful of what might end up down the drain. Small toys or other objects can accidentally slip into the sink or toilet.
Prevention Tip: Use sink stoppers or strainers to catch small items, and teach children what should and shouldn’t go down the drain.
If a foreign object causes a blockage, a repair from a professional can prevent further damage.
Tree Roots
Tree roots are a less obvious but significant cause of clogged drains, especially in Oak Grove’s older neighborhoods. As trees grow, their roots naturally seek out water sources. If there are cracks or weak spots in your sewer line, roots can invade your pipes, causing blockages that disrupt your plumbing system.
Tree root clogs are usually more serious than other types of clogs and often require professional intervention to fix them.
Prevention Tip: Regularly inspect and maintain your sewer lines. If you suspect tree roots may be a problem, contact a professional plumber for an inspection.
For more severe clogs caused by tree roots, sewer line repair services may be necessary to prevent further damage.
How to Prevent Clogs in Your Home
Preventing clogs before they happen is key to avoiding costly repairs and backups. Here are a few simple tips to keep your drains flowing freely:
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual drain cleaning services to remove buildup before it becomes a problem.
- Be Mindful of What You Flush: Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Feminine hygiene products, wipes (even those labeled “flushable”), and other materials should go in the trash.
- Use Strainers: Drain strainers are an inexpensive way to catch hair and food particles before they clog your pipes.
- Hot Water Flush: Pour hot water down your drains weekly to help clear out grease, soap scum, and other buildups.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, clogs still happen. When a plunger or store-bought cleaner won’t cut it, it’s time to call a professional. Kay Plumbing offers expert drain cleaning services in Oak Grove and can help with even the most stubborn clogs.
If you’ve noticed slow drains, gurgling sounds, or backups, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Don’t let a simple clog turn into a major plumbing issue. Contact Kay Plumbing today to schedule a professional drain cleaning. We’ll help get your pipes flowing smoothly again, so you can get back to enjoying your home without the headache of clogs.