Clogged pipes are an incredibly common plumbing issue that can wreak havoc on the functionality of your home. Not only can they cause leaks, but they can also lower your water’s pressure and reduce the effectiveness of sinks or showers. For this reason, it’s crucial that you know what exactly could be contributing to the clogs in your home. These are some of the top causes of clogged drains and how to avoid them.
Shed Hair
Regardless of how much head or body hair a person has, those follicles will eventually shed themselves to make room for others. When this happens, hair falls out and collects in our shower or sink drains. Since hair doesn’t decompose on its own, these strands can tangle together into a large ball that blocks your pipes and prevents water from running through. Fortunately, you can easily mitigate this by using hair catchers and regularly cleaning your bathing areas.
Soap Scum
Soap scum, in combination with hair, can also be an issue. This is because a lot of bath and hygiene products are made with a base of grease or animal fat. Since neither of these things dissolves well in water, they often wash down the drain and collect in your pipes. With enough buildup, this creates a clog that’s impossible for water to penetrate.
Food Waste
Another of the top causes of clogged drains is the food waste from past meals. While these materials, unlike those previously mentioned, can break down and get pushed through the pipes with the water, they’re also likely to get stuck. This is especially common when the food pieces are large in size and quality. The bigger they are, the higher your chances are of them getting stuck and creating water-flow problems. So, make sure you’re dumping out your scraps before putting your dishes in the sink.
Mineral Buildup
If your area’s water tends to have a large mineral supply, this could contribute to clogs as well. Though you might not be able to see it on the surface, water containing iron, magnesium, and calcium can leave a thin residue along the inside of your pipes. This is known as hard water and it also makes it more difficult to dissolve things like soap. For this reason, it’s recommended that you install a water softener to remove some of these minerals and reduce the potential buildup of residue.
Tree Roots
Even the tree roots from your yard can present a problem as they grow into your external home system. When they run out of places to go, it’s common for them to push through your piping—breaking them open in the process. This can be the cause of several plumbing issues such as leaks as well as clogs.
Drain clogs might seem minor, but they have the potential to develop into a major problem for your home plumbing system. So, if you’re noticing that your own pipes are frequently forming these blockages, reach out to Fletcher’s Plumbing. Our drain maintenance services include a group of highly skilled professionals that will work to determine the source of the issue and remove it. We’ll also help educate you on the best ways to stop them from occurring.