Homes with more than 3 or 4 inhabitants have the highest tendency for this problem. Backup of water from a drain is the signal of a pipe with excessive blockage. There are many things which can cause blockages in pipes and it depends where in the home the pipes are as well as the function of the drain. When the problem is more obscure and tough to solve, professional drain cleaning is necessary from a local reputable plumber. However, the proactive homeowner can take a few DIY steps to prolong the longevity and clarity of his/her pipes.
The most common reasons drains clog:
- Food getting stuck in the drain is likely the most common reason why kitchen sinks will become clogged. Some assume that if they throw large chunks down a drain and use the garbage disposal button, they will not have any problems or issues with clogs. This is not always the case, although the garbage disposer is very useful for making large particles into smaller particles, those smaller particles still pose a threat of blockage. Do not use the garbage disposal as a means to dump inappropriate items down the kitchen drain. Only use it for clearing up food-stuff from dishes.
- Solid food items might not even be the only thing to beware of when worried about kitchen drain clogs. Fat and grease may go down the drain in liquid form, but they can end up solidifying over time. This, in turn, clogs up the drain. Sometimes this can be alleviated by running hot, but NOT boiling, water down the drains for a long period of time. The heat might break up some of the fatty substance and free up some blockage.
Hair is one of the most common things that clog bathroom sink drains and shower drains. To a certain degree, it might even be extremely difficult to prevent hairs from naturally finding their way into the drains. So, you do have to be on the alert for potential signs of clogs such as water not draining out of a tub or shower quickly. When this happens, your best bet is to use a few commercial drain cleaners to see if they can loosen up the block enough for the material to slip through. If not, a professional snaking is likely in order.
As far as outdoor drains go, tree leaves and roots can cause problems. Be sure to rake up leaves in order cut down on some of these hazards but roots will be nearly impossible to avoid.
A clogged drain is one of the most inconvenient plumbing problems for people to face. Try as you might to prevent them, they always seem to sneak up on you and strike. When the drains are excessively clogged so that no amount of DIY effort will clear the blockage, it’s time to use a professional. The people of Oklahoma City, OK can depend on the reliable and professional expertise of Hull Plumbing. Call us today at (405) 246-9763.
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