Did you know that plumbing repairs are the most common type of home repairs according to surveyed consumers? It’s true, and blocked drains are a very frequent plumbing issue that can be caused by many factors.
Do you have a blocked drain? If so, do you know what caused it and how to fix it?
There’s no need to worry if you don’t have answers to those questions! This brief guide will explain drain blockage causes and how to unblock a drain.
What Causes a Blocked Drain?
Clogs in the kitchen frequently occur due to food and substances that don’t break down easily. This can include stringy vegetables, eggshells, coffee grounds, pasta, and any kind of bones.
Grease and oil will also cause clogs by building up in your pipes over time. This can also attract pests, like drain flies.
Clogs in bathrooms are most commonly caused by hair. This is because hair binds to grease and other sticky substances.
Other causes of blockages in the bathroom include toilet paper buildup, dirt, soap, and other mineral buildups.
Blockages caused by tree roots are far less common, but it’s still something to look for if your pipes aren’t draining.
Preventing Blocked Drains
Use sink strainers in the kitchen. This will stop food waste from accumulating in your pipes. Drain covers also work well in showers to keep hair from clogging drains.
Never pour oil or grease down your drains. Even if you have garbage disposal systems, oil and grease will still build up in your pipes. It will trap additional food debris and even soap debris, causing a bigger clog.
Never flush anything other than human waste or toilet paper down your toilet. If you are following those rules and you’re still getting clogs, consider using less toilet paper or switching to a different brand.
Fixing Blocked Drains
Pouring boiling water down drains or using products like Drano can sometimes be a quick way to unblock drains. Baking soda and vinegar can also help to unclog minor blockages.
For more serious clogs, you can try using a drain snake or cleaning the P-trap of your sink. A plunger is also a handy tool to remove debris and blockages.
If these tricks don’t work, it might be time to hire a professional plumber to make repairs. They will have more advanced tools, knowledge, and access to stronger chemicals that require a plumber’s license.
Excavation may be required for blockages that have caused significant damage to your pipes. Pipe realignment is another technique used in serious situations that can prevent the full replacement of your pipes.
If you’re unsure about terms like ‘drain snake’ or ‘pipe relining,’ our Plumbing Glossary provides detailed explanations of these and other plumbing tools. Explore the Glossary.
Keep Your Drains Unblocked
Now you know the causes of a blocked drain, how to prevent clogs, and how to fix blockages.
Blockages happen, but it is important to minimize them when you can. Whether you do the repairs yourself or hire a professional, keeping your drains clean and clear is necessary and easy.
Check out our blog for more informative and useful home improvement tips!
