Drain Clogs: An Inconvenience We All Deal With.
If you live anywhere with running water and a proper drainage system then you have likely been a victim of a clogged drain. It sound simple – something is stopping water from going into or coming out of pipes – but it is an inconvenience and it is also avoidable. Here are the most common causes for clogged drains and how you can stop them before they happen.
Hair and other stringy stuff
Most people think that because hair is so small and light that a nice rush of water will send it down the pipes. More often than not a few single strands of hair (or dental floss) will get stuck one way or another and stay behind. Over time these few strands get stuck together and form a nice, hairy mass which can resemble a small rodent.
Prevention Tip: Install some sort of drain or sink guard in bathroom sinks and tubs. They only cost a few bucks and are very simple to clean.
Fats, grease, and oils
This is a pretty common mistake as most folks will see something like bacon grease as a liquid and will pour it down the drain. Greases and fats will congeal back together and, over time, form a blockage in the drain.
Prevention Tip: Let it cool off and throw it in the trash. If you mistakenly pour some down the drain or disposal then follow it up with hot water to keep it from congealing.
Flushing hygiene and health items
Below is a list of hygiene and health items that you should avoid flushing down the toilet:
- Feminine hygiene products
- Paper towels
- Condoms
- Nail polish
- Nail polish remover
- Medication
Prevention Tip: You should never flush any of these items. Your first line of defense should be a plunger. Drain cleaner can help with paper products. If possible, try an organic drain cleaner before chemical-based cleaners.
If you are battling a drain clog then a professional plumber should be consulted. Contact us today to schedule service with a licensed plumber – 24/7 emergency service is available.