Of all the potential plumbing problems you can face, clogged drains are the most frequent. Dealing with a stubborn clog is obviously frustrating since it prevents you from using your shower or flushing the toilet, among other things. That’s why it’s important to understand the common causes of clogs and the methods to clear them.
Kitchen Drain Clogs
A clogged kitchen sink almost always results from washing things down the drain that you shouldn’t. For instance, you can eventually end up with a clog if you continually wash food scraps down the drain. While some of the scraps may get thoroughly washed away, others can remain in the P-trap bend and start to clog it up. Pouring coffee grounds down your kitchen sink is another easy way to create a blockage.
The worst thing you can do is dump fat, oil, or grease down the drain. These substances float on top of the water and often cling to the insides of the drain. This results in a sticky coating forming within the pipe, which starts to collect other solid items and creates a significant blockage. Even worse, fat, oil, and grease can quickly clog your sewer line, resulting in a serious sewage backup within your house.
If your kitchen sink is clogged, the first thing you should do is see if you can clear it with a sink plunger. You can also use a drain snake, but be careful not to damage the drain pipe. If you’re dealing with a major clog, the best option is to contact a plumbing company that offers drain cleaning services. Don’t use any chemical drain cleaner, as these products are so harsh that they can cause significant damage to your drain and plumbing systems.
Bathroom Drain Clogs
Clogs in a bathroom sink or shower usually occur due to a buildup of hair, oil, and soap scum within the drain. Regularly removing hair from your shower or using a shower strainer to catch hair dramatically reduces the chances of the drain clogging. Similarly, using a cup or bowl to rinse off your razor when shaving, instead of rinsing all hair into the bathroom sink, is always recommended. If you trim your facial hair, you should also plug the sink. Otherwise, ensure you catch all hair and keep it from going down the drain.
Toilet Clogs
Toilet clogs generally occur because people use too much toilet paper or flush items other than toilet paper. Wet wipes, cotton pads, feminine hygiene products, and condoms are among the most common causes of clogged toilets and sewer line blockages.
Except in cases of a major clog, you can usually unblock your toilet by plunging it a few times. However, sometimes, the trap within the toilet’s base becomes so obstructed that plunging isn’t effective. In this situation, you may need a plumber to clear the trap using a pipe snake.
There are even instances where the obstruction is so severe that a snake can’t clear it, and the toilet will need to be replaced. While this is relatively rare, it can occur due to a significant buildup of mineral deposits inside an older toilet. Make sure to have a trash can with a lid next to each toilet so your family and guests can easily dispose of anything they need to.
Laundry Drain Clog
A clogged laundry drain is usually quite a serious problem, as it backs up when your washing machine runs and floods the surrounding area. This type of clog typically results from a combination of factors, such as lint, pet hair, and soap scum building up within the drain pipe over time until they create a partial blockage. You can often clear the clog by pouring vinegar and baking soda down the drain and flushing it with a few gallons of hot water.
Another option is to run a snake down the drain pipe. In either case, it’s a good idea to unplug your washing machine, shut off the water, and disconnect the hoses. That way, you can move the washing machine out of the way and easily access the drain. Every few months, run an empty load of laundry on hot with a cup of white vinegar. This helps to clear soap buildup.
When you have plumbing issues in your Lexington, KY, home, Pipe Surgeon Plumbing has the remedies you need. We offer expert plumbing, drain, and sewer services. Contact us today for expert drain cleaning services!
