Apr 13,2023

5 Most Common Causes of Blocked Drains

Clogged drain repair services are the most common reason homeowners need a professional plumber. Whether stagnant water in the shower or backup in the kitchen sink, clogged drains can significantly disrupt. A slow drain may not seem a major concern, but clogs can create a pathway for corrosion, flooding, and sewage backups.

At Rooter Man, we understand the magnitude of damage a clogged drain can cause and recommend routine drain cleaning to mitigate such scenarios. As a property owner, knowing what goes down your drain helps prevent severe damage and costly repairs. Here are common causes of drain blockage and solutions.

RooterMan All Services

Fats, Grease, and Oils

While it is common to pour grease and cooking fat down the kitchen drain, these substances build up and solidify in your pipes with time, coating the pipe lining and collecting debris. This may not seem serious, but frequent plunger use can show a more serious clog. The most effective solution to this problem is disposing of fats, grease, and oils in the trash. You don’t have to worry about buildups and unnecessary clogged drain repair expenses.

Food Scraps

When cleaning the dishes, it is tempting to dump large food particles down the drain or the garbage disposal. However, some foods such as eggshells, coffee grounds, rice, pasta, vegetables, and fibrous fruits shouldn’t end up in the drainage or disposal unit. If you have damped food particles down the drainage, scheduling drain cleaning and maintenance with a reputable plumber may be time. The last thing you want is a pipe burst emergency because of food waste buildup in the pipes.

Soap

Soap comprises animal fat derivatives—the components in a commercially manufactured bar soap mix with minerals in the water and form scum. Soap scum forms hard-to-remove stains on surfaces and can cause blockages in difficult situations. The most effective way to mitigate blockage caused by scum buildup is to switch to liquid soap and hire a professional drain cleaning service for regular maintenance.

Hair

Human hair or pet fur can bind with sticky substances like grease to form clogs in your plumbing system. If you plan to wash your furry friend regularly or have many household members, install drain covers in the tub and shower to prevent hair and fur from going down the drain. We recommend bathing your dog outside so the fur doesn’t build up in the drain lines.

Mineral Buildup

Hard water contains minerals that build up along the pipe walls. If your home gets hard water, there’s a high chance of magnesium and calcium accumulating in your lines. We leverage industry-standard hydro-jetting equipment to clear the mineral blockage and other pipe debris without risking further damage. Many people use drain cleaning chemicals as a quick solution to slow or completely clogged drains. However, some products contain corrosive chemicals, which cause more damage in the long run.

Although the list of common causes of blocked drains is not limited to the ones listed, we consult a plumber at first sight of trouble. Contact us at Rooter Man to learn more about clogs and effective solutions. We offer many plumbing services, including drain cleaning and maintenance, without breaking the bank.