Common Causes of Clogged Drains & How to Avoid Them

Clogged drains are a common headache for homeowners everywhere, and Georgians are no exception. Picture this: you’re going about your daily routine when suddenly, water starts pooling in your sink or shower. Panic sets in as you realize you have a clogged drain on your hands. It’s a scenario most of us have faced, and it can be incredibly stressful. Not only do clogged drains disrupt your daily activities, but they can also lead to more severe plumbing issues if not addressed promptly.

But worry not! North Peachtree Plumbing is here to provide expert guidance and support. Located in Suwanee, Georgia, we specialize in superior plumbing services that cater to all your needs. Our experienced professionals are dedicated to helping you maintain a smooth and efficient plumbing system, ensuring you never have to deal with the nightmare of clogged drains again.

Common Causes of Clogged Drains

Several factors can lead to clogged drains, and understanding these causes is the first step toward preventing them. Here are some common culprits:

Hair

Hair is one of the most frequent causes of clogged drains, especially in bathrooms. When you shower or wash your hair, loose strands can easily get washed down the drain. Over time, these hair strands accumulate, and clumps obstruct water flow.

Grease and Oil

Kitchen drains are particularly susceptible to clogs caused by grease and oil. When you pour cooking grease or oil down the drain, it may be liquid but solidifies as it cools. This solidified grease can stick to the walls of your pipes, gradually narrowing the passage for water.

Food Particles

Even if you have a garbage disposal, food particles can still cause clogs. Items like coffee grounds, rice, and pasta can expand when they come into contact with water, creating blockages in your kitchen sink drain.

Soap Scum

Soap scum forms when soap combines with minerals in your water supply. Over time, this residue can build up on the walls of your pipes, reducing the diameter and slowing down the drainage process.

Foreign Objects

Sometimes, objects that shouldn’t go down the drain find their way there anyway. Items like cotton balls, dental floss, and sanitary products can create significant blockages if they get stuck in pipes.

Mineral Buildup

Mineral buildup can become a significant cause of clogged drains in areas with hard water. Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can precipitate and form limescale inside pipes. Over time, this scale buildup narrows the pipe’s diameter, significantly reducing water flow and leading to blockages. Installing a water softener system in your home can help mitigate this issue by reducing mineral concentrations in your water supply.

How to Avoid Clogged Drains

The good news is that clogged drains are preventable with some proactive measures. Here are effective ways to keep your drains clear and flowing smoothly:

Use Drain Guards

Drain guards are inexpensive yet highly effective tools for preventing clogs. Place them over your sink and shower drains to catch hair, food particles, and other debris before they enter your plumbing system.

Dispose of Grease Properly

Never pour grease or oil down the drain. Instead, let it cool and solidify in a container, then dispose of it in the trash. Alternatively, you can recycle used cooking oil at designated facilities.

Mind What You Flush

Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. To avoid blockages, dispose of items like cotton balls, dental floss, and sanitary products in the trash.

Regular Cleaning

Regularly clean your drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to break down soap scum and other residues. Follow this with boiling water to flush away the loosened debris.

Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections

Having a professional plumber inspect your plumbing system regularly can help identify potential issues before they turn into significant problems. North Peachtree Plumbing offers comprehensive inspection services to ensure your drains remain clear and functional. These inspections can catch early signs of buildup, damage, or wear and tear in your pipes, allowing for preventative maintenance and avoiding the inconvenience of clogged drains.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Consider scheduling regular maintenance with a professional plumbing service like North Peachtree Plumbing. Our experts can inspect your plumbing system, identify potential issues, and perform necessary cleanings to keep your drains in top condition.

DIY Tips for Unclogging Your Drain

If you find yourself facing the common issue of a clogged drain, you can try several DIY methods before calling in the professionals. Here’s what you can do:

• Use a Plunger: Attempt to dislodge any superficial blockages using a plunger. Make sure you create a good seal around the drain for effective suction.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: For deeper clogs, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. After waiting about 15 minutes, follow up with hot water to help dissolve the buildup.
• Plumber’s Snake or Drain Auger: This tool can be handy for reaching and breaking up obstructions further down the pipeline. However, be cautious to avoid causing further damage to your plumbing system.

If these methods don’t resolve the issue, it may be time to call in the experts like those at North Peachtree Plumbing. We possess the tools, experience, and knowledge to safely and effectively clear your drains and restore your plumbing system to optimal working order.

Turn to North Peachtree Plumbing for Assistance

Dealing with clogged drains can be frustrating, but you don’t have to face it alone. North Peachtree Plumbing is here to help with all your plumbing needs in Suwanee, Georgia. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn clog or need routine maintenance to prevent future issues, our experienced team is ready to assist you.

Don’t let clogged drains disrupt your daily life. Contact North Peachtree Plumbing today for expert guidance and superior plumbing services. We’re committed to keeping your plumbing system running smoothly so you can enjoy peace of mind in your home.