A Quick Guide on Clogged Drains: Causes and Preventive Measures for Drain and Sewer Line Blockages
One of the most common and demanding services calls that plumbers receive are related to clogged drains and sewer cleaning. Be it a residential building or a commercial complex, blocked drains can lead to multiple problems for the property owners as well as the ones residing in neighboring properties. It might appear that pouring in some chemicals can help in dealing with the clogs, but drain related problems can often prove to be more complicated.
It is therefore highly recommended to consult and avail the services of drain and sewer cleaning professionals who with their experience and expertise can assess the complexity of the problem and with the use of appropriate technology and equipment can bring long-lasting solutions. A-1 Sewer & Drain Virginia Beach is one such name in the field that requires special mention. The team of professionals at A-1 has sound knowledge and grasp over sewer and drainage systems and problems related to them.
The factors that lead to blockages of the drain are numerous and often go unnoticed. Some of them instantly clog your drain lines whereas some of them have a slow and gradual impact. The latter ones are crucial as they aren’t generally noticeable, but once they result in a clog, the problem might get complicated. Some of the common factors that lead to clogged drains include:
- Washing foreign objects such as mop strings, utensils, paper towels, straws, toys, etc. down the sink or shower drains. Drains are for water, human waste, and toilet papers. Any other foreign object has the potential of causing havoc for your drainage systems. It is very crucial for every individual to dispose of waste items responsibly. One can recycle, set up compost or get rid of trash as per the approved methods.
- Grease and cooking oil getting accumulated in kitchen sinks.
- Flushing items such as feminine hygiene products down the toilet drain.
- Using shower products that doesn’t dissolve in water. Some of the traditional soaps are made from fatty substances which when combined with minerals in the water can form solid residues that can clog the drains or often get deposited on pipes to form clogs. Hence, use less soap for washing purposes.
- Disposing unapproved items in garbage disposal.
- High usage of toilet paper or quilted papers is also a significant reason for clogged drains. If water runs through when you are flushing the toilet, then one can use a plunger to dissolve the paper. Otherwise, in cases water gets choked when the toilet gets flushed, it is advisable to call the plumber.
- Hair can bind with sticky substances such as grease and form clogs. It is recommended to either collect or dispose of them separately or to use guards that prevent hair from slipping down the drains.
- Too much of washing away dirt down the drain can also lead to blockages. In case if your clothes and body are excessively dirty, then it is better to rub off as much of dirt as one can outside the drain and dispose of it separately.
- Food waste is a general reason for clogged sink drains. Leftovers, tea leaves, coffee beans, vegetables, bits of bread, and what not! They slip off the sink drain unnoticed only to create problems later. Greasy or oily foods can also create more significant issues as they solidify with time and cause problems down the drain lines. Hence, one must keep guards to prevent food waste from getting down the drains and forming piles in the sewer lines. Here, it is recommended to set up a compost pile that lets one deal better with food waste. Composts can drastically reduce the amount of food waste that gets shipped to landfills, and they are also a vital source of biofuels.
- Hard water has various minerals dissolved that can create masses that don’t disappear in the water and hence form into tough clogs to block drain lines. Mineral build-ups are a common problem. It is therefore advisable to install water softeners, or if it is not possible, then one needs to get the drains cleaned regularly to remove the sediments that get build up. Here, professional cleaning by plumbers become necessary, as mineral build-ups are a complex problem and require appropriate equipment as well as experience for descaling.
- Tree roots can create complicated drain blockage issues. Slightest of the cracks or leaks in the underground pipes can attract tree roots that are in need of nourishment. These roots can jam the pipes which can prove to be damaging. Jammed pipes tend to accumulate water, and increased water pressure can lead to bursting of pipes. Getting rid of tree roots can be a daunting task, and only a professional can help to deal with the situation. It requires specialized service such as trenchless repair, rooter services, jet cleaning or even excavation in more severe cases. The professionals can inspect the internal condition of the clogged pipes through cameras and monitor the damage caused and the one that might be waiting. With proper inspection, they can fix the pipes accordingly and prevent them from getting clogged in the future.
Clogged drains can leave you with frustrating experiences. Right from the slow-moving water, to choked pipelines, clogged toilets, foul odors and waiting for more than the usual waiting time for the water to get refilled in the flush can all sum up to leave you baffled. It is better to prevent the drains from clogging. So, invest in drain cleaning annually, avoid washing off greasy items or pour grease down the drain, use of hair and waste guards and screens over the drain mouths, and at times, pour hot water down the drain as it can help in quickly dissolving and dislodging waste and dirt before hardening.
Some easy preventive measures and a presence of mind can help you in dealing with your clogged drains smartly and wisely. So, call a professional sewer and drain cleaning expert now!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
