Plumbing clogs can be much more than annoyances. These disruptive troublemakers can create major and expensive headaches, including corrosion, flooding, and sewage backups.
Disaster tends to strike at inconvenient times, and most people like to avoid problems, especially ones with the potential to cause property damage. So, you’re probably asking a simple question right now. How do I prevent plumbing clogs? Learning to recognize the most common causes of drain clogs is a great first step.
Common Causes of Drain Clogs
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is committed to delivering expert service with a smile. We’re happy to offer guidance on common causes of clogged drains and tips for avoiding them to help you keep things moving smoothly at your Niceville, FL, home. This is for informational purposes only. If you have a plumbing problem, we encourage you to reach out to us for professional assistance.
1. Fats, Oil, and Grease
You’ve probably heard doctors say that you should limit the fat, oil, and grease in your diet because too much can lead to the narrowing of your arteries. These clunky substances have a similar impact on your pipes. While they may be liquid when warm, they solidify as they cool. Pouring even small amounts of these substances down your drain may lead to them building up on the walls of your pipes. Over time, this can result in narrowing or clogs. To avoid the issue, don’t pour fats, oil, or grease down the drain. Instead, collect them in a jar for disposal elsewhere.
2. Soap Scum
Soap is a cleaning product. You expect to use it around sinks and showers. Why would it encourage clogs? It’s not all soaps. It’s the ones that leave behind soap scum. If you notice lots of soap scum, then you’re probably using a soap made with animal fat or animal fat derivatives. To protect your pipes, switch to a liquid soap or a bar soap that doesn’t include animal fats.
3. Mineral Deposits
Hard water is water that contains dissolved calcium, magnesium, or other naturally occurring minerals. If you have this type of water, you may have issues with mineral deposits building up on pipe walls. This can set the stage for narrowing and clogs. Hydro jetting can clear away any existing buildup. Installing a water softener can balance your water and prevent future problems.
4. Tissues, Napkins, and Paper Towels
Toilet paper is routinely flushed, so you may think it’s okay to let your toilet whisk away other household paper products like tissues, napkins, and paper towels. It’s not. While advertisers may focus on fluffiness or the number of sheets on a roll, toilet paper’s real superpower is that it’s designed to break down once it’s thoroughly saturated.
This reduces the risk of clogs and helps protect the health of your septic system or sewer line. Other household paper products are woven differently, and they’re more likely to clog than dissolve. Flushing them may be tempting, but it’s important to resist the urge if you want to protect your pipes.
5. Wipes
Flushable wipes seem like they should be safe to flush. If you value your pipes, you won’t do it. The thick fabric-like material of these products doesn’t dissolve, and it’s prone to getting caught in pipes. What about other wipes? Baby wipes, cosmetic wipes, and other cleansing wipes are already labeled for disposal in the trash rather than the toilet.
6. Feminine Hygiene Products
If regular paper napkins are too thick to flush, then you can be sure that feminine napkins, or pads, are out of bounds. As for tampons, they’re designed to expand when exposed to fluid. Flushing them is inviting a nightmare. Protect your peace and your pipes by disposing of all feminine hygiene products in the trash.
7. Hair
Long, short, curly, or straight, hair is a common culprit for drain clogs. It can wrap around itself, tangle with other materials, or cause snarls by collecting clods of fat, scum, or other substances. To reduce the frequency of these tangles, consider placing a guard or cover over your drain that’s designed to catch hair before it slithers into the pipe.
8. Foreign Objects
Toilets are designed to handle human waste and an appropriate amount of toilet paper. That’s it. Still, the oddest things have found their way into toilets. Trash, cat litter, food scraps, and kids’ toys are oddly popular. To keep foreign objects from causing clogs and wreaking havoc on your plumbing, never use your toilet as a trash can. Instead, place a trash can nearby. Do you have children who might try to flush a toy or drop one down the drain? Supervise them around the toilet. Place covers over sink, shower, or tub drains.
9. Tree Roots
Sometimes, the problem comes from outside your home. Tree roots are one of the most common causes of drain clogs. Trees and other plants will seek water. Pipes offer a possible source, especially if they have any kind of leak. To safeguard your pipes, be mindful of where you plant trees, bushes, and other plants. If you live in a wooded area, be on the lookout for issues with root invasions. Professional services like video inspections may help you catch the signs early.
10. Disintegration
Since plumbing pipes are out of sight, they’re rarely given much thought, but these vital features are subject to lots of wear and tear over the years. They can need remodeling like other parts of your home. With age, pipes are vulnerable to breaking down, especially at the joints. Shifts in soil and changes in the water table can also alter their slope, significantly impacting their function. Aging is inevitable, so you can’t prevent these changes, but you can connect with a professional promptly if you suspect a problem.
If a clogged drain is creating stress for your Niceville, FL, household, don’t wait. Contact the punctual plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Our experts can handle all kinds of plumbing problems, and we always treat both your home and your schedule with respect. In fact, if there’s any delay it’s YOU we pay. To learn more, contact us today.
