Nobody wants a clogged drain, but unfortunately, they are common in Nashville homes. In most cases, blocked drains are caused by a buildup of hair and grease. If left untreated, the clog can eventually cause water damage to your home.
Causes and Solutions of Clogged Drains
This blog post will talk about the causes of clogged drains and some solutions you can try before calling a professional Nashville clogged drain repair.
Most Common Causes of Clogged Drains
Drains can be clogged anytime you won’t notice before. But if you should be careful about these reasons why your drain may get clogged. It will help you keep your drain safe from being clogged and help you cleaning if you know the reason.
Hair
It’s no surprise that hair is one of the leading causes of clogged drains. Even if you have a screen or trap in your drain, small pieces of hair can still make their way through and eventually cause a clog. The best way to prevent this is to clean your drains and remove any hair you see regularly.
Grease
Another common cause of clogged drains is grease. When hot grease cools, it solidifies and can cling to the sides of your pipes. Over time, this buildup will narrow the opening of your drain and eventually cause a clog. To prevent this, never pour grease down your drain, and be sure to wipe up any greasy messes with a paper towel before washing.
Soap Scum
Another cause of clogged drains is soap scum. This residue is left behind after washing with soap and water. Soap scum can build up on the sides of your pipes and eventually make its way into the drain, causing a clog. The best way to prevent this is to use less soap while washing and to wipe down the area after you are done.
Mineral Buildup
Another cause of clogged drains is mineral buildup. This can happen if you have hard water, which is water that contains a high concentration of minerals. Over time, these minerals can build up on the sides of your pipes and eventually make their way into the drain, causing a clog. The best way to prevent this is to install a water softener, which will remove the minerals from the water before they have a chance to build up.
Food
One final common cause of clogged drains is food. When cooking, some food will inevitably end up going down the drain. Over time, this can cause a buildup in your pipes and eventually lead to a clog. To prevent this, scrape any food scraps into the trash before washing your dishes.
Solutions of Clogged Drain
If you find yourself with a clogged drain, there are a few things that you can try before calling a professional.
Boiling Water
One of the simplest solutions for a clogged drain is to pour boiling water down the drain. This will help to melt any grease or soap scum that may be causing the clog.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Another solution you can try is mixing vinegar and baking soda and pouring it down the drain. This combination will create a bubbling action that can help to break up the clog.
Plunger
If neither of those solutions works, you can try using a plunger to dislodge the clog. Cover the overflow hole with a rag before plunging to create suction.
Snake
If you have a serious clog, you may need to use a drain snake. This tool consists of a long, flexible wire that can be inserted into the drain and used to break up the clog.
Preventive maintenance is also important to keep your drains flowing freely. Here are a few tips:
- Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain.
- Wipe up any spills with a paper towel.
- Run hot water down the drain after each use.
- Use a strain or screen in your drains to catch hair and debris.
- Clean your drains regularly with a natural cleaner like vinegar and baking soda.
Final Words: Cause and Solutions of Clogged Drains
If you follow these tips, you can help to prevent clogged drains in your home. However, If you’ve tried all those solutions and you’re still having trouble, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help.
A plumber can quickly clear the drain and get your home back to normal. They have the tools and experience necessary to unclog your drains in no time. So if you’re dealing with a clogged drain, don’t wait – call a 24 hour plumber today!