The last thing you want to face after a day at the Museum of Arts and Sciences is a clogged or overflowing drain in your Macon, GA, area home. Some clogs are unavoidable, while others can be prevented with some proactive care. The experts at Ricky Health Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling have a comprehensive list of the top 10 causes of clogged plumbing so that you’re aware of the dangers. Keep these causes in mind so you can avoid the headache of dealing with a clogged or overflowing drain.
1. Hair Buildup in Bathroom Drains
Whenever you take a shower, hair can easily start to collect inside your drains and cause a serious clog. Hair is one of the most common causes of clogged drains in bathrooms. One easy way to prevent this common problem is by using shower drain covers. This inexpensive fix is easy to install and can simply be removed and “emptied” of excess hair whenever it gets overloaded, then placed right back over the shower drain for reuse.
Another fix for a hair-clogged drain is to use a special drain snake tool designed to grab and remove the hair from your drain. Also, pour a cup of baking soda, followed by a cup of vinegar, then flush hot or boiling water down the drain after letting the mixture sit for around 10 minutes to dissolve the hair. Mild clogs could be resolved with a plunger, as long as there’s enough water in the shower to create an effective seal.
2. Grease and Oil Down the Kitchen Sink
Whenever you cook or do dishes, oil, grease, and fat will inevitably go down the drain and cause a serious backflow. These substances start to harden and cling to your pipes after they enter your plumbing. To avoid this issue, always pour used oil, grease, and fat into a jar or container with a lid that you can safely store away until it’s filled, then throw it away.
If you accidentally pour oil, grease, or fat down your kitchen drains, follow up by using a combination of hot water and dish soap to try to dissolve it before it hardens. A plumber’s snake or plunger can sometimes help to remove these types of clogs. However, if it’s stubborn or returns every time you use the kitchen sink, you may need to enlist the help of an experienced plumber to fix the problem for good.
3. Food Scraps and Coffee Grounds
Even if you have a garbage disposal, tossing food scraps and coffee grounds down the drain can cause a serious blockage and lead to foul odors. Coffee grounds are not water soluble, so they eventually start to clump together inside your plumbing, creating massive clogs. If food scraps are not small or fine enough, they can also cause significant plumbing and drain problems.
The best way to avoid this issue altogether is never to put these items down the drain. Instead, throw them away in the trash can rather than into your sink. Pouring boiling water down the sink may help to remedy minor food or coffee clogs, as will a plunger. However, chemical drain cleaners aren’t always effective and could damage your plumbing if you use the wrong type of cleaner or use it too often.
4. Soap Scum Buildup
Soap scum or residue builds up inside your tub and shower drains over weeks and months, leading to major clogs. Bar soap residue is one of the primary causes of this common problem. When combined with minerals from your water supply, the soap hardens and restricts water flow.
Try the baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water trick first to see if it helps to dissolve the soap scum. A plunger or drain snake may be used if you’re dealing with a more stubborn or severe blockage. Some enzyme drain cleaners can also be beneficial for removing soap scum. If none of these methods get the job done and the drain keeps clogging, contact the pros at Ricky Heath for help.
5. Foreign Objects Flushed Down Toilets
Flushing items like toys, feminine hygiene products, or excessive toilet paper can clog your pipes, leading to backups and overflows that damage your plumbing. Only flush toilet paper. If you accidentally flush something else, turn off the water and try using a plunger or toilet auger. If that fails or your toilet overflows, call a plumber immediately for professional drain clearing services.
6. “Flushable” Wipes Aren’t Really Flushable
“Flushable” wipes don’t break down like toilet paper and often get stuck in your pipes, causing serious clogs in both your home’s plumbing and local water systems. Always throw these wipes in the trash instead of flushing them. If you already have a clog, try a plunger or drain snake first — if that fails, call a plumber to clear it safely.
7. Tree Root Intrusion in Sewer Lines
Tree roots around your home may eventually invade underground drainpipes and sewer lines through small cracks. Once they get inside, they grow and expand, interrupting water flow. When it comes to tree root intrusion, you should always call professionals who know how to locate and remove them safely using methods like trenchless repair or hydro-jetting.
8. Mineral Buildup from Hard Water
Mineral buildup from too much calcium and magnesium may mean you have hard water, which is notorious for causing clogged drains. Regular professional drain cleaning and using descaling products can help. The best, most effective way to prevent clogs from hard water is to install a whole-home water softener system.
9. Poor Drain Installation or Slope Issues
Poor drain installation due to slope issues can wreak havoc on your plumbing. If the slope is too shallow, too steep, or pointed toward your home, it could lead to debris accumulation and blockages. Make sure your drains are at a slope of at least two percent, or two inches per 10 feet of fall, for proper water flow and best results.
10. Pipe Corrosion or Collapse
Excess rust and corrosion can easily block and clog your pipes over time. If the pipes are broken or collapsed, water can’t flow freely through them, leading to clogs and overflow. Always schedule regular plumbing inspections to ensure your pipes are rust-free and in good condition, preventing blockages. Ricky Heath provides professional drain cleaning and repair for peace of mind.
Call Ricky Heath Today!
If you’re dealing with a sluggish bath, shower or sink drain, or an overflowing toilet, the experienced plumbers at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling will show up promptly and solve your problem with care, speed, and quality. We’re proud to serve customers in Macon, GA, and the surrounding areas. To schedule your appointment, contact us today!
