Drain clogs are a household problem that knows no season. You can expect a clogged or slow drain to materialize at any time of the year. It’s part of life with a household plumbing system.
One of the reasons clogs are common is that they have multiple sources. Many different materials or objects can collect inside a drain and stop the flow of water. Below we’ll look at the ones you’re most likely to encounter.
Hair
Hair clogs are one of the most common reasons for clogged bathroom sink, shower, and tub drains. Hair that goes down the drain often becomes stuck in the p-trap, the bend in the pipe below the drain. That trapped hair will easily snare more hair until it creates a tough snarl in the pipe. This is usually beyond the ability of a plunger to clear out and will require professional drain cleaning. You can help stop these clogs with special strainers placed in the sink and shower drains to catch hair.
Solidified fats, oils, and grease
Sometimes referred to by the acronym FOG, fats, oils, and grease are the major foe of kitchen sink drains. Because these cooking oils are liquid when hot, they look like they’re harmless for drains. But as soon as they cool, they solidify and stick to drainpipe walls. Not only does this create drain clogs, it also can lead to unpleasant odors and drain flies. Try to avoid pouring FOG down the drains and instead remove it to a receptacle that goes in the trash.
Soap scum
This can strike in both bathrooms and kitchens, although it’s more common in bathrooms. Soap scum is the residue left over from soap that doesn’t fully dissolve in water, and it clings tenaciously to the walls of drain pipes. Powerful hydro-jetting is the best way to remove it. Using drain cleaner on soap scum clogs can be disastrous because it creates a chemical reaction that can severely damage the pipe material.
Hard water deposits
If your home has hard water, your drains have a higher risk of clogging. The calcium deposits and limescale hard water leaves behind can make it easy to stop up a drain. Professional drain cleaning is the best way to remove this build-up, but we also recommend you look into installing a water softener to counteract this problem throughout your home.
Small objects
A whole range of small objects can slip down drains and block them, from caps on bottles to children’s toys. Drain covers and strainers are a good way to prevent this.
Tree roots
This is a bigger problem than the other ones we’ve listed because it affects the sewer line to the house. This means you’ll see multiple clogged drains at the same time. Whenever this happens, do not wait to call a professional plumber! You’re facing a potential plumbing emergency that can send sewage into your house. Our professionals can use the best technology for drain cleaning in Orange County, CA to correct this problem.
No matter the type of clog you’ve got, our team can clear it out! Call us for fast and effective service. Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air has served Orange County since 1981.