5 Reasons For Slow Drains
Slow drains are a nuisance at best, and signs of a plumbing backup to come at worst. It's important to address slow drains as soon as you notice them. Otherwise, you may end up with a bigger problem that will cost more in time and money to clean up and fix. The following are some of the reasons why drains slow and backup.
1. Hair and Scum
In the bathroom, hair and soap scum are the main culprits when it comes to clogs. Use a hair catcher in the drains and clean it out regularly to cut down on the clogs. It's also helpful to pour a pot of boiling water down bathroom drains once a month or so. The hot water rinses away any soap scum buildup so that the drains can continue to empty smoothly.
2. Food Clogs
In the kitchen, it's food scraps that cause most issues. If you don't have a garbage disposal, then no food should go down the drain. Use drain screens to catch anything you miss when doing dishes. In fact, it's a good idea to leave the screen in place at all times, just in case something is accidentally dropped into the sink.
3. Jammed Disposals
If you do have a disposal, you still must use some caution. Don't put rice, pasta, or grease down any drain, as these items can gum up the disposal so that it becomes jammed. Coffee grounds and vegetable peelings can also cause issues. If your disposal is jammed, there is a nut on the bottom of the unit that can be turned manually to break up the clog.
4. Vent Issues
Your plumbing has at least one vent stack, which typically is on the roof. If the vent gets blocked, then nothing will flow well down the drains. Damage to the stack or outside debris, such as from a bird's nest on top of the vent stack, are common reasons for poor venting. Your plumber can inspect your vents and remove any obstructions so the drains flow again.
5. Sewer Backup
The most alarming reason for a slow drain is a sewer backup. If you are on private septic, then it's vital to have your tank inspected to see if it is time to have emptied. Otherwise, you may end up with raw sewage in your home. For municipal systems, schedule an appointment to have the mainline inspected for any developing blockages.
Contact a plumbing contractor in your area for more help. To learn more, visit a website like https://dhamerplumbing.com/.