Five Reasons For Drain Clogs
When it comes to drain clogs, there are five main reasons why they occur. Although some clogs are avoidable, others aren't as easy to prevent.
1. Tree Roots
If there are trees on or near your property, chances are you will eventually end up with roots in your drain line. Small roots seek out the high moisture and high nutrient environment inside of the drain line. They find their way in through small spaces in the joints, and then the roots grow and fill the pipe. A drain cleaning service will use an auger to remove the roots. They may also recommend a chemical treatment to prevent root regrowth.
2. Material Clogs
Material clogs are made up of things that should never go down the drain, like diapers, wipes, and feminine hygiene items. Instead of being whisked away, these materials can become lodged in the drain, where they then collect even more materials until a large clog forms. A drain cleaner will use an auger or hydro-jetting (a high-pressure jet of water) to force the clog out of the drain. Avoid flushing these items to avoid future clogs.
3. Food Residue
Food shouldn't go down the drain unless you have a garbage disposal, and even then there are a large number of items that can lead to clogs. Grease and fat, rice, pasta, and stringy items like vegetable peelings are all prone to causing clogs. These clogs must be removed with an auger or via hydro-jetting. Get in the habit of putting vegetable trimmings in the garbage and scraping plates before washing to cut down on clogs.
4. Hair and Scum
Soap scum can congeal in drains. Alone, this isn't a huge issue since hot water rinses the scum away. It becomes an issue when hair gets stuck in the scum. When this happens, a large clog can develop that requires augering or jetting to remove. Install hair catchers in your drains, especially in the bathroom, to cut down on the hair and soap scum clogs.
5. Pipe Damage
Sometimes you have a clog because a drain line is damaged. It could be filled with rust and corrosion, or it could be collapsing in on itself. In this case, your drain cleaning contractor may use a sewer line camera to locate the clog and the cause. You will then have to have the drain pipe replaced or relined to fix the problem.
Contact a drain cleaning service such as Michigan Plumbing for more help in removing any clogs.