A clogged drain pipe can bring on unpleasant conditions such as foul-smelling drains,  drains that are frustratingly slow to empty, and more severe problems such as pipe leaks, mold and mildew, and structural damage. 

In this article, we will discover the common causes and early signs of clogged drains and ways homeowners can prevent them. We will divide this discovery between bathroom and kitchen drains and recommend steps to keep all drain pipes clogged-free and flowing smoothly. 

The Bathroom

Bathroom drains include those connecting the sink, toilet, tub, or shower to the main sewer line. Each fixture has a P-trap installed below it, which is an exposed or hidden curve-shaped pipe that holds a small amount of water, acting as a liquid barrier to keep sewer gases out of the bathroom. Frequently, the P-trap is where minor clogs form.

Toilet 

Clogs in the toilet drain are common and can be caused by poor disposal habits. Using three-ply toilet paper or a quantity much higher than needed can cause drain clogs, as can flushing items incorrectly marketed as “flushable.”

Nothing should be disposed of in a toilet other than human waste and single-ply toilet paper. Items such as kitty litter and diapers, which are designed to absorb excess liquids, are common cloggers of toilets as they expand and close off drain pipes when wet. 

Sink 

Sink drains are easily clogged by hair stubble when shaving or long pieces as hair is brushed at the sink. When oily products such as makeup removers and face lotions are used, they combine with the hair to form sticky wads that quickly get trapped in the sink’s curved pipe. 

Tub And Shower 

Hair and oily bath products can also clog the tub and shower drains, as they can in the sink. In addition, homeowners must be alert when bathing small children so that errant toys do not find their way into the drain pipe after bathtime has ended.

The Kitchen

This area of the home is the hub of activity and where many drain clogs occur. A poorly operated garbage disposal or the placement of food items that are hard to dispose of keeps plumbers busy with kitchen sink service calls.

Garbage Disposal

This appliance is one of the hardest working in the house. While it does make for quick post-meal cleanup and a sanitary kitchen, if used incorrectly, it can create compacted drains.

Keep It Sharp

The disposal should be run at the end of every day with an ample supply of cold water before, during, and after operations. The blades should be kept sharp by grinding ice cubes weekly to ensure food waste is pulverized into small bits for easy exit through the drain. 

Keep It Clean

Deodorizing and cleaning the disposal weekly to prevent waste buildup is a priority. A cup of baking soda followed by white vinegar will create a chemical reaction to loosen and remove accumulating debris, keep pipes flowing properly, and prevent a foul-smelling drain.

Sink

Speed over efficiency is what creates drain clogs in the kitchen sink. The desire to return the kitchen to a state of order tempts homeowners to dispose of items that are better placed in a countertop receptacle or trash can.

Grease

Pouring fats, oils, and grease (FOG)  down the kitchen sink causes many drain issues. As the hot oils cool down, they congeal and cling to the interior lining of drain pipes. This builds up over time, and its sticky nature attracts small food bits that are trying to pass by. This combination of grease and food can collectively create cement-like blockages that are not easily removed by a homeowner.

A covered sink-side container can be used to collect and remove FOG and keep it out of the drainage system. Large coffee cans are ideal for this purpose.

Food Items

FOG is not the only culprit when it comes to clogged kitchen drains. There is an entire list of food products that are prohibited from entering a kitchen sink drain, such as eggshells, coffee grounds, fibrous foods, and foods heavy in starch. A quick search on the internet will provide a comprehensive list of food products that should be disposed of in the trash can.

Other Products

Paints, solvents, chemical cleaners, and flammable products are frequently disposed of in the kitchen drain. Not only can these chemicals destroy pipe linings, leading to early pipe failure, but their fumes can also cause physical harm to those disposing of them.

Many of these items should be taken to household hazardous waste centers or chemical clean-out sites for safe disposal.

Other Issues

Poor disposal habits, if improved, can significantly reduce the frequency of drain clogs, but sometimes, these clogs are not related to what you place in the drain pipe but rather the drain pipes themselves.

Corrosion

Hard water that contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium can wreak havoc on drain pipes. Over time, these minerals accumulate and begin to narrow the interior diameter of the pipe, making clogging more likely. 

In addition, oxidation, or the interaction between metal pipes and oxygen found in water, especially prevalent in hot water transfer, can increase the rate at which pipes corrode and deteriorate.

While not much can prevent oxidation, installing a water softener will help eliminate corrosion by removing the hard water minerals.

Chemical Cleaners

Chemical cleaners can increase drain clogging by permanently etching the interior of pipes. This rough surface is more prone to catching passing debris that can build up into a clogged drain.

Prevention

As we have seen, proper disposal habits combined with common sense are the best ways to prevent drain clogs, but yearly plumbing inspections should be your #1 priority. A trained professional knows the early signs of drain clogs, such as gurgling pipes, slow-to-empty drains, and foul odors emanating from drain openings, and knows just the right way to address these early issues.

In addition, providing your family members and visiting guests with your expectations on how they should treat your plumbing drains is essential to good drain health. People tend to treat other people’s homes with less caution than they do their own, so they insist on everyone adhering to good plumbing practices.

Looking To Prevent Clogged Drains?

We offer expert drain cleaning and plumbing inspections to help keep your plumbing system in outstanding order. Call us if you are experiencing any of the early signs of clogged drains or if you wish to be proactive by scheduling an inspection. The wise homeowner knows that early detection and prompt action can not only save on costly repairs but can provide the peace of mind we all deserve. Give us a call to schedule an inspection!