Over time your drains get filled with things like grease, soap, hair, food and so much more. These substances continuously build-up, ultimately leading to blockages and preventing your sinks, toilets, and showers from draining properly. Chances are, even if your plumbing appears to be running without obstruction, your drains could use maintenance.
Five of the most common causes of clogged drains are:
1. Hair
Hair is a very guilty suspect when it comes to a clogged bathroom sink or shower. Your drains are not designed to easily pass hair. The easiest way to prevent these common clogs is by installing drain covers that capture the hair before it ever enters the drain.
2. Grease/Oil
If you spend time cooking in the kitchen, it is incredibly important to remember that grease and oil are not made for your drains. Rather than rinsing a dirty plate or pan in the sink, first, use a towel to wipe off excess grease. Minimizing the amount of oil that enters your drain is crucial in keeping them clean.
3. Soap
Soap is often made up of oils and other hard to process minerals. Take caution in what goes into your cleansing products in order to increase the longevity of your drains and protect your skin and hair. Soap and hair often combine in your drain, causing those hard to pass blockages. Using the drain cover to prevent hair from passing will allow for soaps to make their way through your plumbing with less obstruction.
4. Feminine Products
Most everyone has seen a bathroom sign that says “the only thing that should go down the toilet is toilet paper,” however, so many of us disregard this in our own homes. Feminine products, cleansing wipes, baby wipes, and all other non-toilet paper care should be disposed of in the trash and not the toilet.
5. Dirt
Each time you wash your hands or shower, dirt is entering your drains. There is no way to prevent all dirt from entering your plumbing system, but if you have spent the day in dirt or sand, make a point to rinse off or wipe yourself down before taking a shower or washing your hands. If you are using the tub to bathe your pets, try to hose them off outdoors before bathing them in your bathroom.
Now that you know some of the top things to avoid, how do you know if your drains are dirty and how do you fix them?
Three signs your drains need a cleaning from Plumb Level
1. Slow Drains
One easy way to test out your draining system is to close off your drains and fill your sinks (or showers) with water. Upon releasing the plug, make note of how long it takes for the water to drain. Whether it is not draining at all, draining slowly, or just taking longer than you would expect, it’s time for a drain cleaning.
2. Strange Odors
Smelling something funky coming from the plumbing fixtures within your home? Those odors are likely due to a drain issue. You may have waste backed up or another problem on your hands, which should be dealt with as soon as possible.
3. Gurgling Noises
Gurgling noises coming from your drains is an early indication of a clog. Chances are you are hearing this sound because a blockage has begun to form, but water is still able to pass through. Depending on where the noise is coming from can also help determine the location of the clog.
Cleaning your drains can be as simple as running warm to hot water over an extended period of time to loosen any blockages and get things running smoothly. On the other hand, large blockages require help from the professional.
Contact a Brenham drain cleaning expert today!
Despite even the most meticulous efforts to keep drain cleans, chances are your drains will need to be serviced annually in order to keep things running smoothly. Plumb Level is here to help with all your drain cleaning needs you when you need it most.