Clogged drains can be a real problem for any homeowner. They can stop or hinder your water flow and cause your water to smell or spill out of the sink or bathtub.
If you are experiencing any of the telltale signs of a blocked drain, then you should check if you have been improperly disposing of anything in your sink or toilet. Certain items can clog your pipes over time, and should, therefore, be kept away from your drains.
Food
If the clog is in your kitchen sink, the culprit may be the leftovers from last night. Particles of food are one of the most common causes of this kind of obstruction. They can accumulate in your plumbing and cause everything to back up.
Grease
Over time, the grease runoff from cooked meals, especially fats from meats, can cause serious drain blockage. Any grease dumped down the drain will pick up other debris as it solidifies, rapidly worsening the clog.
Cosmetic Products
As with kitchen grease, the oils used in many cosmetics can ooze through your plumbing and pick up other materials while solidifying.
Hair
You've probably noticed that wet hair will easily stick to almost any surface, and your drains are no exception. The longer the strands, the more likely they are to get caught in the plumbing system and cause blockages.
Paper
You have to be very careful when sending any paper down the drain, as even ostensibly disposable paper products can be harmful in large amounts. Most common paper products meant for use in the kitchen or bathroom are highly absorbent. They can take in a significant amount of water while draining, causing them to bunch up in your pipes, especially if oils or other debris are already present.
Cleaning Products
From soaps to anti-bacterial sprays, the scum from household cleaning products does not always mix well with water and can cause build-ups over time that will actually prevent drainage.
Hygiene Products
This includes dental floss, cotton swabs and other such personal hygiene products. Though many of these items might seem small enough to throw away in the toilet or the garbage disposal, it is generally inadvisable to do so.
Some clogs may be easy fixes, but others can cause serious damage to your plumbing. Call a professional if it looks like you have a significant blockage in your pipes in order to ensure that your system is properly taken care of.
For answers to your plumbing questions, contact the Pink Plumber today.
