The world’s largest drain is the Morning Glory Spillway in Northern California, which can empty water at a rate of 1,300 cubic meters per second. While your household drains won’t need to handle nearly as much water, it’s important to ensure they don’t get clogged and stop draining properly.
But what are some of the common causes of clogged drains and how can you fix them? Having a blocked drain can not only be inconvenient, but it could turn into a health hazard. While this is a concerning thought, you can learn how to avoid clogging drains and what steps to take if they develop a blockage.
Keep reading to find out more.
1. Food Waste
Food waste is one of the most typical causes of clogged drains. Although washing small pieces of leftover meals down the sink may seem fine at the time, this can lead to a blockage in your plumbing system. Prevention is better than cure, but if this happens, you could try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clear the blockage.
2. Human and Pet Hair
Plumbing problems can occur in your shower or bath if human or pet hair has caused an obstruction. This can happen gradually, and slow-draining water may be the first sign that something is wrong.
In this scenario, you can remove the drain stopper and see if the blockage is visible. If so, you may be able to lift the hair out. However, if the hair has clogged the drain further down, you might need professional assistance.
3. Mineral Build-Up
There are chemicals in your water supply such as magnesium and calcium that can clog your drains over time. If you find there is a limescale or chalky residue in your sink or shower, this could be the cause. Some water filters can help reduce the severity of this problem, but there may still be signs of a mineral build-up in your pipework.
Depending on how far into the drain the minerals have solidified, there may be no option but to contact a plumber.
4. Cleaning Wipes
Many cleaning wipes are made of a light, thin material, and this can make people think it’s ok to put them down the toilet after use. However, this is not the case. If you read the packaging, there is often a warning message that these wipes should be put in the trash, and never flushed away.
It’s possible a combination of dish soap and boiling water could loosen the wipes and let them move through your home plumbing system. If not, then the drain may need to be snaked.
5. Household Objects
Sometimes small household objects can get accidentally knocked into a drain, and you might be able to lift them straight back out. But, if they have fallen deeper into your drains, you may need to wait until an expert plumber has used specialized equipment to clear the blockage.
Contact Happy Plumbing Inc. Today
You may be able to unclog a drain using these tips. But, if you’re struggling to clear a blockage, it’s best to get professional help. At Happy Plumbing Inc., our experienced and knowledgeable plumbers use advanced equipment to clear your drains as quickly as possible.
We offer our services at affordable prices and take pride in always going the extra mile for our customers. If you have clogged drains, don’t let the problem get worse, contact Happy Plumbing Inc. today.