A clogged drain in your home or business is a pretty common complaint that plumbers and sewer repair companies hear often. That being said, it is certainly not a welcome occurrence. It can make even the simplest jobs — such as washing your face, brushing your teeth and washing dishes — almost impossible. One way to head off any issues that arise because of a clogged drain is being proactive about prevention. Below, you'll find some common causes of clogged drains and perhaps some you hadn't thought of.
Common Clogged Drain Causes
1. Grease
There's a reason why your grandmother was always meticulous about keeping grease out of the kitchen sink. Grease that is poured down the sink quickly cools off at some point in the drain system. This leads to a buildup that can clog up your drain and make it nearly useless.
2. Soap
You might not think that a substance that's designed to be used in the sink could lead to a clogged drain, but it's true. Soap can be an issue, especially in the drains that are secondary to the main ones in the building. These include the shower, bathroom and laundry room. While this often happens slowly over a period of time, it can also cause water to become backed up suddenly as well.
3. Tree Roots
If your underground pipes have a leak or even a small crack, it provides the opening that tree roots need to enter that space. Once they do so, tree roots take advantage of the influx of water and other nutrients to flourish and grow quickly. This can lead to damage to the pipes and restrict the flow of water. Removing tree roots from your pipes is a process that can be complex and typically requires a professional's expertise. A sewer repair, pipe excavation or pressure jet cleaning could be required, depending on how involved the issue is.
At the first sign of a clogged drain or one that is moving more slowly than it should, contact your local plumbing expert. In many cases, they can fix the issue quickly, saving you time, money and frustration.