A clogged drain can cause damage to your plumbing system, but many people don’t know how to prevent the situation. Blocked drains can lead to slow drainage, backups in toilets and sinks, and damage to your home. Here’s what you should know about this issue and how drain cleaning and maintenance can help.

A Brief Guide to Clogged Drains

What causes clogs?

Drain clogs are caused by a range of everyday objects. Drains around the bathroom are likely to be blocked by hair or soap. Kitchen blockages happen when food, greasy products, and pieces of packaging get stuck in drains. Hard water also causes clogging since it carries a lot of minerals that build up in pipes.

What are ways to minimize clogging?

The best way to reduce the risk of clogging is to stop objects from getting into the drains. Place guards around drain holes in sinks and showers to catch hair, food, and other substances. Remember that your garbage disposal deals with food that enters drains by mistake, and you should never throw food down drains deliberately. Absorb grease with paper towels instead of pouring it down the drain.

Having professional drain cleaning every two years will remove any potential blockages and keep your system running smoothly. You should contact an expert sooner if you notice problems like backups or slow drainage. Installing a water softener will prevent hard water.

How are clogs cleared?

Some clogs may be close enough to the surface that you’ll be able to see the culprit easily, so you can remove the object from the stopper or trap. You can also use a plunger or plumber’s snake, which is a length of wire that’s flexible enough to go around bends in drains. Drain cleaner chemicals available at supermarkets help to clear drains, but be sure to wear gloves so as not to get it on your skin.

Is clearing drains a big job?

Minor blockages close to the surface can be dealt with quite easily without professional help. However, if the clog is deeper, the job becomes more complicated and requires an expert. The cost of professional help will be considerably less than the expense of repairing damage if a blockage causes water to leak inside. 

 

If you have clogs in your plumbing system, Drain Doctor in Levelland, TX, can help. Serving residential and commercial clients within a 30-mile radius, they offer everything from drain cleaning to water heater maintenance. They use state-of-the-art equipment to perform repairs and installations. Call (806) 894-3796 contact them on their website to schedule an appointment.