One of the most common plumbing issues is clogged drains. They disrupt your everyday life and, in worst-case scenarios, can create even bigger problems for your plumbing, like sewage backups. So, what causes them?
- Fats, oils, and grease. Fatty and oily cooking products are perhaps the biggest cause of clogged kitchen sink drains. They have a high viscosity, meaning they don’t drain as quickly as other liquids. Instead, they gradually coat your pipes and trap other debris you toss down the drain. This eventually creates tough clogs that are hard to remove.
- Hair and scum. Another major cause of clogged drains is hair and scum. We usually shed some hair while bathing. This hair then mixes with soap scum in shower drains to form gunk that accumulates over time, leading to frequent clogs.
- Mineral deposits. If you use hard water in your home, then there’s a possibility that you will encounter clogged drains at some point. Hard water contains dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals may react with your pipes or other debris, forming insoluble compounds that will slowly collect along your drains and form clogs.
- Foreign objects. Your drains have either U- or S-bends, which are essential in keeping foul-smelling gases in your sewage or drainage from coming up your pipes. Despite their importance, they can easily be obstructed by foreign objects you dispose of through your toilet or sink. Things like dental floss or sanitary products won’t break down when you flush them, making them more likely to clog up your drains.
If you’re experiencing a clogging issue in your kitchen sink, shower drain, or toilet, don’t hesitate to contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services. We have a 24-hour answering service and emergency service and are happy to assist you.