As any seasoned plumber can tell you, not all clogged drains are created equal. While a clog is never exactly a pleasant situation, it’s usually more of an annoyance than a plumbing catastrophe. A typical drain clog is a thing a homeowner can deal with independently, using a home remedy. Then there’s the other type of clog- the kind that quickly escalates into a full-blown plumbing emergency, complete with flooding, gurgling, and more sludge than you’ve ever wanted to see in your lifetime.
It’s essential to recognize the signs of a legitimate drain emergency, so you can know when to call in a plumbing company to unclog drain pipes in your kitchen or bathroom. It’s also helpful to know the three main causes of drain emergencies so you can prevent them before they become a major issue. Here are the top three causes of drain emergencies.
Cooking Grease
According to Arvada plumber Flatirons Plumbing, homeowners have about sink drains, particularly those with a built-in garbage disposal, sometimes believe anything and everything can get thrown down there – as long as you’re also running water. However, in the case of cooking grease, this simply isn’t true. Over time, grease builds up in your drain pipe, forming a clog. To prevent a grease-induced drain clog, pour all your cooking grease into a container, like an empty soup can, and then throw it into the trash once it’s full. The same container can be used multiple times and stored in the freezer to solidify. This helps ensure that none of that grease is ending up down the drain!
Hair
No matter how different we all are, most of us have one thing in common- we have hair on at least some parts of our bodies. Due to this fact, when we bathe, the hair has nowhere else to go but down our bathtub and shower drains. Those who have longer hair may experience more frequent drain clogs thanks to the volume of hair that plugs up their drain pipes. There is, however, a relatively inexpensive solution to prevent hair from going down the drain and forming a sizeable clog- a drain gate. Available in hardware stores and online retailers, drain gates work by trapping hair as it tries to make its way down the drain. After your shower, just clean out the drain gate, toss the hair, and you’re done!
Soap Scum
Like hair, soap scum is an inevitable part of bathing and showering regularly. Once we’ve cleaned ourselves with soap and let the suds run down our bodies, it’s easy to not think about where it goes. However, when combined with hair, or even alone, soap scum creates the perfect environment for developing a serious clog. To keep scum from clogging your drain, add baking soda to the drain prior to flushing with hot water after a bath or shower.
By understanding the main causes of drain emergencies, you can help keep the plumbing in your home running smoothly, and lessen the risk of having to call a plumber to unclog drain pipes in your home.