Common Ways Your Drains Can Clog

Clogged drains can be annoying.

From having water pool at your feet during a shower, to not being able to properly rinse the sink after brushing your teeth, we’ve all seen this happen.

It’s not just a nuisance however, allowing the problem to fester can lead to significant damages to your pipes, and result in the need to spent a lot of money on plumbing repairs.

Let’s have a look at some of the common ways your drains can become clogged.

Main Sewer Line Clogs

The sewer line connects your pipes to the municipal sewage system, or your septic system.

While rare, clogs in the main sewer line can, and do, happen.

Causes can include tree roots, a build-up of items which should not be flushed, or heavy vehicles driving over top of the area where the line runs.

In cases of a sewer line clog, a video scope may be used to pinpoint the problem and determine the best solution.

In severe cases the line may need to be replaced altogether – this is one situation where you will definitely want a professional opinion, and not to try to “DIY”.

Bathtub Clogs

Have you ever had a shower, only to end up ankle-deep in water when you’re done?

No, you didn’t forget to take out the drain-stopper, you probably have a clog.

Shower and bathtub drains can get easily backed up with hair (especially if someone in your home has long hair), soap build-up, or children’s toys (consider which bath toys you are buying for your children).

Sometimes hair build-up in a shower drain can be tackled with a good pair of gloves and bit of persistence (it’s not a pretty job but someone’s gotta do it – usually the person whose hair is the culprit) however if drain issues continue than it’s best to have a plumber take a look at it.

Toilet Clogs

Clogging a toilet can be embarrassing, especially if you were the last one to use it.

However if your trusty plunger isn’t enough to solve the problem, or if there are recurring issues with your toilet failing to flush properly, than it’s probably time to call in the pros to have a look at what might be the issue.

Sink Clogs

Underneath the sink, there is a trap which has two purposes – it stops large clogs from going down further into the pipe, and also prevents gases from coming up, into the sink.

This trap can be recognized by its shape, usually either a “U”, “P”, or “S” shape. Its main purpose is to provide a liquid barrier between the sewer and your house, so you don’t have sewer gas seeping through your drain all day.

But a lot of things that get flushed down the drain get stuck in here. That includes the Lego figure or engagement ring that accidentally went cave exploring, but it also includes leftover food particles, hair, oils, and other gunk.

Often times, a clog in the drain is in the trap, although sometimes it may be beyond it.

If you have the proper tools on hand, you can remove the trap and attempt to unclog the drain yourself, however if you’re unsure of what you’re doing it may be a smarter idea to call a professional plumber.

Kitchen Clogs

Modern kitchens are often equipped not only with a sink, but also a garbage disposal.

Basins under the sink are connected and flow through a trap.

The dishwasher is also connected in the area of the garbage disposal.

Needless to say, the kitchen has a lot of moving parts in your kitchen that relate to plumbing and can affect each other.

A back-up in the garbage disposal can cause issues in the sink and dishwasher.

Keeping the garbage disposal in proper working order can prevent many other kitchen headaches, so be sure to keep it clean and learn how to reset it, and how to perform other minor repairs.

Contact Peoria Plumbing Pros

Have a plumbing issue that you need help with?

A clog which you’ve tried everything for but it won’t go away?

Contact Peoria Plumbing Pros, and have one of our professionals come help you, instead of risking making the problem worse.

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