Common Causes of Clogged Drains and Knowing When to Call a Plumber

Whether it’s your toilet, shower, sink, or sump pump, clogged drains are sometimes any easy fix, occasionally serious, but always inconvenient. It’s important to understand the causes of clogged drains, so you can address the issue promptly and accordingly. This will help you avoid exacerbating the severity of a clog, which could lead to burst pipes, water damage, and more costly repairs down the road. 

Let’s take a look at some of the common causes of drain clogs and when you should seek assistance from a professional plumbing service.

Common Causes of Clogs

Daily use makes dealing with clogs an inevitability. Knowing the common culprits and monitoring any subtle changes in drainage can help catch problems early. There are also minor preventative measures you can take to mitigate clogs.

Toilet Paper and Non-Flushables

We’ve all been there. Too much toilet paper is an easy way to cause a clog. We can usually solve this with a few strategic plunger thrusts, but consistent clogs may lead to a much larger plumbing problem. Using less toilet paper, or opting for thinner, septic-safe brands can reduce the risk of clogging your toilet.

You also want to avoid flushing thicker paper products, like paper towels and sanitary wipes. Cotton balls, swabs, and pads are among other commonly used bathroom items that are tempting to flush, but should steer clear of the commode.

Soap and Hair

It’s never a good feeling when you’re having a nice hot shower and the water starts to accumulate around your ankles. This is a sure sign that hair, soap residue, or both are blocking your drain. Even if you don’t notice hair around the drain, it can collect in your pipes, capturing other debris that contributes to clogs. 

You don’t want to use drain cleaners too frequently as they can weaken pipes over time, but hair catchers are effective and affordable ways to prevent hair and soap from leading to a clogged shower.

Food and Grease

Dumping food particles and grease in the kitchen sink is a sure-fire way to get an inconvenient backup and overwhelm your pipes. Small bits of food eventually add up while grease coats pipes and congeals, creating a form-fitting drain dam that’s difficult to dissolve. 

A powerful garbage disposal can decimate clog-causing food waste, but grease should never be poured down the drain. Plungers and drain cleaners are often effective on minor clogs, but anything more significant may require professional help.

Know When to Call a Plumber

DIY solutions don’t always do the trick, and there are several signs that indicate the problem is likely beyond your handyman prowess.

Repeated DIY Failures

If multiple DIY attempts to unclog a drain are unsuccessful, don’t risk making the problem worse. It’s time to bring in the pros.

Slow-to-No Drainage

If water is slow to drain, it probably indicates that a clog is forming. Calling a plumber at this stage will help prevent a more substantial clog later.

If water is backing up, that is a clear sign of a serious clog or even a blocked sewer line. An expert will be able to make the best assessment of the situation and take the necessary steps.

A Foul Stench From the Sink

An unpleasant odor coming from the kitchen sink means that a significant amount of food or organic matter has been stuck long enough to emanate through the pipes. It’s probably best to give the plumber a call if the odor persists.

Contact 24 Hour Flood Pros!

If you experience any issues that plungers, cleaners, and preventative measures can’t handle, the emergency plumbing experts at 24 Hour Flood Pros can get your clog under control. Don’t wait for a minor clog to become a costly catastrophe. Let the experts ensure your pipes are clear and running clean.