Many households deal with clogged or leaking drains at some point. The top 10 causes of those drainage-related problems are:
- Hair buildup
- Grease and oil
- Food waste
- Toilet paper overuse and non-flushables
- Limescale
- Soap scum
- Foreign objects
- Tree root intrusion
- Deteriorated drains and pipes
- Insufficient exterior drainage
Avoiding Bathroom-Related Clogs
Hair binds with soap scum to form dense mats, which you can prevent by installing and regularly cleaning drain strainers. Consider bidet add-ons for your toilets to reduce how much toilet paper you flush. Never flush anything other than toilet paper and waste, including the so-called “flushable” wipes.
Don’t Let Grease and Oil Get in Your Drains
Never pour grease or oils down your drains or toilets. If an accident occurs, flush the drain thoroughly with hot water and grease-cutting dish soap. Call a plumber if there are any indications that the grease hasn’t completely passed through.
Preventing Other Food Waste in Drains
Use a deep mesh strainer and carefully clean your sinks after preparing food and cleaning dishes. A garbage disposal may also help reduce food waste buildup in kitchen drains.
Navigating Limescale and Soap Scum
Scale can accumulate in your drain and sewer pipes over time due to hard water. That scale also promotes the formation and hardening of soap scum. Households with hard water may benefit from scheduling high-pressure drain cleaning every couple of years or investing in a whole-house water softener.
Stopping Tree Root Intrusion
A plumber can safely clear tree roots from your sewer line through hydro jetting. If your property is prone to tree root intrusion, options include foaming root killers, such as dichlobenil, or installing physical root barriers.
Avoiding Deteriorated Drains and Pipes
Schedule an annual plumbing inspection in either the spring or the fall. Your plumber can then recommend camera inspections and maintenance as needed. Replace any metal drain components as soon as you notice any corrosion.
Enhancing Your Home’s Exterior Drainage
Poor drainage outside your home can lead to drainage problems within. Properly grade your landscape so water doesn’t collect at your foundation. Regularly clean your gutters to ensure the proper channeling of rainwater. Install French drains and other drainage solutions as needed to protect your foundation, basement/crawl space, and sewer pipe.
Waiting too long to address drainage problems can lead to more serious damage over time. Preventive drain care reduces the risk of clogs, leaks, and other common plumbing issues. Paying attention to early warning signs and maintaining your drains regularly can help keep your plumbing system in better condition over the long haul. If you have concerns or require drain cleaning services, contact Turbo Plumbing & Rooter in Granada Hills, CA.