Clogged or slow drains are a major headache that most of us face at one time or another. Sometimes, the clogs are simple to get through using a plunger. Other clogs are much more obstinate—if you want them cleared away without causing any harm to the rest of your plumbing, and keep them from coming back, you’ll need the assistance of licensed, professional plumbers who know how to prevent future clogs.
What commonly clogs household drains?
Household drains often clog due to a buildup of everyday materials like hair, soap scum, grease, food scraps, and mineral deposits. These substances accumulate over time, narrowing pipe flow and eventually causing slow or blocked drainage that requires professional cleaning to fully clear.
We offer expert drain cleaning in Boynton Beach to handle your clogged and slow drain woes. But let’s delve a bit more into what might be causing that clogged drain and why you’ll often need our assistance.
F.O.G. (Fats, Oils, and Grease)
One of the leading causes of drain clogs—particularly in kitchen drains—is the buildup of fats, oils, and grease, commonly referred to as F.O.G. Many homeowners are unaware of the detrimental effects of pouring cooking oils and grease down drains. Over time, these substances solidify, creating stubborn blockages that block water flow. Our experienced plumbers use advanced techniques and specialized equipment to effectively remove F.O.G. buildup and avoid chemical drain cleaners.
Hair
Hair accumulation in drains is a prevalent issue. As hair strands combine with soap residue and other debris, they form dense blockages that are a challenge to eliminate. While chemical drain cleaners may offer temporary relief, they often fail to address the root cause of the problem. Our team employs professional-grade tools to dislodge hair clogs and prevent future recurrence.
Soap Scum
Soap scum buildup is another common culprit behind clogged drains, one that often strikes in bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs. As soap residue accumulates along the inner walls of pipes, it attracts other debris, making the blockage worse. Using any type of chemical cleaner on a soap scum clog will often make the issue worse, creating a reaction that causes corrosion. Our technicians have the expertise to effectively remove soap scum buildup and help keep drains clean in the future.
Toys or Other Objects
In households with children, it’s not uncommon for toys or small objects to accidentally find their way into drains. While it may seem harmless at first, these foreign objects can cause serious blockages if not promptly removed. Attempting to dislodge them using makeshift tools can worsen the situation and potentially damage the plumbing system. Our plumbers are equipped with specialized tools and techniques to safely extract foreign objects from drains without causing further harm.
Sewer Line or Drainage Issues
In some cases, persistent drain clogs may indicate a significant issue within the sewer line or drainage system. Tree root infiltration, pipe misalignment, excessive build-up, or sewer line damage can lead to blockages that require professional attention. Ignoring the underlying problem can result in costly repairs and even property damage, making it important to understand how to stop clogs early. Our expert plumbers conduct thorough inspections using state-of-the-art technology to quickly identify and resolve sewer line and drainage issues.
Why You Should Rely on Drain Pros
At General Plumbing and Air Conditioning, we understand the complexities of drain cleaning and offer expert solutions that both solve problems and help to improve your home’s plumbing. Don’t let a clogged drain disrupt your daily routine—contact us today for professional drain cleaning services you can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the most common things that clog household drains?
Answer: Drains often get clogged by F.O.G., fats, oils, and grease, especially from kitchen sinks. Hair build-up, often mixed with soap residue, is another frequent culprit. Soap scum, food scraps, and even small objects or toys accidentally washed down also cause blockages.
Question: Why are grease, fat, and cooking oil bad for drains?
Answer: Grease, fat, and oil may go down easily when hot, but they solidify as they cool down, sticking to pipe walls and trapping other debris. Over time they accumulate and can completely block water flow.
Question: Can soap residue or “soap scum” by itself clog drains?
Answer: Yes. Soap residue can build up on pipe walls and attract hair, dirt, and other debris. Over time this accumulation narrows the drain passage, causing slow drainage or backing up.
Question: Do objects like toys or foreign items often cause drain problems?
Answer: Yes. Small objects, toys, bits of plastic, or anything accidentally flushed or washed down can cause serious blockages. Removing them often requires professional tools, and DIY attempts may worsen the problem.
Question: When might a drain clog indicate a deeper sewer or plumbing issue instead of just debris?
Answer: If clogs happen repeatedly, affect multiple drains, or persist despite basic cleaning, the root cause might be in the sewer line or drainage system. Issues like tree root intrusion, pipe misalignment, or structural damage may require inspection and professional repair.
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