Never Deal with Blocked Drains Again
The Top Causes of Clogged Drains and How to Avoid Them
Most household clogs result from the same few common causes. In the kitchen, grease and food debris going down the drain will eventually lead to trouble. In bathrooms, the main culprits are hair and soap scum; in the toilet, using too much paper can back things up. This article dives into the many causes of clogs and what homeowners in Mesa or Chandler do to keep their plumbing flowing freely.
Clogged Drains Are a Major Frustration in Maricopa County
Every clogged drain has a cause, even when that cause isn’t obvious at first glance. Pipes don’t just close up by themselves, so there is some underlying reason why the water won’t flow. If you can figure out what that reason is, you’ll be a big step closer to solving the problem and clearing the drain.
The big mistake that many homeowners make is assuming that their clog is a one-off problem. When a drain clogs up, they look for the fastest possible solution, which frequently means reaching for a bottle of drain cleaner. That might open things up for now, but the pipe will almost surely back up again in the near future. Figuring out why the drain is clogged and then fixing it properly, even if that means working with a professional plumber in Mesa, is the far better plan.
Why Kitchen Drains Clog
Kitchen drains clog when homeowners use them to dispose of the wrong things. At the top of that list are cooking grease and oil. When faced with a pan of hot oil or grease, it seems natural to just pour it down the drain and let it wash away. However, this will gradually become a problem. When the hot grease cools, it changes from a liquid to a solid, and some of it will attach to the sides of the pipe. Over time, the pipe will get narrower and narrower, and pretty soon almost nothing will be able to make it through.
Food particles will start to get stuck in the grease buildup, and the problem will keep getting worse. Eventually, water will take a long time to drain out of the kitchen sink, and something will have to be done. Most of the time, the only way to properly clear a kitchen drain is to mechanically clear it out rather than trying to use a chemical fix.
What Leads to Bathroom Sink Clogs
The materials that form bathroom clogs differ from those of kitchen clogs, but the result is the same. In this case, it’s soap scum that clings to the walls of the pipes and starts to narrow them. Soap scum is produced when the fat content in soap combines with the minerals in the water. This waxy film acts similarly to the grease in our kitchen example, coating the interior of the drain a little bit at a time.
Along with soap scum, hair is another big offender in the bathroom. It will stick to the soap scum buildup and create a tangled mess that just gets thicker and thicker with each passing day. Other bathroom materials that can contribute to a clog include toothpaste and shaving cream residue. Bathroom sink drains need to be cleaned out periodically as part of routine housecleaning and maintenance. This helps prevent a major clog from developing and completely stopping the flow of water.
The Top Causes of Toilet Clogs
In some cases, toilet clogs in Maricopa County result from trying to send too much toilet paper down the drain at once. Even though toilets are designed to handle toilet paper effectively, too much of it at once can still lead to a clog. On other occasions, the clog will be the result of trying to send something down the drain that doesn’t belong there in the first place. Examples include regular paper towels, cotton balls, and feminine hygiene products. None of those are meant to be flushed, and even a modest amount could get stuck in the trap and cause a backup.
What Causes Shower and Tub Clogs
Since so few types of materials typically go down a shower or tub drain, the possible causes of a clog are limited. Generally, clogs will occur as a result of hair combined with soap scum. That blend leads to nasty, sticky tangles that can easily slow down or even stop the flow of water through the drain.
Part of the problem with shower and tub drains is that water flows down them quite infrequently. Depending on how many people live in your home, the shower or tub may be used just a couple of times per day, or even less. That means the drain is sitting dry most of the time, which allows the buildup to harden and become tougher to remove.
Signals That a Clog Is Deep in the Plumbing System
When you have a clog, one of the first things you want to do is figure out where it is. If it’s relatively close to the fixture, you might be able to clear it on your own, while deeper clogs usually require the help of a professional. These are the signs of a deep clog:
- More Than One Drain Backed Up at the Same Time: This is the classic indication that a clog is sitting deep in your plumbing. If multiple drains are backed up at once, that isn’t a coincidence. It’s because there is a clog further down in the system that is stopping flow from many directions.
- Water Backing Up into a Different Fixture: Watch for water rising into areas that aren’t even being used at the moment as a sign of a deep clog. For example, if you flush the toilet and see water backing up into the tub, there is a blockage in a shared line that needs to be cleared.
- Persistent Gurgling Sounds: If you hear gurgling coming from drains that you aren’t using at the moment, that’s yet another sign that there is a deep clog in your plumbing. This gurgling might accompany sewer odors, which can indicate the problem is in the sewer main.
How Pipe Conditions Impact Clog Risk
The condition of the pipes in your home plays a huge role in how likely it is that you’ll develop a clog. First, you should consider the age of the pipes, as that is the most important variable of all. Older pipes will have had a longer time to develop buildup and become narrower on the inside. This problem is particularly notable with galvanized steel pipe that is prone to corrosion. As corrosion develops, the inside of the pipe becomes rough, and minerals and debris have something to grab onto and become stuck.
Pipe layout is another factor that comes into play here. If a drain line was installed with an improper slope, or settling has created a low spot, debris can collect and cause recurring clogs. Homeowners who deal with one clog after the next should take a step back and consider the age and overall condition of their pipes. This will help determine if a larger plumbing repair job might be necessary to break the pattern.
6 Things You Can Do to Prevent Clogged Drains
You’ll be able to clear some of these clogs on your own, while others will require a professional plumber to resolve. Feel free to call us at 480.649.1000 anytime a problem comes up that is beyond your ability to fix.
Moving forward, it’s helpful to learn how to avoid drain clogs in the first place. Here are six tips to help you do just that:
- Try a Drain Strainer: Use a drain strainer or hair catcher in every shower, tub, and bathroom sink. Those strainers should be emptied regularly.
- Take Care of Grease the Right Way: Let grease cool and solidify before throwing it away in the trash. This is a better plan than pouring it down the kitchen sink, even if it’s only a small amount at a time.
- Wipe Your Dishes: Wipe greasy cookware before washing it to keep fats, oils, and grease out of the drain. Hot water may move grease farther down the pipe, but it will eventually cool and can still contribute to buildup.
- Be Kind to Your Toilet: Only flush toilet paper. Throw things like wipes and cotton products away in the trash. Ignore claims about “flushability” and assume everything other than toilet paper needs to be thrown away.
- Keep Drains Clear: Clean your drains monthly with hot water and a mechanical tool like a drain snake or stick. The stick will pull out hair and other debris without causing the damage associated with chemical drain cleaners.
- Get Professional Maintenance: Schedule annual drain maintenance with the plumbers here at John’s Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing. This is especially important in older homes with original pipes that are likely to be narrowed from buildup.
Why Isn’t Drain Cleaner on That List?
Many homeowners in Mesa and Chandler assume that drain cleaner is the right solution to every clog. In fact, plumbers consistently recommend that you avoid chemical drain cleaners in favor of other tactics. Drain cleaning products simply attempt to resolve the immediate symptom without doing anything about the longer-term problem. That means using these cleaners will likely lead to recurring clogs.
In addition to not really solving the underlying problem, drain cleaners can also damage your pipes when misused. If a clog repeatedly returns, avoid continually treating the symptom and have the underlying cause identified. So, if you make a habit of using drain cleaner frequently, you’ll harm your pipes and may need to repair or replace them in the near future. And, of course, you’ll have to buy a lot of drain cleaner because you will never get around to actually fixing the issue so the clogs stop.
Why Drain Clogs Are Common in Mesa and Chandler
The hard water that's common in Mesa and Chandler area is a significant contributing factor to many of the clogs that homeowners experience. The mineral concentration in the water supply leads to rapid scale buildup inside pipes, water heaters, and fixtures. As a result, pipes narrow, and it doesn’t take much for a clog to occur.
Beyond the hard water, many of the neighborhoods in Maricopa County have older homes that may feature original galvanized pipes. Those pipes often have some degree of corrosion, which can lead to narrowing or even leaks. If you live in one of these homes from the ‘70s or ‘80s, don’t be surprised if you keep running into clog issues from time to time.
When It’s Time to Skip the DIY and Call a Plumber
Clearing up the occasional clogged drain is a pretty standard task for a homeowner in Mesa. If it’s a minor clog, using a tool like a plunger or drain stick is a great way to solve the problem on your own and move on with your day.
But it’s not always so easy to solve clogs. If the clog isn’t responding to basic DIY techniques, or if it keeps coming back shortly after you think you’ve cleared it, the problem is more serious. In those cases, calling a plumber is the right move. You can reach out to John’s and be quickly connected with an experienced, trained plumber who will assess the situation and find the right solution.
In addition to repeated clogs, there are some other signs that you should call for professional help. Those include hearing gurgling sounds in another fixture while you’re trying to plunge the one that is blocked, or picking up the scent of sewage anywhere in the house. Beyond the most basic interventions, it’s usually best to hire a plumber and make sure the clog-clearing work is done properly.
Call 480.649.1000 Today for Plumbing Services
Drains in Maricopa County don’t clog by themselves. Now that you know more about why your drains in Maricopa County keep clogging, you can make smart decisions and build good habits to break this pattern.
Of course, those new habits don’t help if you are already dealing with a stubborn clog. For that, contact the expert plumbers at John’s today to schedule an appointment. You can reach us at 480.649.1000, or you are welcome to fill out our form instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes drains to clog most often?
Drains typically clog as a result of the buildup of everyday debris over time. For example, grease or small bits of food going down the kitchen sink will eventually clog the drain. Or, in the bathroom, things like hair and soap scum can do the same thing. Usually, clogs are the result of this kind of slow accumulation rather than one sudden event that stops the flow of water.
Why does hair create such stubborn bathroom clogs?
Hair doesn’t dissolve or break down in water over time. This means that once it gets tangled up with soap scum and other residue, it will form a dense mass that is stuck in the drain and unlikely to be washed away with water alone. Usually, hair clogs will need to be physically pulled up out of the drain to resolve the problem.
Why should grease never go down the kitchen sink?
When grease is hot, it is in liquid form, and it seems like it should flow down the drain just fine. However, when it cools, it becomes a solid. This means it will coat the interior walls of the pipe and narrow the space available for water and debris to pass by. Gradually, disposing of grease down the sink will build up layers until the drain is fully blocked.
Why are fibrous foods bad for kitchen drains?
The garbage disposal has a hard time properly breaking down fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, and corn husks. Often, they will simply wrap around the blades of the disposal, clogging it up and making those blades less effective at chopping up future foods. It’s best to avoid putting fibrous foods through your garbage disposal to keep it working well over the long run.
Can bar soap cause more buildup than liquid soap?
Bar soap usually has a higher fat content than liquid soap and, as a result, can produce more soap scum when mixed with the minerals naturally present in water. Over time, consistently using bar soap will increase your risk of clogs in your drains.
How does hard water affect household drains?
Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build up as scale inside your pipes and fixtures. Not only does this scale accumulation narrow the pipes, but it also offers a rough surface that is easier for soap scum and hair to attach to, which worsens the problem.
What causes a floor drain to become blocked?
Floor drains are commonly found in utility areas, so they are more likely to clog from dirt, lint, or mineral sediment. These drains aren’t used as often, so they don’t have the benefit of regular water flow to carry small bits of debris through the pipe.
Why do drains clog more often in older homes?
Older homes have older pipes, and those pipes have been doing their job for decades. That means there has been plenty of time for mineral scale to accumulate, and the pipes have likely narrowed significantly as a result. With a narrowed interior diameter and a rough surface from the buildup, it doesn’t take much to clog a drain in a typical older home in Maricopa County.
What is a belly or sag in a drain pipe?
The term “belly” is used to describe a low point in a horizontal drain pipe. This situation is often caused by an improper installation slope or by the ground settling. The problem with a belly or sag in your plumbing is that debris will tend to collect at this low point, meaning that section of the pipe is likely to clog regularly.
Can damaged sewer pipes cause recurring clogs?
Yes. When a sewer pipe is cracked, collapsed, or infiltrated by roots, these issues can block the flow of waste and paper. This leads to blockages that tend to happen over and over again at the same point in the line. The only lasting solution to this problem is to have the sewer pipe properly repaired or completely replaced.
What does a gurgling drain mean?
Gurgling occurs when air is trapped in a drain line and is forced back up through the water above it. This is usually because there is a blockage further down the line that is preventing normal airflow through the venting system. You should consider gurgling to be an early sign of a clog that is developing but hasn’t yet fully blocked the drain.
What should I do when a drain starts draining slowly?
If you notice a drain in your home getting slow, it’s likely that a clog is starting to form. At this point, the best approach is to use a mechanical drain tool or a plunger to address the problem. Avoid chemical drain cleaners whenever possible. If the slow drain returns shortly after you work on the clog, call John’s to have a professional plumber address the problem.
Can plunging make a drain clog worse?
In some cases, yes. Plunging can push clogs further into the pipe rather than clearing them, especially when the blockage is made up of a solid item (like a toy, for example). If plunging doesn’t clear the drain after a few attempts, stop and try another approach.
How often should I clean drain stoppers and strainers?
If possible, try to clean your bathroom stoppers once per week. Hair can accumulate quickly, so cleaning them regularly will keep you ahead of the game and make clogs less likely. For kitchen strainers, clean them out after every use so that material doesn’t get washed down into the pipe over time.
Can regular drain cleaning prevent major blockages?
Yes. Cleaning your drains on a consistent basis is a great way to prevent major clogs later on. You can use a drain stick to do this cleaning on your own, or you can have a plumber handle the task. Either way, the goal is to remove buildup before it accumulates enough to completely block a pipe.
Why does the same drain keep clogging?
If one of the drains in your home in Mesa or Chandler keeps clogging repeatedly, the problem might not be buildup. Instead, it could be a structural issue like a belly in the pipe, root intrusion, or corrosion. The best plan in this case is to call 480.649.1000 to schedule a professional inspection.
When should I stop using a clogged fixture?
If water has stopped draining entirely, quit using that fixture until the drainage issue can be resolved. Continuing to use the fixture while water won’t drain or is draining very slowly will risk overflow and water damage in your home.
When should I call a plumber instead of trying to clear the clog myself?
Call a plumber if a clog keeps returning quickly after you try to clear it yourself. Also, if you are dealing with a clog that affects more than one fixture, or if you notice a sewage odor in your home, the problem is likely too serious for any DIY method. The team at John’s will diagnose the issue and explain what needs to be done to restore your plumbing system to working order.