Clogged drains are one of the most common problems homeowners encounter with their plumbing. Over time, debris builds up inside your home's drain pipes—both localized drain pipes for specific features and your home's main drain. See which of these common drain clog issues may sound familiar:
- FOG buildup: Fats, oils, and grease will coat the inside of your pipes, and they can build up in layers over time, narrowing your pipes and making it much more likely for other things to clog up your drains. Good solutions are regularly getting your kitchen drain cleaned and disposing of FOG in your trash.
- Hair and soap: Clogs can develop in shower and sink drains from soap, lotions, and hair that fall into them. Blocking the drains with hair traps can minimize the risk of clogs.
- Clogs developing in toilets: Large amounts of toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, and wipes—even wipes marked as flushable—can clog toilet drains. With low-flow toilets that can't properly push things through the entire drain length, you may experience frequent clogs and buildup. Teaching your home's occupants about what can and can't be flushed will go a long way in minimizing emergencies.
- Tree roots: However, not all clogs are entirely preventable. If your home has large trees, the roots can try to pry into the joints of your main drain line to access the water and nutrients. These roots can clog the pipe on their own or make it more likely for the buildup to get stuck. The problem is compounded in Texas areas with severe droughts or if your home has old cast iron pipes.
Good habits and routine cleanings will work together to keep your drains clean. Your plumber can also provide early warning of developing pipe cracks or serious obstructions they see along the way.
Signs of a Clogged Drain
You likely won't be able to access the clog, especially if it's deep in the drain. However, there are some signs of clogged drains you can monitor to stay ahead of the problem:
- Drains that drain slowly
- Gurgling sounds in your drains
- Unpleasant sour or musty smells
- Drain flies or other pests
- Frequently having to fix shallow clogs
If you notice any of these signs, don't wait. A professional can provide plumbing and drain cleaning to solve the problem or troubleshoot deeper issues.
Professional Drain Cleaning Services
We provide different drain cleaning services at 1-800-Plumber +Air in New Braunfels, Texas. Choose from:
- Clogged drain cleaning for breaking up clogs in specific drains
- Main drain cleaning to thoroughly clean your home's main line
- Emergency drain services for clogs and sewage backup
- Line scoping to uncover potential cracks and tree roots leading to clogs in your main drain
