Why Do Drain Pipes Clog Up? | Tips for Prevention and Maintenance

The question you must always ask yourself is why do my drain pipes clog up? Your right it's never fun to have clogged drains, but inevitably it happens over time to mostly everyone. Debris of all kinds including scale, and all sorts of gunk gets built up inside drain pipes. Using store bought or home made chemicals down your drains will only make problems worse. The bottom line is that you have to enjoy what you have until a problem occurs. Knowing your property is also very important to understanding trends and signs of recurring issues. Water and drain lines wear out over time and need to be replaced. Having a plumber check out your plumbing once a year to make sure everything is in tip top shape is the best way to go. If the plumber suggests repair work, you should consider it. Having drains cleared out once a year is also the smart way to go before debris hardens to the pipe. 

Drain pipes can clog up due to various reasons, causing inconvenience and potential damage to your plumbing system. Understanding the common causes of drain clogs and implementing preventive measures can help you avoid these issues. Here are the top six reasons drain pipes clog up, along with tips for prevention and maintenance:

1. Accumulation of Hair and Soap Scum

• Cause: Hair and soap scum can accumulate over time, especially in bathroom drains, leading to blockages.
• Prevention: Use a drain strainer to catch hair and prevent it from going down the drain. Regularly clean drains with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to dissolve soap scum buildup.

2. Food Waste in Kitchen Drains

• Cause: Food particles, grease, and cooking oil can accumulate in kitchen drains, causing blockages.
• Prevention: Scrape food scraps into the trash before washing dishes. Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain, as they can solidify and cause clogs. Use a garbage disposal properly to break down food waste.

3. Toilet Paper and Non-Flushable Items

• Cause: Excessive use of toilet paper or flushing non-flushable items like wipes, cotton balls, and hygiene products can lead to toilet clogs.
• Prevention: Use toilet paper sparingly and avoid flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet. Provide a trash can in the bathroom for disposing of non-flushable items.

4. Tree Root Intrusion

• Cause: Tree roots can infiltrate sewer lines through small cracks or joints, causing blockages and damage to pipes.
• Prevention: Plant trees away from sewer lines to prevent root intrusion. Schedule regular professional inspections and root removal to prevent serious damage.

5. Mineral Buildup in Hard Water

• Cause: Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can accumulate in pipes and restrict water flow.
• Prevention: Install a water softener to reduce mineral buildup and prevent scale formation in pipes. Regularly clean fixtures and appliances affected by hard water buildup.

6. Foreign Objects and Debris

• Cause: Accidental flushing of foreign objects or debris down drains can lead to blockages.
• Prevention: Keep drains covered with screens or grates to prevent large objects from entering. Educate household members about what can and cannot be flushed down drains.

Call Ken's Sewer Service for all your clogged and slow drain issues.