When people imagine a drain becoming clogged, it’s common for them to picture something happening suddenly. One item got washed down the sink or the tub drain, and now it’s completely blocked! But this is actually not the way that most drain clogs happen.
Instead, drain clogs are usually things that accumulate gradually. A little bit of buildup at a time can lead to a completely blocked drain pipe or sewer line. We’ll tell you all about the various things that can accumulate slowly, leading to clogged drains. You might be able to avoid the clogs entirely!
FOG
To a plumber, FOG is not low-lying clouds that obstruct your vision when you’re trying to drive early in the morning. No, it’s an acronym that stands for Fats, Oils, and Grease. These things get washed down the kitchen sink a little at a time, and they seem like liquid when they go down. But once they get cold, oh, my! They become very solid, like a stick of butter straight from the fridge.
Because a little bit at a time will add up to a big problem, you need to stop putting those small amounts of grease down your sink. When you have fat such as meat grease, cheese, butter, or oil on your dishes, give them a quick wipe with a paper towel. The paper towel goes in the trash, and the FOG won’t go down your drain.
Hair
More common in bathroom drains than kitchen sinks, hair slides easily into pipes but won’t dissolve or break down for a very long time. A little bit at a time can turn into a tangle that leaves you standing in dirty water that won’t drain when you’re taking your shower!
A cheap plastic drain snake with little hooks might be able to solve the problem, but it would be more pleasant to simply avoid this issue to begin with. Use a mesh drain cover to catch as much hair as possible, and make sure you empty it frequently.
Soap Scum
This unpleasant substance, much like FOG, can wash down the drain as a liquid but solidify inside the pipes. If you’ve ever let your shower go a little too long between cleanings, you know just how this stuff hardens. And it can make it easier for hair to get caught and cause clogs, too.
The same mesh drain cover will help reduce the amount of soap scum that makes it down your drain. Occasionally pouring a kettle of boiling water down your drain can help, too. But how can you make it so your soap doesn’t create as much scum? By making sure your water is soft enough.
Hard Water
Hard water prevents soap from lathering as well as it should, creating more soap scum. It also deposits thin layers of minerals on the inside of your pipes, and these layers gradually thicken, narrowing and eventually blocking the drains. You may need hydro-jetting to get rid of it, and a plumber can answer questions about whether your home should have a water-softening system.
We’re happy to help resolve any problems these types of slow buildup have caused. Reach out right away for drain cleaning services in Manassas, VA.
AllTech Services, Inc. is your trusted resource for all your plumbing concerns. Contact us today!