10 Common Causes of Blocked Drains and How to Fix Them
By Apex Plumbing Services|August 05, 2022
If you're like most homeowners, you probably don't think about your drains until they start backing up. And unfortunately, by that point it's often too late - the water has already started flowing over the toilet or pooling in the basement.
If you want to prevent a plumbing disaster, it's important to know what can cause your drains to become blocked in the first place.
Here are 10 common causes of drainage problems, along with tips on how to fix them.
1. Plumbing issues
One of the most common causes of blocked drains is plumbing issues. This can include anything from a build-up of hair and grease in your pipes to tree roots growing into your sewer line. If you suspect that there is a problem with your plumbing, it's important to call a professional plumber as soon as possible to have the issue resolved.
2. Clogged garbage disposal
Clogged garbage disposal is another common cause of blocked drains. If you have a garbage disposal, be sure to use it properly and avoid putting any hard or large items down the drain. To unclog a garbage disposal, you can try using a plunger or an auger. If these methods don't work, you may need to call a plumber.
3. Build-up of soap scum
Soap scum can build up in your drains over time and cause them to become blocked. To prevent this from happening, use a drain cover or screen to catch any soap scum before it has a chance to enter your drain. You can also try using a CLR or similar product to clean out your drains periodically.
4. Food scraps
Another common cause of blocked drains is food scraps. When cooking, it's important to avoid putting any food scraps down the drain, as they can quickly build up and cause a blockage. Instead, scrape any food scraps into the trash can.
5. Grease
Grease is another common cause of blocked drains. When cooking, it's important to avoid pouring any grease down the drain, as it can solidify and cause a blockage. Instead, wipe up any grease with a paper towel and throw it in the trash.
6. Hair
Hair is another common cause of blocked drains. If you have long hair, be sure to tie it back when showering to avoid any hair from going down the drain. You can also try using a drain cover or screen to catch any hair before it has a chance to enter your drain.
7. Tree roots
Tree roots are another common cause of blocked drains. If you have tree roots growing near your sewer line, they can eventually grow into the line and cause a blockage. If you suspect that tree roots are causing your drain issues, it's important to call a plumber or other professional to have the issue resolved.
8. Foreign objects
Another common cause of blocked drains is foreign objects. This can include anything from children's toys to jewellery. If you suspect that there is a foreign object blocking your drain, it's important to call a plumber or other professional to have the issue resolved.
9. Toilet paper
Too much toilet paper is another common cause of blocked drains. If you find that your toilet is frequently becoming clogged, it's important to cut back on the amount of toilet paper you're using. Instead of using a lot of TP at once, try tearing off small pieces as you need them.
10. Flushing non-flushable
Finally, flushing non-flushable items is another common cause of blocked drains. This can include anything from paper towels to sanitary pads. If you must flush something that isn't meant to be flushed, it's important to call a plumber or other professional to have the issue resolved.
If you're experiencing blocked drains, there are a few things you can do to try and resolve the issue on your own. However, if the problem persists, it's important to call a professional plumber to have the issue resolved. Ignoring a blocked drain can lead to serious problems, so it's always best to err on the side of caution.
If you want to prevent a plumbing disaster, it's important to know what can cause your drains to become blocked in the first place.
Here are 10 common causes of drainage problems, along with tips on how to fix them.
1. Plumbing issues
One of the most common causes of blocked drains is plumbing issues. This can include anything from a build-up of hair and grease in your pipes to tree roots growing into your sewer line. If you suspect that there is a problem with your plumbing, it's important to call a professional plumber as soon as possible to have the issue resolved.
2. Clogged garbage disposal
Clogged garbage disposal is another common cause of blocked drains. If you have a garbage disposal, be sure to use it properly and avoid putting any hard or large items down the drain. To unclog a garbage disposal, you can try using a plunger or an auger. If these methods don't work, you may need to call a plumber.
3. Build-up of soap scum
Soap scum can build up in your drains over time and cause them to become blocked. To prevent this from happening, use a drain cover or screen to catch any soap scum before it has a chance to enter your drain. You can also try using a CLR or similar product to clean out your drains periodically.
4. Food scraps
Another common cause of blocked drains is food scraps. When cooking, it's important to avoid putting any food scraps down the drain, as they can quickly build up and cause a blockage. Instead, scrape any food scraps into the trash can.
5. Grease
Grease is another common cause of blocked drains. When cooking, it's important to avoid pouring any grease down the drain, as it can solidify and cause a blockage. Instead, wipe up any grease with a paper towel and throw it in the trash.
6. Hair
Hair is another common cause of blocked drains. If you have long hair, be sure to tie it back when showering to avoid any hair from going down the drain. You can also try using a drain cover or screen to catch any hair before it has a chance to enter your drain.
7. Tree roots
Tree roots are another common cause of blocked drains. If you have tree roots growing near your sewer line, they can eventually grow into the line and cause a blockage. If you suspect that tree roots are causing your drain issues, it's important to call a plumber or other professional to have the issue resolved.
8. Foreign objects
Another common cause of blocked drains is foreign objects. This can include anything from children's toys to jewellery. If you suspect that there is a foreign object blocking your drain, it's important to call a plumber or other professional to have the issue resolved.
9. Toilet paper
Too much toilet paper is another common cause of blocked drains. If you find that your toilet is frequently becoming clogged, it's important to cut back on the amount of toilet paper you're using. Instead of using a lot of TP at once, try tearing off small pieces as you need them.
10. Flushing non-flushable
Finally, flushing non-flushable items is another common cause of blocked drains. This can include anything from paper towels to sanitary pads. If you must flush something that isn't meant to be flushed, it's important to call a plumber or other professional to have the issue resolved.
If you're experiencing blocked drains, there are a few things you can do to try and resolve the issue on your own. However, if the problem persists, it's important to call a professional plumber to have the issue resolved. Ignoring a blocked drain can lead to serious problems, so it's always best to err on the side of caution.
