A clogged bathroom drain can be anything from a mild annoyance to a major disaster. Left untreated, a clogged drain leads to serious plumbing problems that will cost time and money you don’t want to spend. Once you know the common causes for clogged drains and how to avoid them, you can spend more time enjoying your bathroom and kitchen and less time worrying about your plumbing bill.
Signs of a Clogged Drain
If you suspect your drain is clogged, look for these signs:
Water drains more slowly than usual from your shower or bathtub.
Your toilet bowl bubbles when the sink is running.
You hear gurgling sounds, especially from washing machines and dishwashers, but also other appliances with a drain.
You smell rotting food in your garbage disposal or kitchen sink.
You see puddles of water around appliances with drains.
Causes of Clogged Drains
Drains clog for several reasons. To avoid clogs, make sure you follow these tips:
Clean Pipes and Drains Regularly
Ensure your drains are cleaned regularly. Often, clogs occur after years of buildup in drains or pipes. Drains are particularly vulnerable during winter when water is more likely to back up and freeze inside pipes. If you live in a cold climate, wrap your pipes after cleaning to keep them from freezing. Use drain cleaners that eliminate minerals such as calcium and rust; these are often the culprits behind clogged drains. Invest in a “snake,” a tool that can help you remove hair and other solid waste from your drains.
Flush Only Waste Down the Toilet
People often carelessly flush things down the toilet that should not be flushed. This can be anything from cat litter to random small objects. Do not flush anything except waste and toilet paper. This can cause backups, poor flushing, toilet overflows, and clogged toilets.
Be Careful When Cleaning Your Pets
Most pet owners prefer giving their dogs or cats baths inside, especially in winter. This is fine, but pet hair can gum up the drain, especially if your pet has a long coat or squirms during bath time. Buy a strainer that will help remove pet hair from your tub or shower. Make sure you brush your pet before bath time to avoid matting and large clumps of hair. Additionally, keep floor drains secure, especially if you have small pets. This will keep their hair – and the pets – out of the drain.
Check for Cracks
Leaks cause plenty of clogged drains, and most homeowners don’t find them until severe damage is done. Check regularly for leaks in your kitchen, bathroom, and other areas with drains. Look carefully at the nuts and bolts on the seals of your toilets and sinks. Check for cracks on the plastic flange under the base of the toilet bowl. Broken flanges, nuts, and bolts should be replaced immediately. In some cases, you may need a plumber to replace your entire ballcock assembly.
If you have a clogged drain or other plumbing problem, please contact The Eco Plumbers for more information today.
