{"id":3732,"date":"2015-11-25T06:40:22","date_gmt":"2015-11-25T06:40:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/geteco.com\/?p=3732"},"modified":"2024-05-14T10:31:01","modified_gmt":"2024-05-14T10:31:01","slug":"common-causes-of-clogged-bathroom-drains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/geteco.com\/blog\/common-causes-of-clogged-bathroom-drains\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Causes of Clogged Bathroom Drains"},"content":{"rendered":"
A\u00a0clogged bathroom drain\u00a0can be anything from a mild annoyance to a major disaster. Left untreated, a\u00a0clogged drain\u00a0leads to serious plumbing problems that will cost time and money you don\u2019t want to spend. Once you know the common causes for\u00a0clogged drains\u00a0and how to avoid them, you can spend more time enjoying your\u00a0bathroom and kitchen<\/a>\u00a0and less time worrying about your plumbing bill.<\/p>\n Signs of a Clogged Drain<\/strong> Water drains more slowly than usual from your shower or bathtub. Clean Pipes and Drains\u00a0Regularly<\/strong> Flush Only Waste Down the Toilet<\/strong> Be Careful When Cleaning Your Pets<\/strong> Check for Cracks<\/strong>
\nIf you suspect your drain is clogged, look for these signs:<\/p>\n
\nYour toilet bowl bubbles when the sink is running.
\nYou hear gurgling sounds, especially from washing machines and dishwashers, but also other appliances with a drain.
\nYou smell rotting food in your\u00a0garbage disposal or kitchen sink.
\nYou see puddles of water around appliances with drains.
\nCauses of Clogged Drains
\nDrains clog for several reasons. To avoid clogs, make sure you follow these tips:<\/p>\n
\nEnsure 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 \u201csnake,\u201d a tool that can help you remove hair and other solid waste from your drains.<\/p>\n
\nPeople 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.<\/p>\n
\nMost 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 \u2013 and the pets \u2013 out of the drain.<\/p>\n
\nLeaks cause plenty of\u00a0clogged drains, and most homeowners don\u2019t 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<\/a> to replace your entire ballcock assembly.<\/p>\n