Understanding Why Your Drain May Be Clogging

At Beaches Plumbing, located in the vibrant Beaches and Scarborough areas, we often address the common issue of clogged drains. Understanding why your drains clog can help you prevent future plumbing problems and maintain a smoothly functioning home. Let’s delve into some of the most frequent reasons drains clog and how you can potentially resolve or prevent these issues.

1. Hair Buildup

Hair is a primary culprit in bathroom drain clogs, particularly in showers and bathroom sinks.

Solution: Installing hair catchers or strainers in your drains can significantly reduce the amount of hair that goes down the drain. Regularly cleaning these devices will help keep water flowing freely.

2. Grease and Oil

Kitchen sinks often clog due to fats, oils, and grease being washed down the drain. These substances stick to the inside of drainpipes and harden, gradually narrowing the drain’s diameter.

Solution: Never pour grease down the drain. Instead, dispose of it in the trash. For existing grease buildups, drain cleaning services from Beaches Plumbing can effectively remove these stubborn clogs.

3. Food Waste

Even with garbage disposals, certain types of food waste should not be disposed of down the drain. Items like coffee grounds, eggshells, and starchy foods can create blockages.

Solution: Use sink strainers to catch food particles and dispose of them in the compost or trash. Regular maintenance of your garbage disposal can also help prevent buildup. 

4. Foreign Objects

Non-flushable items such as wipes, dental floss, and sanitary products can severely block drains if flushed down toilets.

Solution: Ensure only human waste and toilet paper go down your toilets. Providing a bin in the bathroom for disposing of other items can help enforce this rule.

5. Mineral Buildup

In areas with hard water, minerals dissolved in the water can deposit inside pipes, gradually leading to a reduction in pipe diameter and water flow.


Solution: Installing a water softener can reduce mineral buildup in your plumbing. If buildup is already a problem, professional hydro jetting services from Beaches Plumbing can clear these deposits effectively.

6. Tree Roots

Tree roots can grow into sewer lines, seeking moisture. Once inside, they can cause severe blockages and even pipe damage.

 

Solution: Regular sewer line inspections can catch and address root invasions early. In cases of severe intrusion, more extensive repairs may be necessary.

When to Call the Professionals at Beaches Plumbing

While preventative measures can reduce the likelihood of clogs, some situations require professional intervention:

  • Persistent slow drains despite attempts to clear them.
  • Multiple clogged drains, which could indicate a problem with the sewer line.
  • Overflowing sewage, which is a health hazard.

For professional assessment and addressing of deep-seated or complex clogging issues, contact Beaches Plumbing. Our licensed professionals use advanced techniques and equipment to diagnose and resolve drainage problems efficiently, ensuring your plumbing system operates optimally.

For more tips on maintaining your plumbing system or to learn about common plumbing issues, visit our blog. Beaches Plumbing is committed to delivering expert plumbing solutions that ensure the comfort and safety of your home.