At GR Plumbing, we know that clogged drains are one of the most frustrating plumbing problems homeowners face. Whether it’s a slow drain in your shower or a full-on blockage in your kitchen sink, it’s enough to disrupt your day. The good news? Understanding what causes these clogs can help prevent them. So, let’s dive into the top culprits behind clogged drains and how to deal with them the right way.
Prevent Costly Plumbing Issues by Addressing These Common Drain Blockages
Hair: Hair is a major offender, especially in the bathroom. It may seem harmless, but over time, hair collects and tangles in your pipes, mixing with soap and other debris to create stubborn clogs. You might notice your shower draining slower, and eventually, it can lead to a full blockage. At this point, it’s time to call us, GR Plumbing, to clear it up before it becomes a bigger problem.
Grease and Oil: Pouring grease or oil down the kitchen sink is a big no-no. When it cools, grease hardens in your pipes and creates a solid blockage that’s tough to break up. Even if you run hot water afterward, it’s not enough to keep your pipes clear. If your kitchen sink starts to drain slowly, it’s best to let us handle the greasy problem before it causes serious damage.
Soap Scum: Soap scum is one of those sneaky causes of clogged drains. It forms when soap mixes with hard water minerals, and over time, this gunk sticks to the insides of your pipes. If you’ve noticed a sluggish drain or strange odors from your bathroom sink or shower, soap scum could be the culprit. We recommend calling GR Plumbing to handle the buildup before it leads to a complete blockage.
Toilet Paper: Even though toilet paper is designed to dissolve, using too much of it or flushing thick varieties can lead to clogs. If you’ve noticed your toilet flushing slowly or backing up, it’s probably time to take action. Don’t worry—our team is here to help you clear the issue before it gets messy!
Tree Roots: Yes, tree roots can cause clogs, and this problem is especially common in older homes. Roots naturally seek out moisture, and if there’s a small crack in your sewer line, they’ll push right in, causing blockages or even damage to your pipes. This is not something you want to tackle on your own! Let us handle it with our professional tools and expertise.
Common Clog Causes:
Hair buildup in bathrooms
Grease and oil solidifying in kitchen pipes
Soap scum sticking to the walls of drains
Excessive toilet paper use
Tree roots invading sewer lines
Foreign Objects: We’ve seen everything from toys to jewelry clogging drains. Even small items can create big problems when they get lodged in your plumbing. If something accidentally goes down the drain and you’re not sure how to retrieve it, give us a call. We have the tools to safely remove it and save your pipes from damage.
Clogged drains are a hassle, but they don’t have to be. By knowing what causes them, you can take steps to prevent the most common issues from happening in the first place. However, if you find yourself facing a stubborn blockage, don’t hesitate to get professional help. At GR Plumbing, we’ve got the experience and tools to tackle any clog, big or small, and we’re just a phone call away.
Got a clogged drain? Let the experts at GR Plumbing in Los Angeles take care of it for you! Reach out to us today to schedule your service.
