As a new homeowner, I can tell you that things aren't always as simple as they appear. I started thinking about it a few years ago, and I realized that there were some serious problems with our plumbing system. We had issues with drains working correctly and toilets flushing like they should, so I started focusing more heavily on understanding the basics of our plumbing system. Within a few short months the entire system was operating more fluidly because of a few changes that I made, so I wanted to create a blog all about my journey. Check out these articles to learn more about the plumbing basics.
Understanding Plumbing Basics
What Causes The Backup In Your Bathroom?
Jorge Alexander
If you have noticed your bathroom drains becoming clogged more frequently lately, there could be a few reasons why. Anytime items go down the drain that are not meant to, you run the risk of experiencing some sort of clog. When you have issues with your pipes draining, it may be time to address the problem at its root: the cause.
1. Hair
Hair is the most common culprit when you are looking for the reason why your drains are clogged. When you wash your hair in the shower or shave and trim over the sink, hair goes down the drain. Over time, it can create a sort of nest that won't get moving down the drain as it should. Fortunately, you can help remedy this issue by purchasing and using a drain cover that will catch all this hair.
2. Soap Scum
Soap scum can cause a lot of problems when it works in conjunction with other objects, especially hair. It can create a sticky blockage that does not want to disperse with water. You may find that certain types of soaps work best at eliminating soap scum.
3. Old Pipes
In many cases, clogs in your drains are actually caused by the pipes themselves. The pipes may actually deteriorate from the inside out. In some cases, professionals may recommend using a product that encourages healthy bacteria growth to help these pipes stay in shape.
4. Foreign Objects
Foreign objects often get stuck further down the drain, and this happens much more often when you have small children and pets in the house. In some cases, people flush feminine pads, tampons, cotton swabs, contraception, and dental floss down the toilet. Baby wipes are also no-nos. Fortunately, it is easy to prevent this from happening again. The best thing to do is flush only toilet paper down the toilet.
5. Line Intrusions
It is also possible that there is something that has come through the main drain line further down the line. This is common with tree roots for example. Unfortunately, this is among the most expensive plumbing repairs. You may want to seek out several opinions if you receive this diagnosis.
Is it time to call a professional to clean out your drains? If you have already used the plunger or plumbing snake, this might be the case. There are only so many steps and precautions you can take at home.
Do you need to hire drain cleaning services? If so, click here!
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