January 26, 2023
If you’ve ever experienced a clogged drain, you know how annoying and inconvenient it can be. Unfortunately, failing to address a clog can have serious long-term implications for your plumbing system. In this blog post, we will discuss how neglecting a drain clog can affect your plumbing long-term and what you can do to prevent further damage.
When we think about a clogged drain, most of us think about hair or soap scum as the main culprits. While these can contribute to clogged drains, there are actually a lot of other factors that can cause your plumbing to become blocked. The most common type of clog is caused by debris like food scraps, toothpaste, and even minerals from hard water buildup. This debris can accumulate in your pipes, gradually narrowing them until water is completely blocked. In addition, large objects such as toys or jewelry can get stuck in drains, making it difficult for the water to flow through. Tree roots can also invade and damage sewer lines, creating blockages and backups. You may be able to recognize this problem if you notice that your drains take longer to empty than usual. Our Plumbing Today plumbers can identify the cause of the clog and help you determine the best course of action. Taking preventive measures like regularly running hot water down your drains, avoiding dumping food scraps or large objects down the toilet, and running a snake through your pipes every couple of years can help reduce the risk of clogs.
When a drain clog is ignored, the consequences can be serious. Left unchecked, a clogged drain can lead to a variety of plumbing problems, from reduced water pressure to flooding and sewage backups. A clog that is not addressed may also cause long-term damage to pipes due to the accumulation of waste. This build-up of residue and debris can erode the inner walls of your pipes, resulting in corrosion, leaks, or even bursting pipes. If a clog is left to fester, it can also become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, leading to foul odors or health hazards. Not only can this be unpleasant and unsanitary, but it could also put your family’s health at risk. Finally, ignoring a clogged drain can cause serious financial damage. Unresolved plumbing issues can lead to costly repairs that could easily have been avoided with proper maintenance.
For these reasons, it is important to address drain clogs as soon as possible in order to prevent any serious damage to your home’s plumbing system.
The first step when dealing with a clogged drain is to identify the source of the blockage. If the clog is located in the kitchen sink, it may be caused by debris that has been caught in the drain, such as food particles, soap scum, hair, or grease. If the clog is located in the bathroom sink, it could be due to toothpaste, hair, or soap scum. Once you have identified the source of the clog, you will need to remove it. You can try using a plunger, chemical drain cleaner, or an auger. If the clog is too severe for these methods, you can call our Plumbing Today team. Our team has specialized tools and techniques to remove clogs that are too severe for DIY methods.
How to Prevent Future Clogs
In most cases, the best thing you can do to prevent future clogs is to make sure that you are only putting biodegradable items down your drains. This includes avoiding pouring fats, oils, and grease down your drains as well as avoiding flushing paper towels and wipes down your toilets. Regularly cleaning out your drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar will also help to keep them clear of any build-up. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your plumbing system remains functioning properly and help avoid future issues with clogged drains. If you run into any issues our Plumbing Today team is here to help you get the BEST from your drains. Give us a call and our team would be more than happy to help you.