The average American family of four uses about 400 gallons of water every day. However, all water usage comes to a stop when you have a clogged drain.
Whether it’s a sink, toilet, or shower, there’s nothing more stomach sinking than seeing the water accumulate and not flow down the drain.
Slow drainage is a sure sign of a clog somewhere in the system. This guide will show you some common reasons for clogged drains and what to do about them.
Hair Clog
Hair is one of the most common culprits of clogged drains. It wraps around itself, gets caught on the inside of the pipes, and gums up with sticky substances. If you have long hair, this becomes an even greater issue.
You can address most hair clogs yourself. Take out the drain strainer and use needle-nose pliers to pull the hair out.
For hair clogs further down the line, use a hair hook or drain snake to hook on the hairball and pull the clog out.
Prevent future hair clogs by using screen guards on all of your drains. These will catch the hair before enters the plumbing system.
Grease and Food Buildup
Your kitchen is the biggest victim of food scrap buildup. Drainage problems occur when you pour grease down the sink drain.
This combines with food scraps to create a blockage. You can clear it out with a homemade cleaning solution. Mix a half cup of each: salt, baking soda, and vinegar.
Pour the mixture down the drain and allow it to sit for at least 20 minutes. Boil water and pour it down the drain next.
Let it sit for at least three minutes before testing to see if the drain is clear. You may need to repeat the process if your drain partially clears.
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Sewer Line Clog from Tree Roots
Sometimes the clog is further along in the system and the cause of something beyond your control. Tree roots spread out in search of water and moisture. A tiny leak in your pipes can attract tree roots.
As the tree grows, the roots become stronger and will enter your plumbing lines. This eventually creates a clog as the tree roots take up the entire space in the pipe.
You’ll need to call in the professionals like this company. You can avoid having tree issues by not planting large trees too close to your plumbing lines and home.
Fix Your Slow Drainage
Most of the time, slow drainage is the sign of a clog somewhere in the system. These are simple drainage issues that you can fix yourself.
However, sometimes that slow drain is a sign of a bigger problem, such as a sewer line blockage.
This guide will help you get started fixing your drainage problem. Start by locating the drains that are slow. Then tracing back to the source of the problem. If you’re struggling, it’s better to call in the professionals.
Browse our other home improvement articles for more tips and advice on maintaining your home.
