Why Is My Drain Clogged?

Slow draining sink? This is a common household problem — but what is it that causes your sink to drain slowly in the first place? There are several different reasons why you might be stuck with a clogged drain, but here are the most common.

Common Causes of Clogged Drains:

• Tree Roots – Many homeowners don’t realize that deep rooted trees planted too close to your plumbing pipes can actually cause a clogged drain. This is especially true for homes with older plumbing systems. If there is a crack in your plumbing, the roots will seek out the water and grow into your pipes, as it is a source of water for the plant.
• Grease – After cooking dinner, you’ll want to make sure that you are disposing of leftover grease in the garbage — not your sink! Although it may look like a liquid, grease hardens as it cools, sticking to the sides of your plumbing drain.
• Soap – We all use soap when we wash our hands or shower, but although soap is designed to be used with water, it can combine with hard water and leave residue on the sides of your plumbing pipes. This restricts the flow of water through your system, leading to a slow drain.
• Hair – Hair is one of the most common causes of clogged drains. It’s important to have a catcher in your drain to keep hair from falling down your drain. If it goes into your drain, the clumps can cause a clog.

If you find yourself with a slow draining sink, give our plumbing technicians here at Dean’s Professional Plumbing, Heating, Air & Drains a call. We are here to help all Twin City area homeowners with their home plumbing and drain cleaning needs. Visit our website to learn more about our plumbing services, including our drain services — or give our office a call directly to schedule an appointment.