Why Do My Drains Keep Clogging?
Are you dealing with one toilet clog after another? Or is your kitchen sink drain clogging more often than it should be?
A clogged drain is never convenient!
You want to keep all your Sand Springs, home’s plumbing equipment in good shape for your comfort, convenience, health, and safety.
Our plumbing professionals place great emphasis on your well-being. We offer trusted plumbing installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance services to residents throughout Osage County.
Whether you’re dealing with a clogged drain, burst pipe, or sewer line problem, Air Solutions professionals are here for you. We can take care of any plumbing problem or concern and work hard to help prevent issues from occurring in the first place. Give us a call!
What Causes Clogged Drains?
Clogged drains can happen to anyone—and they tend to occur at the most inconvenient times. But if your drains are clogging repeatedly, it’s important to get to the root of the issue. Understanding the most common causes of clogged drains can help you avoid major plumbing problems down the road.
Kitchen Drain Clogs
One of the most common causes of a kitchen drain clog is too much food getting stuck in your drain. It’s easy to think that a little leftover pasta or cooking oil won’t hurt, but these small remnants can build up into a major blockage over time.
Avoid pouring oil, coffee grounds, bones, eggshells, and other tough foods (or non-food items like paint) down your kitchen sink. These materials don’t break down easily and can stick to the walls of your pipes, reducing flow and eventually causing a clog.
Also, be mindful of how you use your garbage disposal. While it’s designed to help you blend food waste into something that can flow more easily through pipes, it’s not indestructible or infallible. Large quantities of fibrous vegetables, potato peels, or pasta can overload the system and lead to a blockage.
Toilet Clogs
Toilet clogs are another frequent headache for homeowners. Flushing foreign objects and other non-flushable items can cause immediate blockages or long-term buildup in your plumbing system.
Avoid flushing wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, and other paper items into your plumbing system—even if the labeling claims they are flushable. Most so-called “flushable” products don’t disintegrate the same way toilet paper does, and they can cause problems in both your household pipes and municipal sewer systems.
If your toilet is older or inefficient, you might be more prone to clogs simply due to reduced flushing power. Upgrading your toilet can reduce the chances of a clog—and help you save money too. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports the average homeowner could save about $140 per year by replacing an outdated toilet with a more water-efficient model.
Bathtub and Shower Drain Clogs
The bathtub and shower drain often clogs due to a buildup of dirt, soap scum, and hair.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), the average person sheds approximately 50 to 100 strands of hair a day.
Imagine how much of this ends up in your tub or shower—it’s no wonder your drain gets clogged! The hair catches on the insides of the drainpipe and combines with soap and other debris, forming a sludgy mass that slows down or blocks water flow entirely.
How to Prevent Drain Clogs
Clogged drains don’t have to be a regular part of your routine. By adopting a few good habits and scheduling routine maintenance, you can keep your plumbing system flowing smoothly.
Be Careful About What Goes Down the Drain
Try to be conscious of everything from the products you use in the shower to the amount of food left on your dishes when you place them in the sink. Scrape plates into the trash before rinsing them, and install drain strainers to catch food particles and hair before they enter your pipes.
Regularly Clean Your Drains
Scrub your bathtub and shower floors and drains frequently to break up any buildup. If you have a garbage disposal, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. You can also freshen your kitchen drain by occasionally flushing it with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water.
Wash your kitchen sink and drains routinely. Remove any accumulation of food, debris, and scum caught in and around your kitchen sink strainer or stopper.
Schedule Routine Professional Plumbing Maintenance
Keeping your plumbing appliances and fixtures in top condition includes scheduling regular maintenance visits. Our Air Solutions professionals can inspect your plumbing components—from drains to water heaters to sewer lines. If we uncover any problems, we’ll inform you and offer a solution to restore your plumbing in no time.
A clogged drain might be more than just a minor annoyance—it could be the symptom of a bigger problem. Frequently clogged drains may indicate an issue with your home’s main sewer line or vent system. If you suspect this might be the case, don’t wait—get in touch with a professional plumber right away.
Turn to Our Plumbing Professionals in Osage County Today
When it comes to your Sand Springs, OK, home’s plumbing system, the Air Solutions experts are ready to step in. We know how frustrating it can be to deal with repeated drain clogs—and we’re here to offer lasting solutions.
Whether you need a quick drain cleaning or a full sewer line inspection, our team is here to help. Call us today at 918-517-6324 or request service online. Let us keep your plumbing system flowing smoothly so you can enjoy peace of mind in your home.