Why Is My Drain Always Clogged? The Real Reasons No One Talks About

Clogged drains are very repetitive and cause trouble for local residents. It disrupts their daily routines and leads them to expensive repairs. These blocked drains are often related to everyday soap, grease, and hair, but many other lesser-known causes exist. 

These culprits can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. From the massively spread invasion of tree roots to the impact of certain household objects, clogged drains have many hidden causes. 

This article will explore the commonly ignored reasons behind these blockages and provide a few tips. These will help you learn how to get rid of blockages and ensure your home remains free from such issues in the future.

Tree Roots: The Underground Trouble

Tree roots are a major cause of clogged drains in older homes, with a lot of vegetation around them. As these trees grow, their roots also start spreading below the ground and can enter the sewage pipes. Once the roots penetrate into these pipelines or any part of the plumbing system, the damage begins. 

The tree roots keep growing and eventually end up blocking the flow of water, which leads to clogging. You can also hear gurgling sounds from underground pipes, lower water pressure, and slow water drainage. 

Tip: You cannot deal with tree roots alone, so you should consider hiring plumbing professionals. These skilled plumbers conduct video inspections and can identify potential issues. They also carry advanced tools and hydrojetting equipment to assist with tree root removal from the pipes. 

Oil, Grease, and Food Wastes: The Kitchen Reasons

Your kitchen is one of the most common spots associated with clogged drains. Oil, fat, grease, and food waste are the reasons for this. As you throw the hot oil or grease into the sink, these enter the pipes, cool down, and get solidified. These then stick to the walls of the pipe, trap debris, and form a very stubborn clog.

Tip: You can prevent this by wiping grease before rinsing pans and regularly pouring hot water into the drains and pipes. It helps by keeping pipes clear of any oil or grease.

Sanitary Products: Not Everything is Flushable

On a daily basis, we encounter many people who think that every sanitary product can be flushed. But, this is a common misconception that leads to clogged drains. The items like wipes or cotton pads are often flushed into the toilets, leading to blockages. 

Unlike toilet paper, these products do not break down, and get collected at the bottom, causing blockages. The misconception that these items are safe to flush can lead to severe plumbing issues over time.

Tip: Make sure to be responsible while you dispose of sanitary waste. This easy tip can save you from a nightmare. For small blockages, you can use the toilet plunger. But, if the clogged drain is severe, then seek professional help from reliable companies like Distinct Plumbing. 

Soap and Hair Scum: The Bathroom Culprits

Soap and hair scum are yet another common cause of bathroom drain clogging. Hair gets entangled with soap scum, forming frothy blockages that restrict water flow. Regular cleaning of drains can help avoid this issue.

Tip: Use a drain screen to catch hair before it goes down the drain. This easy and cost-effective product can very easily reduce the risk of clogs. Consider contacting a professional to completely clear the drains if the blockage is persistent.

Inappropriate Pipes: Plumbing Design Issue

If your house's pipes are too small, they get overloaded due to excessive household demands. When installing pipes, it is essential to make sure they are the proper size. 

The right size pipes lessen the chance of overloading and future expensive repairs. Homeowners may avoid a lot of future problems by getting this right when upgrading internal plumbing.

Tip: Ensure that the plumbing pipes installed are sufficient for your everyday demands. A properly planned plumbing system leads to no problems in the long run. Regularly inspect the plumbing system for signs of overload. If pipes are found to be misaligned or undersized, consider upgrading them. 

Outside Waste: Leaves and Twigs

Outdoor drains can become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, especially during autumn. Regular maintenance of gutters and outdoor drains is crucial to prevent these blockages.

Tip: Regularly clean gutters and outdoor drains to ensure they remain clear. You can install sink guards to prevent this waste from entering the drain pipes. This simple solution can prevent many outdoor drainage issues. If outdoor drains are severely clogged, consider hiring a professional to thoroughly clean them.

Protect The Plumbing System Going Forward

Clogged drains are not just an inconvenience; they can lead to significant plumbing issues if not addressed on time. By understanding the lesser-known causes of clogged drains and taking preventive measures, homeowners can reduce the likelihood of these problems. 

Regular maintenance, responsible waste disposal, and professional inspections are key to maintaining a healthy plumbing system. Whether it's tree roots, sanitary products, or incorrectly sized pipes, being aware of these hidden culprits can save you from potential trouble. 

For a stress-free plumbing experience, consider partnering with our experts at Distinct Plumbing to ensure your home's pipes remain clear all year round.