Clogged drains are an inconvenient problem that can develop into a serious threat to your home and your health. At the first sign of a clog or backup, you should call a Milltown Plumbing professional to assess the situation. When your wastewater can’t exit your property it will begin overflowing through your drains. This can lead to standing water, waste, and other contaminants in sinks, toilets, and showers. Not only is this unhealthy, but it can result in costly water damage as well.

Common Causes of Clogged Drains

Clogged drains can be a major inconvenience in your home. While they may not always be avoidable, it’s helpful to know what may be causing them in your home and on your property:

• Offset pipes. If your plumbing is old, it’s possible that over it may have shifted over time. When the ground moves around the pipes, their support structure changes. This can be caused by several things, like heavy rains or animals burrowing nearby. Old concrete and clay pipes are especially at risk of becoming offset.
• Tree roots. One of the most common causes of clogs is due to tree roots! As the roots grow, their search for nourishment continues. They need a source of water, and its likely that they will try and break into your pipes to get it! The larger the roots grow, the more damage they can cause to your pipes.
• Grease. Grease buildup happens very quickly. Typically introduced through a kitchen drain, grease cools and hardens on its way down your system. With every new layer that hardens, the diameter of your pipes constricts. As it sticks to the walls of your pipes, it can grab other debris on their way down and quickly cause a clog.
• Soap. You use some sort of soap in your bathrooms and laundry room. It accumulates over time and like grease, it can cause a blockage.

Items You Should Never Put Down Your Drains

One of the most common causes of clogged drains is foreign objects that get lodged in your pipes. Resisting the temptation to dump household wastes down the drain is difficult, but important. It seems so convenient just to pour that bacon grease into the sink after cooking breakfast, but doing so can have negative, long lasting results. Not to mention, fixing issues that may arise can be costly. Improper disposal of waste in your toilet or sink can result in clogs, backed up drains, or other malfunctions.  Here are some things that should never be introduced into your plumbing system: 

• Diapers, Flushable Wipes, and Feminine Hygiene Products
• Hair and Dental Floss
• Fats, Oils, and Grease
• Paper Towels, Cotton Balls, and Swabs
• Motor Oil, Transmission Fluid, and Anti-Freeze
• Coffee Grounds
• Egg Shells, Bones, or hard Foods
• Stickers or Band-Aids

We understand that accidents happen. In the event of a clog, don’t hesitate to call Milltown Plumbing. One of our trained professionals will be able to locate the source of the clog and get your plumbing back up and running in no time.

For all of your plumbing needs, call Milltown today! 

By Milltown Plumbing