A clogged drain is never fun to deal with, and can cause serious damage to your septic system and the interior of your home, as well. As experts in septic cleanup in Bethel, OH for 75 years, we at Gullett Sanitation Services Inc. have seen a lot of drain problems and have come to know the biggest culprits for backed up systems.
If your pipes are draining slowly, water is pooling, you smell foul odors or there are chunks of debris coming back up your pipes, you likely have a clogged drain on your hands. Here are some of the most common things that cause clogged drains and how you can make sure your pipes stay clean and clog-free.
Biggest clog culprits
In order to adequately address the problem, you’ll need to know what exactly is clogging your drain. What the drain is used for can be a big clue as to what might be clogging it. Here are some of the most common clog-causers:
- Food particles: Probably the most common cause of kitchen sink clogs, large particles of food become trapped in your drains and back the system up. Eggshells, vegetable peels and absorbent foods like pasta are the biggest culprits here.
- Fat, oil and grease clogs: Also known as a “FOG” clog, fat, oil and grease clogs build up over time and are the leading cause of clogged kitchen sinks. Because of their liquid state while warm, many people pour grease and fats down the sink. As they cool, the fats harden, forming a layer around your pipes and slowly building until a large clog is formed.
- Hair: Anyone with long hair knows the struggle of dealing with bathroom sinks and shower drains that are clogged with hair. Although hair washes down the drain easily with water, it gets trapped and forms large clumps that eventually clog your pipes.
- Soap scum: Residue from soaps can coat the interior of your pipes and cause clogs, similarly to FOG clogs. Soap scum clogs can actually corrode your pipes if not taken care of quickly.
How to avoid a clogged drain
Although some clogs are more difficult to avoid than others, there are steps you can take to prevent them from plaguing your septic system. First and most obvious, just be careful about what you put down the drain! Make sure to avoid putting clog-causing foods and other materials down your drains.
Also, run hot water down your drain after each use. This helps to flush any potential clogs away. You also may want to add a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to your sink-cleaning routine once a month to keep the pipes clear.
Finally, try using a pop-up stopper or filter on your sink and tub drains to catch any loose particles or hair and prevent them from being flushed down the drain. Always empty these in the trash after each use.
If you have an issue with your septic system, call Gullett Sanitation Services Inc. For 75 years, we’ve been the local experts in wastewater services, tackling all challenges from dewatering of sludge and slurries to service and repairs on residential sewer systems. Our professional septic cleanup in Bethel, OH is fast and reliable, so give us a call today—we look forward to assisting you!