Clogged drains are an unfortunate reality of life for many people across the Lowcountry area every day. While a clogged drain doesn’t always indicate serious plumbing issues, it’s never fun to deal with one yourself — and if they happen frequently, you might actually have a plumbing problem.
Throughout our time providing plumbing services in Charleston, SC, we’ve seen almost anything that can fit down a drain lodged into a pipe or stuck in a trap. Have you ever wondered about the most common causes of clogged drains? You’re in the right place. Here are the eight most common types of drain clogs — as well as information about how serious they are and if you should call a professional plumber to help you out.
Bathroom Trash
So-called “flushable” wipes are the furthest thing from easy on your plumbing system. In fact, there’s really no such thing as a flushable wipe. Bathroom trash of any kind should never be placed down the toilet or any other drain since it clogs pipes. This means that…
- Paper towels
- Feminine hygiene products
- Wet wipes (yes, even the “flushable” ones)
- Diapers or changing supplies
- Wrappers or other small trash items
- Cat litter, animal waste, etc.
…also don’t belong in the toilet. The only things that should end up in your toilet are human waste and toilet paper — nothing else.
Small Objects
Kids love to investigate new situations, which is great most of the time…but sometimes, it leads to catastrophe. If your child has flushed a toy or other small object down the toilet or stuffed it down the bathroom sink, you may very well end up with a clogged drain. If you can’t get the object out yourself, it’s time to call a plumber for service.
Hair
Have you ever dealt with a clogged shower drain? If you can’t seem to get that hot water to successfully drain out of your tub, you know how annoying this issue is. One of the most frequent reasons for tub drain clogs is excessive hair stuck in the drain. If any members of your household have long, luxurious locks, you may need to snake your drain regularly or consider installing a drain protector to prevent this problem from recurring. Pet hair can block drains, too, so always clean out the drain after giving Fido a bath.
Food Waste
The most common culprit of kitchen sink clogs is exactly what you might have suspected: food waste. Never put bones, eggshells, vegetable peels, coffee grounds, or other thick or hard residues down your garbage disposal. It may take extra time to reach for the garbage can, but it’s well worth it. When in doubt, throw it out! This will also help ensure you don’t break your garbage disposal’s blades or motor.
Tree Roots
It’s crazy to imagine tree roots coming up through your drains — but when plumbers say that tree roots cause drain clogs, this isn’t exactly what they mean. Rather, tree roots cause clogs because they can grow through your sewage system, leading to gaps and holes in your pipes. This can cause serious sewage backup issues, so don’t delay and get help ASAP.
Contact Rudd Today!
Rudd Plumbing, Heating and Air is a leader in the community when it comes to Charleston’s heating and air, as well as plumbing services. Book a service now online or contact our experts by phone at 843-920-4146. No matter what’s stuck in your drains, your neighborhood cold air and hot water experts will come by to help right away!
NEED HELP? CALL NOW!
843-612-6447
