Each day, we run large amounts of water through our plumbing at home in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora or Plainfield (IL). Whether it’s for dishes, laundry, the toilet, or a bath or a shower, we keep our plumbing working hard for us.
Over time, things can build in the pipes and, if they’re not cleared, form into a clog. When a clog forces water to back up, we figure out fast just how much we rely on proper drainage. Water that’s flowing the wrong way can lead to all kinds of problems, such as:
leaks and damage. When pipes are clogged, water has nowhere to go, which can result in leaks, burst pipes or even flooding.
foul odors. Bacteria and other unpleasant debris often gather in clogged pipes.
odd noises. A clog can cause strange gurgling noises in drains.
What Causes Clogged Drains?
The first step to preventing a clogged drain is knowing what can create one. The following are common culprits.
Food waste. Some of us may rinse food from our dishes into the sink and the garbage disposal. This is a leading way that drains get clogged. Food products such as coffee grounds and tea leaves don’t break down, so they can settle in the piping and block it.
Oils and greases from food also can gather and harden in pipes. When warm grease runs down a drain, it will eventually cool in the pipe and then congeal. Now picture more food waste and other substances and materials getting stuck in that mass. Rather than run food waste through the disposal, consider discarding it with the regular garbage or in a compost pile (except for meat or greasy foods).
Hair. This is another primary factor behind clogs, especially in drains for showers, tubs and bathroom sinks. In addition to forming its own clog, hair can further bind with grease and other substances. Make sure that drains have guards to catch loose hair.
Soap. Many standard bars of soap are made with grease or fat. That substance can then combine with other minerals in water and form a hard residue you’ll recognize as soap scum. To prevent clogs caused by soap, you can switch to soap-free washes. If you have soap build-up that is obstructing pipes, Aquaduct Plumbing can pressure-clean them to remove it.
Minerals. Water contains minerals, and the harder the water is, the denser they will be. Hard-water minerals can become non-soluble masses that clog your drains. If you draw from a hard-water source, a water softener can help lessen the mineral build-up.
Dirt. When dirt clings to our skin or clothes and we wash them, we might think the dirt is gone, but it can actually accumulate in our plumbing and clog it. Shake, scrape or rinse excess dirt outside the home before doing any washing inside.
Toilet paper. When flushing the toilet, be mindful of how much toilet paper goes down with the water. Too much of it will cause the toilet to back up. In some cases, toilet paper can also become a major blockage deeper into the plumbing.
Other materials & small items. Almost anything can become a potential clog, including plastic caps, dental floss, baby wipes and feminine products that have been flushed down a drain. Only water, toilet paper or human waste should go down drains. Make a point of disposing everything else with other garbage, compost or recycling.
Another area that we might not always think of is the drain hose for the washing machine. Lint, facial tissue, bits of fabric and even a sock can slip through the drain hose and clog the drain. To prevent this problem, keep a lint trap on the end of the hose.
If you ever have a drain clog and you start by trying to clear it yourself, avoid using objects that can get stuck in the pipes. Also avoid using chemicals. They might provide a quick fix for the clog, but they can develop into their own problems, as well as leave toxic material that your plumber may have to deal with.
Being aware of the causes of clogs and preventing them can go a long way in helping you maintain the daily water flow you need at home. If you ever do run into a clog that’s causing trouble, Aquaduct can restore your plumbing to its proper working condition.
Clearing Clogs Beyond the House
Your home’s drainage system is connected to a sewer system, and it’s just as important that the sewer lines be intact and free of obstructions. In addition to clearing clogs from your sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs and basement drains, we support Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora or Plainfield homeowners with:
sewer televising, jetting & rodding. If you have a sewage pipe with an obstruction, we can insert a push reel with a camera lens into the pipe to identify it. The camera can also let us know if there are any other problems in the pipe that should be resolved before they get bigger.
Once we know what’s causing the blockage, the next step may be jetting the sewer pipe by power-washing it with a highly pressurized hose. Another solution might be to send a steel cable with an attachment head into it, a process known as rodding.
sewer line repair, replacement & cleaning. Slow drainage, flooded or foul-smelling areas in your yard, or water damage in your home can indicate a sewer line needs repair or replacement. In addition to troubleshooting a damaged sewer line, Aquaduct’s professionals specialize in outside clean-up of sewer complications.
tree-root removal. Because they’re drawn to water sources, tree roots are a common cause of sewer difficulties. Once they contact a pipe, the roots will often wrap around and break into it, where they can clog, weaken or even break the pipe. Aquaduct clears out intrusive tree roots that interfere with your sewer and drain system.
Pay attention to the root structure of your trees and plants as another part of your clog-avoidance awareness. If you think that roots might be interfering with your drainage, be sure to let us know soon.
Contact Us Today
As plumbing professionals serving your community, we care about helping you keep your water flowing and avoid the trouble caused by clogs. If you ever need to discuss your drain and sewage system in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora or Plainfield, simply give us a call at (630) 504-9594. We’ll be glad to hear from you and assist you.