The Leading Causes of Drain Clogs

Clogged drains are one of the most common reasons we receive service calls at The Pipe Doctor Plumbing & Drain. Over many years of providing quality drain cleaning in Alexandria, VA, successfully cleared countless drains. To effectively clear away clogs, you have to understand what causes them in the first place.

Below are the most frequent causes of drain clogs.

Grease, Oils, and Fats

Many people flush modest amounts of cooking oil and fat down their kitchen drains. These compounds start to coat the walls of pipes and eventually mix with other debris and before you know it, you have a clogged drain. The simplest solution to this issue is to gather spent cooking grease in a container or jar and throw it away in your household garbage.

Food Remnants

Even if your drain has a garbage disposal, only pour a little food waste down it. Most home garbage disposals can only process small amounts of food waste. Instead of throwing away massive food leftovers in your home trash, think about composting them. The good news is that a simple drain snaking procedure will suffice and clear these drain obstructions away.

Soap Scum

Most commercially produced bar soaps include derivatives of animal fat. Soap scum is created when fat combines with the minerals in the water. A buildup of soap scum on bathroom surfaces can clog drain lines and is difficult to remove. Consider switching to liquid soap or a bar manufactured without animal fats if your bar soap leaves behind noticeable soap scum. Also, schedule regular maintenance and drain cleaning services.

Mineral Deposits

This issue is common in areas with hard water. The high quantity of soluble calcium, magnesium, and other naturally occurring minerals in the water supply can wreak havoc on your pipe lines, forming mineral buildup and eventual clogs. Fortunately, mineral buildup can easily be cleared with regular hydro jetting procedures.

The Pipe Doctor Plumbing & Drain is the drain cleaning company you can depend on for foolproof plumbing solutions. You can count on us to keep your drains clog-free all year round. Fill out our contact form today to schedule a service appointment!