Water Trade Service plumbing and water installation in Mooresville, NC area

What Are The Common Causes Of Drain Clogs

Drain clogs are a major problem in households in the USA. In fact, it is considered to be one of the most common issues faced by people all over the country. 

According to a recent study by the American Drainage Association, more than one-third of all drains are experiencing some kind of obstruction in their pipes. This means more than 70 million households have clogged drains across America.

The report also shows that nearly half of all households have experienced a drain clog at least once a year, and nearly three-quarters of those households experienced multiple clogs during that period.

The drain clogs can cause severe damage to your property as well as health problems for your family members.

The good news is that these issues can be solved quickly and easily with some simple steps and products. The bad news is that if left untreated, they can cause serious damage to your pipes and plumbing system, which could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs.

So, if you want to avoid drain-clogged repair costs, then this article is for you.

In this article, a drain-cleaning plumbing expert in Mooresville, NC, is going to tell you everything you need to know about drain clogs: what are the signs, what causes a clogged rain, and how to fix them.

So read on!

6 Signs Of A Clogged Sink Drain

A clogged sink drain is a problem that can easily be fixed, but it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Here are a few signs of a clogged sink drain:

Slow drainage

This can be a sign of something as simple as a buildup of soap scum on the inside of your pipes or something more serious like tree roots growing into them. Either way, it’s best to call a plumber to come take a look at it.

Standing water

If you see standing water in your sink or tub after you’ve drained it and turned off the faucet, that’s another sign that something is wrong with your plumbing system. Usually, this indicates a leaky pipe somewhere in your home’s pipes. It’s always best to call a professional drain cleaning service plumber for these kinds of issues so they can be repaired before they do any more damage than necessary!

Gurgling sounds

When your sink drains are clogged, you might hear gurgling noises. The sound comes from the pipes that run throughout your home and connects to your drain pipes. These pipes are filled with water that’s flowing through them, so when they get clogged, it can create a gurgling sound as the water tries to get through the blockage.

Foul odors 

Do you know when something smells really bad? That’s because it’s probably rotting. If your sink smells bad, it could mean something has been growing in there for too long and must be removed before it worsens!

Overflowing or backing up

If water seems to be bubbling up out of your drains, you may have an overflow problem. This usually happens when you accidentally leave something that shouldn’t have been put there (like a sponge). An overflowing sink can cause damage to your floors and walls if left untreated, so it’s important to address the problem quickly!

Backflow

This occurs when the water backs up into the sink. When this happens, it indicates that there is something blocking the flow of water from the faucet toward the drain. If you notice this happening in your bathroom sink, then it’s a sign to call a plumber in Mooresville, NC.

15 Causes Of A Clogged Drain

A clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing problems that everyone has to deal with at some point. Although it can be fairly easy to clear a clogged drain, there are several reasons why your drains might get clogged up in the first place.

Here are some of the most common causes of clogged drains:

Food debris or grease buildup

If you don’t clean out your kitchen sink regularly, then food debris and grease can build up in your pipes. This can cause them to get clogged, leading to water backing up into your kitchen sink or bathtub.

Hair

Hair is another common cause of drain clogs. If you have long hair that you wash frequently, then it’s possible that it may get tangled around something in the drain and cause a blockage.

Soap scum

Soap scum is an accumulation of soap residue that has been left behind by liquid soap or dishwashing detergent. The soap builds up over time and can eventually clog your drain.

Foreign objects

Foreign objects can cause clogs in your sink or toilet if they get pushed down into the drain hole. This can include anything from hair to paper towels and sponges, as well as things like toys or even jewelry. If this happens in your toilet, it can cause serious damage that requires professional help.

Tree roots

Roots from trees and other plants can grow into your pipes, causing them to become clogged. If you notice that water is not draining well or if there is a foul odor coming from the sink or toilet, call a professional plumber in Mooresville, North Carolina, immediately.

Mineral buildup

Mineral buildup is one of the main causes of a clogged drain. When water sits in your pipes for too long, it builds up and can block your drain. This usually happens when you have hard water or if you’re using a lot of soap or detergent.

Flushing inappropriate items

You may think that any item that comes out of your kitchen sink or bathtub is appropriate to flush down the toilet, but this isn’t always true! Items like paper towels, diapers, tampons, and makeup applicators are all things that should not be flushed down your toilet because they can clog your pipes and cause severe damage to your plumbing system.

Aging pipes

Another step in determining the cause of your clogged drain is to assess the age of your pipes. If your pipes are more than 20 years old, you could be facing serious issues with clogs and leaks. The older your pipes are, the more likely they are to get clogged or leak, so it’s vital to keep an eye on them as they age.

Improper installation

Improperly installed plumbing can also lead to problems with clogs and leaks. If your pipes are not properly sealed or connected together at joints or fittings, you may end up with leaks or clogs that cause water damage in your home or business.

Cold weather

Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and potentially block water flow.

Grease and oil

Grease and oil buildup in the pipes can also cause a drain to become clogged. Grease and oil can be caused by cooking oils or butter that have spilled down the drain. If you leave food on plates or pots in the sink, these scraps can also get stuck in the drain pipes and cause a clog.

Excessive toilet paper usage

The toilet is the most important tool you have when it comes to keeping up a clean household. However, if you are not careful with your toilet paper usage, your drains can become clogged. If you use too much tissue paper in the toilet, it will cause excessive buildup in the pipes. This can lead to clogs and even backups of sewage in your home.

Small objects

Small objects like bottle caps, cotton swabs, or hairpins can accidentally fall into drains and cause clogs.

Limescale

Limescale is a mineral deposit that forms on the inside of pipes and drains. These deposits can be caused by hard water or exposure to acidic substances. The deposits are usually white or brownish in color and may resemble small crystals or powder. They can also be found in tubs, sinks, and toilets.

Sewer line issues

Sewer lines can become clogged due to tree roots growing into them or other foreign objects that have been flushed down toilets but not disposed of properly. This can cause sewage backups into homes and businesses as well as odors coming from drains and sinks if they are not addressed quickly enough!

How to Fix Clogged Drains?

Clogged drains can be a huge pain in the neck. They cause your sink to back up, make you late for work, and make it so you never feel like doing laundry because it takes forever to wash the clothes you already have. 

But do you know how to clear a clogged drain? How to unclog a sink? How to unclog shower drain?

If your answer is no, then don’t worry! There are many ways to fix clogged drains so you can easily get back to living your normal life.

Here are a few ways to learn how to clean clogged drain:

Use a Plunger

A plunger is the simplest, most effective way to unclog your drain. It’s also the quickest, so if you don’t have much time, then this is the best way. Simply place the plunger over the drain and push down with firm force on the rubber end of the plunger until you feel it make contact with whatever is clogging your drain. Push down repeatedly for about 30 seconds, at least three times to dislodge what’s blocking your pipes. If that doesn’t work, try running hot water down your sink as you’re plunging.

Run Boiling Water Down Your Drain

Boiling water can be used as an alternative method for unclogging drains—it’s particularly effective if you have a significant clog that needs to be dealt with immediately (like if there’s a flood threatening to happen). Put some water in a pot on the stove and bring it to a boil; then pour this boiling water down your drain while simultaneously turning on your faucet at full force (don’t worry about getting scalded by accident—boiling water won’t hurt you). This will help break up any large clumps of debris before they get lodged into your pipes permanently.

Mix Baking Soda And Vinegar. 

It may sound strange, but this is a simple way to learn how to clear clogged drains. Follow these steps:

– Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with a cup of vinegar in a bowl;

– Pour the mixture down the drain;

– Let it sit for about 15 minutes;

– Follow up by running some hot water down the drain.

This method works for most clogs in your household pipes.

Purchase Chemical Drain Cleaners.

Purchase chemical drain cleaners from your local hardware store. These products can be effective but expensive and harmful if not used correctly (so read the label carefully!). Be aware that there are different types of chemical drain cleaners—some are stronger than others—so choose one that’s appropriate for your particular situation before using it! There are many brands of chemical drain cleaners on the market today—just make sure you read the label before purchasing one so that you know what ingredients it contains and whether or not they’ll be safe for your pipes! Some people prefer professional-grade drain cleaners like Drano because they’re stronger than those found at grocery stores or hardware stores, but there are a plethora of options available if you need something more natural like Bio-Clean, which uses enzymes derived from plants instead of chemicals which means no harmful side effects such as corrosion or corrosion damage.

Try Plumbing a Snake or Auger.

A plumbing snake or auger is a wire with a handle and a “head” on the other. You simply insert the head into your drain and turn it clockwise to break up any clogs in your pipes. This method usually works best on sinks, tubs, and toilets but may not work as well on drains connected directly to the sewer line (if you have one).

Wet/Dry Vacuum.

The wet/dry vacuum is another good way to understand how to clear a clogged drain with standing water. Simply place an attachment over the drain that has been stuffed with paper towels or rags, then use suction from the hose to remove them from your pipes! This method works best in drains connected directly to the sewer line (if you have one).

Remove And Clean The Trap.

If you have a sink or tub drain that’s been clogged for some time, you might find that just removing the trap will clear it right up. This is also a good idea if you have a slow-running drain or one that backs up frequently. In fact, it’s always a good idea to check all drains in your home periodically to make sure they’re working properly.

Use Enzyme Cleaners.

If your drain has been clogged for a while and you don’t want to remove the trap, consider using an enzyme cleaner instead of harsh chemicals like bleach or baking soda (which can damage pipes). Enzyme cleaners break down organic matter and cause it to disintegrate so it can be flushed away easily without damaging pipes or septic tanks.

Call a Plumber. 

If you’re not sure what’s causing your drain to clog up, or if it’s just too big of a problem for you to deal with on your own, call in an expert. A professional clog drain cleaning plumber can usually tell you if there is anything in there that shouldn’t be (like hair or grease) or if there’s something wrong with the pipes themselves. They can also give you advice on how to keep them from getting clogged again in the future!

DIY Vs. Professional Drain Clog Cleaning 

If you’re trying to decide whether to hire a professional drain clog cleaner or do it yourself, there are several factors to consider. You need to think about the cost, how much time it will take, and how much effort is involved.

Here’s a comparison chart outlining the differences between DIY drain clog cleaning and professional drain cleaning:

AspectDIY Drain Clog CleaningProfessional Drain Cleaning
CostRelatively low, primarily materialsHigher, including service fees
Expertise requiredBasic knowledge and skillsExtensive training and experience
EffectivenessVariable, depending on clog severityGenerally more effective
Time requiredVaries depending on the clog and technique usedTypically faster
Tools and equipmentBasic tools and household itemsSpecialized tools and professional equipment
Safety considerationsModerate risk of injury or chemical exposureProfessionals follow safety protocols
Potential damageRisk of damaging pipes or fixturesMinimized with professional expertise
Recurrence preventionLimited to basic prevention methodsMay include recommendations for prevention
Warranty or guaranteeNoneProfessional services may have guarantees
ConvenienceDIY can be done at any timeNeed to schedule and wait for professionals
The complexity of clogs handledSimple clogs and minor blockagesHandles various types of clogs and issues

It’s important to note that while DIY methods can be cost-effective for simple clogs, more complex or recurring clogs may require professional assistance. Professional drain cleaning services typically have the expertise, specialized tools, and experience to handle a wide range of clog issues effectively and efficiently.

Get Help from the Expert Drain Clog Cleaning Plumbers in Mooresville, NC!

If you have a clogged drain, don’t worry! We’re here to help.

As the leading drain cleaning company in Mooresville, NC, we know what it’s like to have a clog in your drain and not know what to do about it. That’s why we offer our expert Drain Clog and Toilet Clog services—we don’t want anyone to have to go through that experience alone.

Wicker Trade Service Inc. is a family-owned and operated company that has been providing drain clog cleaning services in Mooresville, NC, since 2002. We are dedicated to providing quality service at an affordable price. 

Our range of services includes:

  • Plumbing Repairs
  • Sewer Line Repair
  • Drain Cleaning
  • Sewer Repair and Replacement
  • Water Line Repair and Replacement
  • Sump Pump Installation and Repair
  • Garbage Disposal Installation 

Our team of drain-cleaning plumbers will come out to your home or business and fix your problem quickly, efficiently, and affordably. Our technicians are highly trained at fixing all kinds of drains from residential to commercial properties. We specialize in repairing drains blocked by tree roots or hair clogs and clearing away debris from sewage lines and drains damaged by flooding or other disasters.

When you hire us, expect:

– A knowledgeable team that will provide clear explanations of any issues they find during an inspection of your home’s plumbing system

– A quick response time from our dispatch center when you call us with an issue or question about your plumbing system

– Fast repairs or replacements for any damaged parts so that you can relish your normal life as quickly as possible

We understand how important it is for you to get back on track after an unexpected plumbing issue occurs, so our team is available on call 24*7 so you never need to wait for hours for help when you need it most!

So, if you need Clogged Drain Services in Mooresville, NC, don’t forget to give us a call today at (704) 340-4810!

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