Drain Clog? How to Recognize and Prevent One

Drains are one of the components in your home you typically do not think about until a problem arises that renders them useless or causes a mess. However, those drains may emit warning signs of an issue long before either problem occurs. Fortunately, you can take action when you first notice the signs and can even take steps to prevent it in the first place.

Dangers of Clogged Drains

Firstly, you will not be able to use the drain, and the stagnant water in the drain is a breeding ground for bacteria and mold—both of which could harm you and your family. Any organic matter in it can attract vermin and insects.

If those problems are not bad enough, you may experience leaks, deal with a foul odor, have structural damage to your home, or experience health problems from the non-draining water.

Signs of a Clog

Sometimes, a clog will affect a single drain, or it could also affect the main line and cause problems with multiple drains at once. Therefore, check all drains in your home for the following issues.

Gurgling Noises 

Your drains should not make a noise, so pay attention if you hear a gurgling sound when your shower, tub, or sink drains. This noise stems from a partial clog restricting water flow enough that any trapped air will bubble. 

Slow Drain Flow

Soap, hair, and food debris may accumulate in your drains over time, which causes them to empty more slowly than usual. This problem will worsen until someone cleans the drain to correct the clog. 

You can determine if you have a continually worsening clog by comparing the time it takes for a sink or bathtub full of water to drain today and in a week from now.

Prevention Methods

Though you can't prevent all clogs, you can reduce their prevalence with some at-home steps. 

Install a Lint Catcher

Install a lint catcher at the end of your washer's hose. This guard reduces the lint that escapes from the washer and builds up in your drains.

Insert a Hair Catcher

You could also place a hair catcher or mesh screen in your shower drain to collect some of the hair that could enter your pipes.

Use a Food Catcher 

In addition, use a sink strainer in your kitchen to decrease the amount of food that winds up in the drain and could clog it. 

Dispose of Grease Properly 

Never dump grease down your drain, either. Instead, have a canister you use to collect any oil or grease from your pots and pan.

After the container is full, toss the contents into the trash. Before you wash greasy pots or pans, always wipe them out with a paper towel to reduce the grease that enters your drain.

Dump Hot Water Down the Drains

Dump a large amount of hot water down your drains regularly to keep everything flowing as it should. This task is particularly beneficial if you have low-flow faucets that may not have a high enough water output to clean the drains adequately.

Use a Water Softener

If you have hard water that contributes to the buildup in your drains, use a water softener to combat it. 

You can maintain the health of your drains through preventative measures, but when something does go awry, know that your local plumbing company can address the problem, possibly early enough to prevent a costly repair.

Call Drain Right, serving Gardena, CA, and the neighboring area, today if you have signs something is wrong with one of your drains. We offer free estimates and can assist with anything you need.