Few things are more frustrating than dealing with clogged drains. They disrupt your daily routine, create unpleasant odours, and can even cause damage to your plumbing system if ignored for too long. While some homeowners may reach for chemical drain cleaners, these products often cause more harm than good by damaging your pipe walls. The good news is, most clogs can be prevented with the right care and regular drain cleaning.
If you’re facing constant blockages, knowing the top culprits and how to avoid them is the first step. For stubborn or recurring problems, it’s best to call professionals who specialize in drain cleaners in Calgary or services like drain augering and sewer line augering.
Common Causes of Clogged Drains
1. Grease and Cooking Oil
Grease might go down the drain as a liquid, but it quickly hardens as it cools, coating your pipes and causing sticky buildups. Over time, this creates stubborn blockages that are difficult to clear.
Prevention Tip: Always dispose of grease and oil in a separate container instead of rinsing it down the sink. Wipe pans with paper towels before washing to minimize residue.
2. Food Scraps
Even with a garbage disposal, food scraps like rice, pasta, and coffee grounds can swell, stick to the drain lines, and create clogs.
Prevention Tip: Use a sink strainer to catch food particles and empty it regularly. Avoid rinsing starchy or fibrous foods down the drain.
3. Hair
Hair is one of the most common causes of slow draining sinks, tubs, and showers. When mixed with soap and other debris, it tangles into knots that block water flow.
Prevention Tip: Install a drain screen in your shower or tub to catch hair before it enters the pipes. Clean it out often to prevent buildup.
4. Soap Scum
Bar soaps contain fats that combine with minerals in water to form soap scum. This residue sticks to pipe walls and traps other debris, leading to clogs.
Prevention Tip: Switch to liquid soap to reduce scum formation. Schedule regular drain cleaning if you live in an area with hard water.
5. Foreign Objects
Children’s toys, hygiene products, and other non-flushable items can cause blockages when they accidentally enter drains or toilets.
Prevention Tip: Keep small objects away from sinks and toilets. Educate children about what can and cannot go down the drain.
6. Tree Roots
Tree roots are a major culprit for sewer line blockages. They grow toward moisture and can break into your sewer line, causing cracks, blockages, or even complete system failure.
Prevention Tip: Have a licensed plumber perform a camera inspection if you suspect tree root intrusion. Professional sewer line augering or hydro jetting may be needed to clear roots and restore flow.
Common Causes of Clogged Drains
When prevention isn’t enough, professional drain services offer several effective solutions:
Drain Auguring
A mechanical cable, often called a snake, is used to break apart blockages and clear clogged drains. This is especially effective for hair, grease, and food debris.
Sewer Line Auguring
For larger blockages deep in the sewer line, auguring equipment can break up roots or other obstructions and restore flow.
Hydro Jetting
This method uses high pressure water to blast away buildup on pipe walls. Hydro jetting is effective for grease, soap scum, and even tree root infiltration. It’s also a great option for long-term maintenance.
Sewer Cleaning
For severe or recurring clogs, a full sewer cleaning service may be required. This ensures that the entire line is clear and reduces the risk of future sewer backups.
Why Choose Professional Drain Cleaning Services
While DIY methods may provide temporary relief, professional drain cleaning service ensures your plumbing is fully restored and safe. Experienced plumbers in Calgary and surrounding areas can provide:
- Advanced tools like cameras for inspections
- Effective solutions tailored to your problem
- Preventive advice for long-term results
- Reliable customer service
By investing in professional help, you’ll avoid recurring blockages, reduce the risk of water damage, and extend the life of your plumbing system.
Choosing the Right Calgary Drain Service
Understanding the top causes of clogged drains helps you avoid plumbing headaches. Grease, food scraps, hair, soap scum, foreign objects, and tree roots are the usual suspects, but most can be managed with smart prevention and regular care.
If you’re dealing with stubborn blockages, trust local experts in drain cleaning in Calgary like AAA Heating and Plumbing. Whether it’s routine drain cleaning, drain augering, or sewer line augering, professional services keep your drains clear and your plumbing running smoothly for the long term.
