It’s common for drains to become blocked at some point. Several different things can cause this, and it can be a real pain trying to figure out the root of the problem.
This blog post will look at some of the most common causes of blocked drains so that you can be prepared the next time it happens.
Causes of a Blocked Drain
1. Grease and Oil
Cooking grease and oil are the most common causes of blocked drains in apartments. When hot grease or oil is poured down the drain, it can solidify and cling to the sides of the pipes, eventually causing a blockage.
To avoid this, never pour hot grease or oil down the drain. Instead, let it cool first and dispose of it in the trash.
2. Tree Roots
If there are trees growing near your drain, their roots can sometimes grow into the drainpipe, causing a blockage. This is more common in older homes where the drains are made of clay, as the roots can penetrate them more easily.
If tree roots are the causative agent of drain blockage, consult professionals to handle the issue in your apartment.
3. Soap Scum
Another common cause of blocked drains is soap scum. This is the residue that’s left behind when we wash our hands or have a shower. After going down in the drainage, this residue reacts with different minerals and farms a scum that will block the drainage.
To avoid this, use a drain cover or screen to keep soap scum from going down the drain. You can also use a plunger to clear soap scum build-up.
4. Hair
During washing hair falling is a natural process. A lot of hairs can end up going down the drain. With time, these hairs accumulate and make a netlike structure capturing dirt, straw, and other debris, thus resulting in blocked drainage.
To avoid this, be sure to keep your drains free of hair by using a drain cover or screen.
5. Food Scraps
When we wash our dishes, some of the food we’re washing off can go down the drain. On decomposition, this food material can cause the bacterial, fungal, and Algal colonies to grow up and start to block the drain.
If you think that food scraps cause your blocked drain, you can use acid or alkali to wash your drainage.
6. Toilet Paper
Too much toilet paper is one of the most common causes of blocked toilets. When we flush the toilet, the paper doesn’t all dissolve, and it can start to build up on the toilet bowl walls or in the drainage pipes.
For toilet paper, you can use a plunger or a drain snake to try and break through it.
7. Sanitary Products
Sanitary products such as tampons, pads, and liners can cause blocked toilets and drains. When these products are flushed down the toilet, they can get caught on the walls of the drainage pipes and block them.
8. Toys
This is a common problem in apartments with a lot of children. Babies and small children often flush their toys down the toilet, which can stick to the walls of the drainage pipes and cause blockage.
9. Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are made of a material that doesn’t break down easily as toilet paper does, so they can easily get caught on the walls of the drain pipes and block them.
10. Flushable Wipes
Flushable wipes are marketed as being safe to flush down the toilet, but they can cause a lot of problems. These wipes don’t break down easily, so they can get caught on the walls of the pipes and block them.
11. Feminine Products
Sanitary pads, tampons, and panty liners are common causes of blocked toilets and drains. These products are made of materials that don’t break down easily, so they can get caught on the walls of the pipes and block them.
12. Jewelry
Rings, earrings, and other small pieces of jewelry can fall down the drain and cause a blockage. This is especially common in bathroom sinks.
13. Dirt and Mud
If you have a lot of dirt and mud around your apartment, it can eventually make its way into the drains and cause a blockage. This is especially common in outdoor areas like patios and balconies.
If you find yourself with a blocked drain, don’t panic. These are just some of the most common causes of blocked drains, and there are several ways that you can fix them. If you’re unsure what the cause of your blockage is, the best thing to do is call a professional. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
What to Do When You Have a Blocked Drain
If you find yourself with a blocked drain, there are a few things you can do to try and unblock it yourself. However, if the blockage is severe, it’s always best to call a professional plumber.
1. Boiling Water
Boiling water can sometimes help to loosen a blockage. Pour a pot of boiling water down your drain, then let it sit for a few minutes. After that, run some cold water to see if the blockage has cleared.
2. Vinegar and Baking Soda
This is a common home remedy for blocked drains. Mix equal vinegar and baking soda, and then pour the mixture down your drain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then flush with hot water.
3. Plunger
A plunger can be effective at dislodging a blockage. Make sure you cover the overflow hole before you start plunging, and then use firm, consistent strokes.
4. Wire Hanger
If you don’t have a plunger, you can try using a wire hanger to dislodge the blockage. Straighten the hanger and bend one end into a hook shape. Push the hanger down the drain, then try to hook the blockage and pull it out.
5. Chemical Cleaner
If all else fails, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. These harsh products can damage your pipes, so use them with caution. Always follow the instructions on the label, and never pour more than the recommended amount down your drain.
If you’ve tried all these things and you’re still having trouble with a blocked drain, the best thing to do is call a professional. They’ll be able to quickly assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
How to Prevent Blocked Drains in Your Apartment
1. Use Strainers
Strainers are a simple and effective way to prevent hair, food, and other debris from going down your drain and causing a blockage.
2. Dispose of Waste Properly
Make sure you’re disposing of things like sanitary pads, tampons, cigarette butts, and condoms properly. Don’t flush them down the toilet, and don’t put them down the drain.
3. Be Careful What You Put Down the Drain
Avoid putting things like grease, oil, coffee grounds, and eggshells down your drain. These can all harden and cause blockages.
4. Keep an Eye on Your Drains
Check your drains regularly for any signs of blockages, such as slow draining or bad odors. If you notice anything unusual, take action right away.
5. Call a Professional
If you’re having trouble with blocked drains, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber. They’ll be able to quickly diagnose the problem and get your drains flowing freely again.
If you’re having trouble with a blocked drain, don’t hesitate to call Valet Works, We have professionals that can quickly assess the situation and recommends the best course of action. We have years of experience dealing with blocked drains and know exactly how to get them flowing freely. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can dissolve hair in the drain?
Some things can help dissolve hair in your drain, including boiling water, backing soda, and vinegar. You can also try using a plunger or a wire hanger to dislodge the blockage. If all else fails, you can use a chemical drain cleaner, but be very careful with these products as they can damage your pipes.
How much does it cost to unclog a vent pipe?
The cost of unclogging a vent pipe will vary depending on the severity of the blockage. On average, cleaning a vent costs 100$.
Can you use Coca-Cola to unclog a drain?
Coca-Cola can help to unclog a drain because it contains phosphoric acid. This acidic quality can help to break down the build-up in your drains. Just pour half a bottle of Coke down the drain, then let it sit for 30 minutes before running hot water down the drain.
Will bleach unclog a drain?
Yes, bleach can help to unclog a drain. The chlorine in the bleach will disinfect your pipes and help to break down any blockages. Be careful not to use too much bleach, as it can damage your pipes.