When your draining systems are in working-order, you can expect water to flow freely and with ease through your plumbing system. However, if you have a clogged drain, that water flow can be in trouble.
At Mission Air Conditioning and Plumbing, we offer plumbing services in Houston — including drain cleaning for those backed up drains! We want to help homeowners understand what may be causing this problem, which is why we’ve put together information on four reasons why your drains may be clogged.
Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)
A common cause of clogged drains is fats, oils and grease (commonly abbreviated as FOG). It may seem easier to wash remaining oils and greases from pans after cooking, but when you do, it gets into the drain and stays there, clogging your pipes in the process. This can create a build-up of debris, which can cause your drain to stop working effectively.
The best way to dispose of FOG is to take a paper towel, wipe the cooled substances and throw them away in the trash. For larger amounts of grease, let it cool first before placing it in an old tin can, closing it and placing it in the trash.
Hair
When taking a shower, some hair tends to fall out and join the soapy bubbles down the drain. Although hair shedding is normal, it tends to add up after a while — especially if you have longer hair.
When hair gets tangled around the drain, it makes it harder for water to enter. If not treated, this can lead to a pool of water around your ankles when you shower. This type of clog is a simple fix. Using solutions like drain snakes or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help your drain cough up that hairball.
Food Waste
Small scraps of food that are left over after meals can sometimes go down the drain when we wash our dishes. We may think the garbage disposal can take care of it, but when there are often small scraps joining the water down the drain, it can harm your plumbing more than you think.
The best solution to avoid scraps going down the drain is to either scrape them into the trash can, or, if you want to give back to the environment, you can use these scraps and compost! Simple solutions like these can help keep your drains clean and reduce the likelihood of clogs.
Mineral Buildup
Minerals that may cause a drain buildup commonly come from hard water. With Houston primarily having hard water coming from supply areas like the Trinity and San Jacinto Rivers, a lot of magnesium and calcium can clog up plumbing systems. This is especially true when these minerals are mixed with soap to create soap scum.
There are natural solutions to fixing mineral buildup. For example, you can use a mixture of white vinegar, baking soda and boiling water to help clean your drains. However, if you’re struggling to get your drains flowing again, don’t hesitate to call in a professional plumber. At Mission Air Conditioning and Plumbing, our team is happy to help!
Unclog Your Drains With Help From The Plumbing Experts In Houston
There are typically quick fixes to unclog drains, such as DIY cleaning solutions and drain snakes. However, if these drains aren’t treated immediately, clogs can easily get worse. That’s when it’s time to call the professionals!
At Mission Air Conditioning and Plumbing our Houston plumbers are dedicated to making sure your house is safe. We’re proud to provide our community with a variety of services, so give us a call when you’re in need of drain cleaning or hydro jetting services or tankless water heater plumbers! Whenever you need plumbing help, we’ve got your back!
