Drains and pipes can become clogged for a number of reasons, not all of which are preventable. Fortunately, all types of clogs are correctable in one way or another. Here are 5 types of clogs that you can correct with help from a plumber specializing in drain cleaning in Burbank CA.
Food
Food debris—especially grease—is a common cause of kitchen clogs. If you love using your garbage disposal to shred large quantities of food waste and wash them down the drain, sooner or later you will need kitchen drain cleaning in Burbank CA. You might think that your pipes will stay clean as long as you don’t pour grease directly down the pipes, but this is simply not the case. Even small quantities of grease released by washing frying pans and dishes can adhere to the sides of your kitchen pipes. Over time, the layers of grease will grow and grow, trapping more food bits and making the pipe narrower and narrower, until eventually your sink’s ability to drain is compromised. When this happens, you have no choice but to call in the professionals and get your pipes cleaned.
Hair
Because hair is very resistant to decay, it can stay in your pipes forever. Once it gets in there, it forms a web that catches other debris swirling down your pipes, like soap scum or body oil. Because the hairball is not entirely water-tight, your sink or shower will still drain, albeit very slowly. Do not ignore slow drains! If you clean your drain out as soon as you detect slow drainage, you can often remove the clog quite easily, either with a plunger or by removing the sink trap. If you ignore the problem, the clog could travel further down your pipe and become much more difficult to remove.
Mineral Build-Up
In rare cases, mineral build-up in metal pipes can affect your drainage. Galvanized iron pipes are especially prone to mineral build-up, because their interior surface has a rough texture that minerals can cling to. Copper pipes are sometimes also affected. Often, the pipes must be removed prior to cleaning.
Roots
Roots love sewer lines, because they’re filled with nutrient-rich wastewater. Once roots begin to penetrate your pipes, they will grow and grow until the pipe is completely blocked. In this situation, the best thing to do is call a professional drain cleaning service. They can use augers to destroy the roots within the pipe as well as chemicals to kill the roots outside the pipe and hopefully prevent them from returning.
Plumbing Problems
Old pipes and improperly installed drains can also cause clogs and drainage problems. Galvanized drain lines in older homes can become corroded and clogged, while back-graded or unvented drains will never drain properly. Fortunately, you can permanently correct these problems with help from professionals who are experts in both drain cleaning in Burbank CA and plumbing installation and repair.
