Flush and Drain: Reasons You May Need Drain Cleaning in Your Bathroom

Clogged drains are perhaps the most common plumbing problems that homeowners inevitably face every now and then. Aside from the kitchen, this can also happen to your bathroom, with the toilet, bathtub, and sink also susceptible to clogging if not used and maintained the right way. Before seeking the help of plumbing professionals, know first the common reasons behind clogs in bathroom fixtures to help you take steps in preventing them.

Finger pointing to a two button flush.

Toilet Clogs

Often, clogs in toilets are caused by flushing down multiple ply toilet paper. Single-ply toilet paper is often recommended by plumbing experts, since these dissolve easier than thicker brands. Any multiple ply or strong-as-a-paper-cup paper towels on the other hand, don’t break down as easily, making it possible for them to accumulate and block the toilet trap. Aside from toilet paper, even those so-called “flushable” toiletries like dental floss, Q-tips, or baby wipes can still brew trouble for your toilet.

Toilet clogs, however, aren’t mainly caused by the items that get flushed down. Blockages in your home’s main vent, be it leaves or a bird’s nest, prevent air from entering the pipes. This, in turn, causes negative pressure that slows down the flow of water, making sediments settle out more easily.

Bathtub Drain Clogs

If toilet paper is the main culprit behind clogged toilets, hair is considered the main culprit for clogged bathtub drains, especially if your bathtub doesn’t have a hair trap. As time goes by, hair can build up and gradually stick to the walls of your drain pipe, catching other debris as they go down.

Hard water, on the other hand, can be considered a silent cause of clogs. You won’t be able to see it, but hard water slowly deposits solid material on the sides of your drain, limiting water flow and causes further debris buildup. Soap scum, meanwhile, can also be a serious problem to your drains, since it solidifies after it goes down your bathtub drain.

What to Do with Clogs?

Typically, plungers can be everyone’s best friend when it comes to clearing toilet and bathtub drain clogs. Getting water softeners also rids your bathroom of the risk of developing clogs due to hard water. You can also try pouring a mixture of boiling water and baking soda down the drain to break up a potential clog.

Should your problems with clogs in the bathroom persist, turn immediately to a plumbing professional, such as those from Harris Plumbing Inc., for help. They offer drain cleaning services for homeowners in and around Aurora, Newmarket, and other nearby areas, thereby putting an end to your clogged drain woes.

Sources:

Common Causes of Toilet Clogs, Angie’s List

Why Do Toilets Get Clogged?, eHow

What Causes a Clogged Bathtub Drain?, Do It Yourself