When it comes to clogged drains in Ottawa, there are numerous things that can contribute and cause plumbing problems. Basically, just about anything that can fit down a drain can clog it. There are a few things that seem to clog drains more commonly than anything else. Here’s a list that was gathered from plumbing professionals.
Food: This is huge cause of clogged drains in the kitchen. Small food particles can build up over time and eventually become so large that it clogs the drain. It’s recommended that you always having a strainer in place in the drains in your kitchen, or you can buy special wire mesh filters to cover the drain when you don’t have stoppers in place.
Grease: The most common cause of clogged drains in the kitchen is grease build up. We’ve all seen what grease looks like when it’s hot (transparent liquid) as compared to when it cools and gets wet (solid white). After a while, all the grease from your dishes that wasn’t completely broken down by soap, will begin to build up. It’s important that you never pour liquid oils from pans down the drain. It’s better if you pour them into a can or jar and dispose of them.
Toys: For those of you who have kids you know what it’s like. Kids love their toys and their curiosities can get the best of them sometimes. Toys aren’t the most common cause of clogged drains but it does happen more frequently than you know. Be sure to stress to kids the importance of NOT putting stuff down the drain. They probably won’t understand plumbing but if you tell them it’s not good for the toy that may get their attention.
Hair: For anyone who takes a shower this is perhaps the most obvious cause of them all. Hair is the number one cause of drain clogs in showers and bathroom sinks. To reduce (or eliminate) clogged drains you can try installing drain filters or strainers that will catch hair and other solids.
Paper: Toilet paper and paper from feminine products are a major cause of clogged drains in toilets. Generally, toilet paper flush easy since they are designed to be quickly and easily broken down by water. However, if too much paper or thicker paper such as paper towels are thrown into a toilet, it may not break down and you could end up with a clogged drain.
Be mindful of what you allow to go down the drains or be flushed down the toilet. Save yourself from the additional expense of having to hire a plumber.