If your sink or shower won’t drain, you probably have two main questions: why did my drain clog, and how can I fix the clogged drain quickly without spending a lot of money? For help with the toughest clogs, call Al Coronado Plumbing, the experienced plumbers in Tucson, Arizona.
Causes of Clogged Drains
Every clogged drain is different. A professional can help you identify the cause of the clog and recommend ways to fix it.
Cooking Grease
Cooking grease is a common source of clogs. It can seem like a liquid when it goes down the drain, but it quickly solidifies in the pipes.
Hair
Hare is a persistent problem with shower drains. Humans naturally shed a small amount of hair regularly, and long hair can form particularly troublesome clogs in the drain.
Food Products
Some food products will break down over time. Others, such as bones and eggshells, will stay in drains and accumulate with other drain-clogging materials, causing kitchen sinks to back up.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are a common cause of clogged drains. In winter, the pipes can become cold enough to freeze even in warmer climates. If water sits in a cold pipe for hours, it could freeze solid, producing an ice dam that stops water from getting through.
Wipes and Tissues
Toilet clogs often happen when people flush facial tissues and “flushable” wet wipes down the toilet. Toilet paper breaks down in the water and is safe to flush. Other paper products can mix with other waste and clog up the plumbing. If your bathroom or shower sink won’t drain, it could be from toilet waste clogging up your bathroom plumbing.
Obstructions
Branches, animal nests, and other obstructions block the drain lines. These can be difficult to remove and generally require a plumbing professional.
Solutions for Stubborn Clogs
If you are having trouble with stubborn or repeated clogs, try these tips to get rid of the clog using simple tools that won’t damage your pipes. If DIY remedies don’t work or if you want to save yourself time and hassle, call a professional plumber you can trust.
Hot Water
The first step is to pour hot water down the drain and give it time to permeate the clog.
Plunging
Using a plunger designed for the correct type of drain, submerge the plunger head to form a tight seal before plunging. Use the plunger to generate suction to dislodge the clog.
Snaking
Clogged drains could yield to snaking. Drain snakes go inside the drain pipe to physically break up the clog.
Gentle Cleaners
If other methods fail, resist the urge to use commercial drain cleaning products because they can damage your pipes to the point where you have to replace them. Instead, use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
Trust Al Coronado Plumbing for Plumbing Solutions
Al Coronado Plumbing uses the best equipment and time-tested techniques to fix clogged drains properly. We help our clients understand and respond to all kinds of plumbing problems. Learn why you’re experiencing low water pressure at home by calling (520) 834-8400 to speak with a professional plumber today.