Sick of Drain Clogs? Our Guide to Common Causes and How to Unclog a Drain

Common Signs of a Clogged Drain

Let's start by pinpointing the signs of a blocked drain. Knowing what to look out for can help you address a drain clog before it becomes a serious issue:

• Slow Draining Water: One of the earliest signs of a clog is water that drains slower than usual from your sinks, showers, or toilets.
• Backed-up Water: A more noticeable symptom is water backing up out of a sink drain.
• Unpleasant Smells: Foul odors emanating from your drain are often a telltale sign of a clog.
• Gurgling Noises: Unusual sounds, like gurgling or bubbling coming from your drain, can also indicate a blockage.
  

What Causes Drain Clogs?

Drain clogs can be attributed to a variety of everyday materials. Understanding these common culprits can help understand how to unclog a drain, and assist in preventing future clogs:

• Hair: Hair strands, especially long ones, can tangle into a ball and create a blockage.
• Grease and Oil: These substances solidify as they cool, forming a hard mass in your drains.
• Food Waste: Certain types of food waste like banana peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds don't dissolve easily, creating a sludge-like blockage.
• Toilet Paper Misuse: Flushing too much toilet paper or using paper not designed for toilet disposal can lead to clogs.
• Foreign Objects and Lint: Accidentally dropped items, children's toys, or lint from washing machines can all contribute to clogs.
  

Can You Prevent Clogged Drains?

Here are some preventive measures to keep your drains clear:

• Use Strainers: These devices can catch hair, food waste, and other debris before they enter your drain.
• Only Flush Toilet Paper: Avoid flushing non-dissolvable paper products down the toilet.
• Regularly Clean Drains: A routine clean with a drain cleaner or a homemade baking soda and vinegar solution can prevent build-up.
• Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections: Periodic check-ups by a professional plumber can identify potential issues before they escalate.

Drain clogs can occur even when you follow all the right steps to prevent them, so knowing how to unclog a drain yourself can save you money on emergency plumbing call-outs in the future. 

When Should You Call a Professional Plumber?

Even when you know how to unclog a drain, some clogs are persistent and will need professional equipment or expertise to resolve. 

So if your drains continue to cause trouble, don't wait for the problem to escalate.  Reach out to Buzzell Plumbing, your trusted emergency plumber in Warner Robins and Macon, GA. From drain cleaning and repair to leak detection and emergency plumbing services, we're dedicated to providing swift and effective solutions to our clients.

Let our expert team tackle your drain clogs and get your plumbing system running smoothly. 

Call us today on (478) 923-5642 (Warner Robins) or (478) 974-5255 (Macon).