Common Causes of Clogged Drains in Oceanside CA and How to Fix Them

Clogs happen. And they can happen to any of the piping or water fixtures in your home. There are many ways your pipes and drains can become clogged. Sometimes unclogging a drain is a simple matter; in others, a professional plumber may need to be called.

Causes of Clogs

Food waste

Food waste is a common cause of kitchen sink clogs. Some foods that can cause a kitchen sink clog include coffee grounds, oatmeal, bones, fruit rinds, pasta, rice, and eggshells. You should try and avoid disposing of any food using your kitchen sink. Try composting instead.

Grease, Oil, and Fat

In addition to food waste, grease, food oils, and fats are a leading cause of kitchen sink clogs. These substances can solidify once they get into the drain, obstructing the flow of water through the drain and pipes.

Paper products

Toilet paper is the only paper product that should be flushed down the toilet. However, too much of it can still cause a clog. You can also cause a clog by trying to flush cotton swabs, cigarette butts, sanitary wipes, diapers, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels down the toilet.

Soap

Like grease, fat, and oil, soap residue, also known as soap scum, can accumulate in the drains and pipes of your sinks, showers, bathtubs, and washing machines.

Pipe corrosion

Metal pipes can become corroded over time. As the corrosion builds up, the flow of water is restricted. This type of problem can also affect the appearance, taste, and smell of the water.

Small objects

Many small objects, from toys and rocks to dental floss, coins, and kitty litter can fall down a drain and cause a clog.

Tree roots

A clog can sometimes be the result of a tree root penetrating one of the water pipes around your home.

Troubleshooting a Clogged Drain

Every home should have a plunger. This is the go-to tool anytime you have a clog in your sink or toilet. Tools like a plumber’s auger or a drain snake also provide a simple, inexpensive way to clear a clogged drain.

If you think the clog is being caused by soap scum, grease, oil, or fat, you can try running hot water to loosen the material and wash it away.

You may want to use Drano or a similar chemical clog removing product. These types of products are great for clearing minor clogs in kitchen and bathroom sinks, showers, and bathtubs. However, they aren’t right for all types of drains and may cause damage to the porcelain components of a toilet. Enzyme and bacteria-based de-cloggers can be effective as well.

When to Call a Plumber

There are times when a DIY solution simply won’t suffice for unclogging a drain – you need professional help. Here are some examples of situations in which you need to call a plumber about a clog:

• You are unable to determine the cause or location of the clog.
• The clog can’t be cleared and water is backing up or overflowing.
• The clog is in a hard-to-reach place.
• The source of the clog is difficult to remove.
• You smell raw sewage coming from the clogged drain.

Your First Choice for Plumbing Services in Oceanside CA

If you’re having trouble clearing a clogged drain or fixture in your home, give 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration a call. We’ve been serving homeowners in Oceanside, CA since 2012. Our highly trained, experienced, and licensed plumbers can clear even the most stubborn of clogs. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services so we can be onsite whenever you need us, usually within less than an hour of your call.

You can contact 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration through our website or call us at 866-437-0205.