An Inside Look at Clogged Drains

Although there are worse plumbing emergencies than clogged drains, a blockage in your home’s pipes can cause all sorts of headaches. Depending on where the clog is located and how bad the blockage is, a clogged drain has the potential to cause flooding or sewage backup that can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to clean up. To help you maintain your home’s pipe, here’s a look at the symptoms, causes, and treatments for clogged drains, including a word on when you should call a plumber in Northridge, CA for professional drain cleaning.

Clogged Drain Symptoms
Ignoring a clogged drain will only lead to bigger problems down the road, so it’s important that you learn to recognize the early warning signs so you can take steps to clear the blockage from your pipes. Slow draining sinks or a gurgling sound in your toilet are two of the most common early symptoms of a clogged drain. Water unexpectedly appearing in the bathtub when doing laundry is another sign of a clog in the main line.

Causes of Drain Clogs
There are lots of reasons why your home’s plumbing can get clogged . The most common culprits include hair, soap scum, grease, oil, and mineral build-up associated with hard water. Pipes can also develop clogs after becoming corroded, which most commonly occurs as the result of salts, sulfates, and other contaminants in the water.

Home Remedies
If you catch a clog early enough, you might be able to clear it easily enough on your own. One common home remedy for treating clogged drains is pouring baking soda down the drain and flushing with hot water and vinegar. Try to avoid chemical cleaners since many frequently lead to pipe corrosion.

Professional Drain Cleaning
For stubborn drain clogs, professional drain cleaning is the fastest, easiest, and most effective way to remove whatever blockage has developed in the pipe. Plumbers in Northridge, CA that specialize in drain cleaning services typically utilize high-powered water jets (known as hydrojets) to blast soap scum, hair, mineral deposits, and other debris from your pipes.