Spring Clean Your Pipes: Five Tips for a Clog Free Life.

Most common clogs and how to keep your pipes free and clear year around.

Many homeowners are used to clogged drains here and there. Especially when you have a family member with long hair – the inevitable shower, tub, or bathroom sink backup is bound to happen. But sometimes there are underlying issues that lead to clogged pipes. It is important to understand what causes these plumbing nightmares so you can prevent them altogether, or from getting worse. In this article, we’ll cover five of the most common types of plumbing clogs, their solutions, and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Clog #1: Grease Clogs
Among the most common kitchen drain problems are grease clogs. When hot cooking oil or grease is poured down the drain, it may seem harmless as it flows easily when it is in liquid form. However, as it cools, it solidifies and sticks to the inside of your pipes. Over time, this sticky residue catches food particles and other debris, creating a thick, stubborn blockage that restricts water flow.

How do you remove clogs from grease?
For severe grease clogs, hydro jetting is recommended as the most effective solution. This is a professional plumbing technique that uses high-pressure water to blast off built-up grease and debris from the pipe’s walls. Hydro jetting features a powerful stream of water that can cut through stubborn grease deposits to restore pipes to like-new condition.

Prevention Tip: Never pour grease, oil, or fat down your drain. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in the trash. For small amounts, wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing.

Clog #2: Pipe Scaling (Mineral & Rust Build-up)
Pipe scaling can occur when hard water minerals (calcium and magnesium) and rust build up on the interior of aging pipes. As the minerals build up over time, the pipe narrows and restricts water from flowing and will eventually cause blockages. This problem is mostly found in older homes with iron pipes or areas with hard water.

How do you clear pipe scaling?
For mineral and rust build-up, plumbers typically use a two-step approach:
  1. A flex shaft machine with specialized attachments to scrape away the hardened deposits.
  2. Hydro jetting to flush out the loosened material and clean the pipe walls thoroughly.

Prevention Tip: Consider installing a water softener if you live in an area with hard water. Regular maintenance by running hot water through your drains can help slow mineral build-up. For older homes with significant scaling issues, schedule annual professional cleaning to prevent serious blockages from occurring.

Clog #3: Root Intrusions
Tree and shrub roots naturally seek out water sources. When there’s even a tiny crack or loose joint in an underground sewer line, roots can find their way in. Once inside the pipe, roots can grow and expand to create blockages and potentially cause pipe damage as they continue to grow.

Typical signs of a root problem include:
   ● Recurring clogs in multiple drains.
   ● Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains.
   ● Sewage backups in your home.
   ● Sinkholes or unusually lush patches of grass in your yard.
   ● Slow drainage throughout the house.

What is the solution to root problems?
There are two approaches that can be taken to address root intrusions- a temporary option and a permanent option, which include:
  ● Temporary options:
        ○ Cabling (rooter service) to cut through roots.
        ○ Flex Shaft Machine followed by Hydro jetting for a longer-lasting solution.
  ● Permanent options:
        ●  Pipe replacement in severely damaged sections.
        ● Pipe lining (trenchless repair method) that creates a new pipe within the damaged one.

Prevention Tip: Don’t ignore a root problem! A root intrusion will only worsen over time, becoming more destructive and expensive to repair. Consider using root inhibitor products (like “RootX”) that prevent new growth. When landscaping or building additions, always be aware of your sewer line location and avoid planting trees nearby.

Clog #4: Debris Build-Up Over Time
Day-to-day use of drains leads to the gradual accumulation of common household materials like food particles, toilet paper, paper products, feminine hygiene products, and other items. Even if you’re careful, small amounts of debris can build up over months or years, especially at pipe bends and connections, eventually causing reduced flow and clogs.

How do you address debris that has built up over time?
For debris build-up, a professional plumber will typically use:
   ● Cabling (snaking) to break up the clog.
   ● Hydro jetting to thoroughly clean pipe walls and flush out all accumulated debris.

Prevention Tip: Always use plenty of water when using your drains to ensure debris has a clear pathway out to the sewer. Install drain catchers in kitchen sinks to prevent food particles from entering pipes. Only flush toilet paper down toilets—never paper towels, wipes (even “flushable” ones), or feminine hygiene products.

Clog #5: Hair Clogs
Last, but certainly not least, is hair clogs. As the most common bathroom drain problem, hair clogs are accumulated when we shower or wash our hair in the sink, sending loose strands down the drain where they can catch on pipe edges or the crossbars in the drain itself. Once some hair accumulates, it creates a net that catches soap scum and other debris, forming a dense, stubborn clog.

How do you remove a stubborn hair clog?
Cable Machine with Spring Head: For hair clogs, plumbers typically use a small cable machine with a specialized spring head attachment. This tool grabs and pulls out the hair clog. For stubborn clogs, this may be followed by hydro jetting to ensure the drain is completely clear.

Prevention Tip: Install drain strainers in all shower and tub drains to catch hair before it enters your plumbing. Consider removing the pop-up assembly from your bathroom sink drain, as these often catch hair and are difficult to clean. Clean drain strainers regularly to maintain proper water flow.

Preventive Maintenance for All Drains. 
Preventing clogs is always easier and less expensive than fixing them after the issue has worsened. Here are 4 general maintenance tips to ensure your drains remain free and clear on an ongoing basis:

1. Schedule annual drain cleanings, especially if you live in an older home.
2. Use enzyme-based drain cleaners monthly to break down organic matter (avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can damage pipes).
3. Be mindful of what goes down your drains—avoid grease, food scraps, and non-flushable items.
4. Run hot water through your drains regularly to help move any developing buildup.

Signs & Symptoms of a Larger Problem
Don’t ignore these .warning signs that might indicate a serious plumbing issue:
     ● Frequent or recurring clogs in multiple drains.
     ● Gurgling sounds coming from drains or toilets.
     ● Foul odors emanating from pipes.
     ● Water backing up in multiple drains simultaneously.

DIY Tips & Tricks for Minor Clogs
While serious clogs require professional help, here are some DIY solutions for minor problems:
● Shop Vac Technique: Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to remove standing water and dislodge small clogs in floor drains. Create a tight seal around the drain and run the vacuum on its highest setting.

● Baking Soda & Vinegar Method (great for odor elimination):
        1. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain
        2. Follow with one cup of white vinegar
        3. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes
        4. Flush with hot water

● Hair Removal Tools: Products like “Zip-It”, which can be found at most hardware stores, can remove hair from bathroom drains without harsh chemicals.

● Plunger Techniques: Every home should have a good quality plunger. For sinks, use a flat-bottomed plunger; for toilets, use a flange plunger designed specifically for that purpose.

While some of these DIY methods can resolve minor clogs, recurring or stubborn blockages often indicate a larger issue that may require professional attention. If you are experiencing ongoing clogs and would like a professional opinion, contact one of our Blue Chip Plumbing specialists here or give us a call today at (513) 999-6820 to get a free quote.