Have you ever experienced the frustration of a slow draining sink in your home? It can truly be a huge inconvenience, especially if it’s a vital area of your home.
However, it’s not just inconvenient, it can be a disgusting and unnerving situation when you have no idea what is causing the problem. In most cases, the cause of your slow draining sink is simple and easy to fix.
But sometimes, it’s not so simple. From mystery objects, small toys, collections of hair or grease, and so much more, we have heard it all when it comes to plumbing issues.
In this blog post, we will share with you some untold stories of unusual objects found stuck in pipes and how we were able to fix slow draining sink problems in Charleston.
The Most Unusual Objects Found in Pipes
Over the years, we have experienced the strangest things stuck in pipes. We’ve found toys, household objects, jewelry, cell phones, and sometimes hygiene products that have been flushed down the toilet.
Once, we even pulled a wedding ring out of a kitchen drain which left the homeowner in tears when they thought it was lost forever. We understand that accidents happen, but it’s really wasteful and costly to flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet.
These simple mistakes can lead to some serious plumbing issues and expensive repairs. Even issues as small as a child flushing a toy or an earring can cause slow draining sinks, and in some cases, the item can cause major blockage, leading to sewage backups.
Hair – The Silent Culprit
Although hair is a common problem in slow draining sinks, you would be surprised at how often it’s neglected.
We’ve seen toilets and drains with clumps of hair thick enough to go down the drain slow and decrease the water flow completely. A build up of hair causes blockages in the drain which then makes it hard for the water to pass, leading to a slow draining sink.
Over time, hair can accumulate on the walls of the pipes and eventually cause the pipe to break. It’s important to have your pipes inspected by a plumber like Rooter-Man Charleston, to prevent serious issues from occurring.
The Enemy of Your Pipes: Grease
Grease is the last thing that you want to let go down the drain. It’s thick, sticky and it clings to the walls of your pipes, causing blockages and making it difficult for water to pass through. When it reaches the sewage pipes, it hardens and forms clogs.
Not only does it create a slow draining sink, but it can also create smelly sewage backups and the cost to unclog grease clogs can get extremely expensive. It’s important to never pour grease or cooking oil down the drain but to dispose of them in the trash or even consider recycling. To fix a slow draining sink in this situation by yourself can be a real hassle.
Roots Create Trouble
Tree roots are strong, invasive, and known to cause some serious plumbing issues.
They can grow into pipes and slowly create blockages, and if this issue is not addressed promptly, tree roots can lead to sewer backups.
South Carolina is home to many older trees that have the ability to grow into your pipes, and once it has secured a path to the pipes it can cause major damage over time. Call us for an inspection if you have older trees close to your home and encounter slow draining sinks.
Hard Water Deposits
Hard water is water that has a high mineral content, especially calcium and magnesium. These minerals can accumulate inside your pipes over time, causing a buildup that slows the rate of water flow.
The longer hard water is allowed to flow through your pipes, the more severe the buildup can become. This can eventually lead to a complete blockage, requiring professional intervention to resolve. If you live in an area with hard water, consider installing a water softener to protect your pipes.
Other Unexpected Items
Another common cause of blockages in drains is the flushing of foreign objects or non-disposable items down the toilet or sink. Items such as baby wipes, sanitary products, and even certain types of thick paper can quickly create a jam in your pipes.
These materials are not designed to break down in water and can quickly lead to blockages. It’s always best to dispose of these items in the trash rather than risking a blocked pipe. Remember, even if an item is marketed as ‘flushable’, it might not disintegrate quickly enough to avoid causing a problem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s essential to be mindful of what goes into your pipes to avoid slow draining sink problems. Keep all non-disposable items such as grease, hygiene products, food, and toys out of your plumbing system. Concerned about what could be causing your slow draining sink Charleston?
Remember, it’s important to fix your slow draining sink by a professional immediately to prevent more severe and costly emergencies. So, don’t hesitate to call Rooter-Man Charleston and let us help you avoid any plumbing surprises!
