Are you having a problem with your plumbing line?
Clogged pipes are a big issue, you could end up with serious damage to your pipes and your plumbing system. This can be one of the most frustrating home repair issues you can wrestle with.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the types of pipe clogs you may experience and how to fix them. Understanding those causes allows you to be better prepared for when you have to enlist aid from a pro.
Keep reading to find out more about the most common types of clogged pipes.
1. Root Intrusion
Root intrusion occurs when tree or shrub roots penetrate or grow into pipes, creating blockages or clogging the plumbing system. This type of pipe clog can be one of the most difficult to diagnose and repair due to the lack of visibility. The pipe will need to be exposed to inspect and identify the cause of the blockage.
You can use chemical root killers to reduce root growth within pipes. You can also use mechanical removal to cut and clear the roots from the pipes. With the correct method and a little patience, root intrusion can be cleared easily.
2. Paper Towels
Most people know that paper towels can be a big cause of clogs in their pipes. They are often caused by flushing paper towels down the toilet or washing them down the sink. This can create a sticky, layered blockage inside the pipes.
Paper towels don’t decompose like other materials, so they have to be removed by a licensed plumbing professional using special tools. If paper towel clogs aren’t addressed in a timely manner, water pressure will be lost, and water may back up into the house.
3. Grease Build-up
Pipe clogs caused by grease build-up are a common problem for both residential and commercial buildings. They can accumulate in pipes over time, reducing flow and causing clogs.
Depending on the severity, grease can be treated in a variety of ways. The most common methods include chemical treatments and high-pressure water jets. Chemical treatments involve the use of natural cleaner liquids and enzymes that break down grease in the pipes before it has a chance to form a clog.
High-pressure water jets are effective in breaking apart even stubborn clogs. In extreme cases, you may need to call professional plumbers to manually remove the clog.
4. Scale Build-up
This is a build-up of sediment over time in pipes. They can include iron oxide scale, calcium, and magnesium. These deposits form when hard water passes through the pipes, leaving behind minerals and sediment.
Regular drain cleaning and using products designed to remove mineral deposits are effective ways of preventing and treating clogs due to scale buildup. You can also treat them with a water softener, or by regularly flushing the pipes with acidic solutions to dissolve the buildup.
Fixing Pipe Clogs
Understanding the different types of pipe clogs is essential for properly attempting to remedy them. Exploring the different methods to unplug can save you time, money, and frustration.
If you find that the clog is too difficult to fix yourself, hire a plumber to help. Don’t let a frustrating pipe clog put a halt to your day – take action now!
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