Scranton’s unique blend of historic homes and diverse neighborhoods comes with its own set of plumbing quirks. As your trusted local drain cleaning experts at Clog Wizard, we’ve seen it all – from stubborn kitchen clogs caused by pierogi prep to bathroom backups after a long day at the Electric City.
To help you keep your drains flowing freely, we’ve put together this guide to the top 5 drain clogs we encounter in Scranton homes, along with expert advice on how to prevent them.
1. Hair Clogs: A Bathroom Nightmare
Whether you’ve got a full head of luscious locks or are rocking a buzz cut, hair is a universal culprit in bathroom drain clogs. It accumulates over time, combining with soap scum and other debris to create a stubborn blockage.
Prevention Tips:
- Use a drain cover: A simple hair catcher can make a world of difference. Place one over your shower or tub drain to trap stray hairs before they go down the drain.
- Brush before you shower: Give your hair a good brush before hopping in the shower to remove loose strands.
- Regular cleaning: Flush your drains with hot water and a mild cleaning solution once a week to prevent buildup.
2. Grease and Food Scraps: The Kitchen Culprits
From bacon grease to leftover pasta, kitchen drains are a magnet for all sorts of organic matter. While a little bit might seem harmless, over time these substances can solidify and cling to your pipes, causing major clogs.
Prevention Tips:
- Scrape plates into the trash: Before washing dishes, scrape all food scraps into the garbage.
- Dispose of grease properly: Pour cooking grease into a heat-resistant container and let it solidify before throwing it away.
- Regular maintenance: Consider using a bacterial drain cleaner once a month to help break down organic buildup.
3. Soap Scum and Mineral Deposits: The Silent Threat
Scranton’s hard water can leave behind mineral deposits that contribute to soap scum buildup in your drains. This sticky residue can trap hair, dirt, and other debris, leading to slow-draining or completely blocked pipes.
Prevention Tips:
- Use a water softener: Installing a water softener can help reduce mineral buildup in your plumbing system.
- Vinegar rinse: Occasionally rinse your drains with a mixture of hot water and vinegar to help dissolve soap scum.
- Professional cleaning: If you have recurring soap scum issues, consider scheduling a professional drain cleaning with Clog Wizard. Our hydro jetting service is highly effective at removing stubborn mineral deposits.
4. Tree Roots: An Outdoor Invader
If your drains are slow or you notice gurgling sounds, tree roots may be the culprit. As they seek out moisture, tree roots can infiltrate your pipes, causing blockages and even structural damage.
Prevention Tips:
- Regular inspection: Have your sewer lines inspected regularly for signs of root intrusion.
- Professional removal: If roots have already entered your pipes, call in a professional plumber to remove them and repair any damage.
- Landscaping considerations: When planting trees, choose species with less aggressive root systems and plant them away from sewer lines.
5. Foreign Objects: The Unexpected Blockage
Everything from children’s toys to hygiene products can find their way into your drains, causing unexpected and frustrating clogs.
Prevention Tips:
- Keep an eye on little ones: Supervise young children in the bathroom and teach them not to flush anything other than toilet paper.
- Proper disposal: Never flush wipes, sanitary products, or other foreign objects down the toilet.
- Quick action: If you suspect a foreign object is causing a clog, try to retrieve it with a pair of pliers or call a professional plumber right away.
Clog Wizard: Your Local Drain Cleaning Experts
At Clog Wizard, we understand the unique plumbing challenges that Scranton homeowners face. Whether you’re dealing with a minor clog or a major backup, we’re here to help. Our team of experienced plumbers uses the latest technology and techniques to clear your drains quickly and efficiently.
Don’t let drain clogs disrupt your life. Contact Clog Wizard today for all your drain cleaning needs in Northeast Pennsylvania!
