Backed Up Drains: Preventing Clogs with Proper Waste Disposal

Have you ever experienced backed up drains? Let’s set the scene. It’s January, the holidays have passed and if you’re like me there is one thing on the agenda, relaxation. After having your home filled with family, a little peace and quiet (and college football) goes a long way. That was until you started running your kitchen sink. Immediately you notice your sink basin filling up, and unfortunately your method of turning on and off the garbage disposal until the problem disappears, just isn’t working. If you’re like most homeowners you can’t help but wonder, “Why did this happen? Is this something that I did?” After a few moments of self reflection, you may end up with a resounding- yes.

Whether it’s a slow draining sink, a backed up toilet, or a main line that is causing the entire home to back up; clogged drains can be a nuisance. More often than not, our daily habits can lead to headaches such as this. In this blog, we hope to help you become aware of what may create these unwanted back ups in your plumbing system. As well as what you can do to help reduce these backups from happening again in the future!

Understanding your Home’s drainage system

Every building structure has a separate connection tieing in their main building drain to the public sewer. Typically these drain lines are made of one of these three materials; cast iron, ABS piping, or PVC piping. Regardless of what your drain line is, the building’s main drain line will run underneath the structure of the home, and branch off to every plumbing fixture needing to be serviced. Where, if given the proper amount of fall, waste will pass through the drain and eventually end up into the public sewer. Thus completing the harmonious system of proper waste disposal.

Now that we understand how your home’s drainage system is designed to work, it’s easier to see how improper waste disposal can disrupt this flow. Let’s look at the most common fixtures and habits that can lead to those frustrating backups

Fixtures and Improper Waste Disposal that leads to Backed Up Drains

Toilets

The Jon, The Loo, The Potty, The Latrine, The Water Closet, or whatever else you may call it; we can all refer to it as one thing- necessary. This modern plumbing fixture has allowed us to relieve ourselves in comfort without the headaches, or smells, known to our ancestors of the past. Unfortunately, bowel movements aren’t the only thing that gets sent through the Porcelain Throne from time to time. Sending items such as:

• Wipes/Paper Towels
• Sanitary Products
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Cotton Swabs
• Dental Floss
• And other Non-Flushable Foreign Objects (I for one, am no stranger to the toy that decided to “go for a swim”)

…can lead to what would be perceived as a poor flush, or worst of all, an overflowing toilet.

Sinks

Sinks, this fundamental fixture allows us to perform basic hygiene, sanitation, and cleaning. However, even while being conscious of not dropping unnecessary items down the drain, some debris and cleaning agents may cause your sinks to experience backed up drains over time. Things such as:

• Hair
• Soap Scum
• Mineral Buildup
• Cooking Grease
• Cooking Fats/Oils
• Food Waste Particles
• And other Small Foreign Object

…can lead to slow draining sinks, and clogs that can compact leading to overflowing sink basins or even a backed up main line.

Tubs/Showers

Whether they are stand alone, or a combination of both tubs/showers are essential to maintain proper hygiene. Although, while using these necessary fixtures, it is not out of the ordinary to have a drain not function as intended. What could be the cause of slow drainage or clogs in the line you ask? Don’t worry we have a small list inbound! Like your sinks, things such as:

• Hair
• Soap Scum
• Mineral Buildup
• And other small Foreign Objects

…can be the culprit to a slow drain, or even a backed up main line.

Understanding what causes buildup and clogs is the first step. So, what can you do to prevent them? Here are some practical tips to keep your drains flowing smoothly.

Solutions to Improper Waste Disposal & Avoiding Backed Up Drains

• Use Drain Screens- Installing drain screens/strainers in sinks and showers to catch hair, and food particles, and other debris before they enter your drains.
• Dispose of Grease Properly- Separate cooking grease, fats, and oils in a separate container and dispose in trash rather than throwing into the drain.
• Flush Only Toilet Paper- Dispose of wipes, sanitary products, and other non flushable items in trash can; rather than flushing down the toilet.
• Proper Waste Separation- Proper waste separation can aide to minimize the amount of improper waste from entering your drainage system.
• Avoid Harsh Chemical Cleaners- Harsh chemicals can cause damage to piping, and aren’t necessarily the most effective.
• Regular Inspections- Keep an eye on your drainage systems, address small issues before they become major problems!
• Regular Maintenance- Clear out areas with the help of handheld augers, plungers and snakes to ensure all waste is flowing as it should!

By following these simple tips, you can reduce the likelihood of frustrating backups and keep your plumbing in good working order!

Conclusion

Making a conscious effort to properly dispose of everyday household items is very important. And although we try to stay on top of things, some things tend to slip through the cracks. Properly disposing of household waste can help maintain the proper functionality of your drains. However, if you do experience a stubborn backup, don’t hesitate to contact Specialty Plumbing. We’re here to quickly and efficiently resolve the issue and get your plumbing back on track!

Your Go-To Plumbing Services in North DFW

Specialty Plumbing is a family-owned and operated company proudly serving North DFW, including Celina, Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Allen,  and Prosper, and surrounding areas. Our team is committed to providing exceptional customer service because we understand that plumbing issues can arise unexpectedly. Our mission is to resolve them swiftly and efficiently! Reach out to us today, for any plumbing service you need, and witness our commitment to excellence firsthand!

At Specialty Plumbing we love to empower our clients with general knowledge of their plumbing systems! If you have any questions on a topic, please feel free to reach out. We’re here to continue creating content that educates you further on your plumbing system.